Ablation Device Treats Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

A new endometrial ablation system treats menorrhagia in premenopausal women due to benign causes, and for whom childbearing is complete.

The Minerva Surgical Endometrial Ablation System uses three separate ablation mechanisms to provide a safer and more effective means of treating excessive menstrual bleeding. The system is based on an impedance controlled treatment cycle specific to individual patient conditions. The first ablation step uses bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy to ablate the endometrium. The second step uses the high voltage RF electrical current to ionize fully contained and circulated argon gas within a plasma formation array (PFA) sealed silicone membrane.

When the stretchable silicone membrane is deployed it conforms to the uterus; once energized, the argon gas is ionized, turning it in to a stream of plasma which heats the interior surface of the silicone membrane. The thermal energy is then conducted uniformly to the tissue in contact with the membrane. In the third step, released intra-cavitary fluids fills the gaps missed in the first two steps and further ablate remaining endometrial tissue. The system integration results in a faster procedure time and improved tissue contact.

Other features of the system include easy insertion, seating, and a non-stick atraumatic removal due to the lubricous nature of the silicone membrane array; a patented uterine integrity test (UIT) that automatically checks the integrity of the uterine cavity including the array membrane; and a cervical sealing balloon that positively seals the cervix canal near the internal os. The Endometrial Ablation System is a product of Minerva Surgical (Redwood City, CA, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Menorrhagia, described as heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding which disrupts a woman's normal activities, is one of the most common complaints in gynecology. Bleeding generally lasts for more than a week, requiring women to change their pad or tampon every two hours or less. Women with menorrhagia may also pass large blood clots and experience anemia due to the volume of blood loss. Constant lower abdominal and pelvic pain, tiredness, fatigue, and shortness of breath due to the heavy bleeding are also common.

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