The endometrial ablator: a new instrument

A thermal balloon and control system designed to produce endometrial ablation blindly is described. A latex balloon on a plastic catheter is inserted into the uterus and connected to a control unit. The unit monitors the pressure and temperature of 5% dextrose in water, which has been injected into the balloon to make it conform to the size and shape of the endometrial cavity. The balloon contains a shielded heating element that is activated to heat the liquid in the balloon to a temperature of 92C. The pressure control deactivates the heating element if the pressure falls below 45 mmHg or rises above 165 mmHg. A timer controls and measures the elapsed interval of heating. The device was tested in human uterine specimens for the potential for uterine perforation, uterine rupture, and thermal effects. Subsequently, the device was tested in six patients in Mexico and four patients in London during hysterectomy just after the abdomen was opened. Thermistor probes were placed at various loci in the uterus to monitor temperature during activation of the thermal balloon. Serosal temperatures were unchanged and endometrial temperatures rose to about 90C. The extent of uterine tissue damage was determined in Mexico City by the zone of visible coagulation of the cut wall of the uterus following removal. In London, tissue diaphorase was measured to determine the depth of destruction of the cellular oxidative enzymes. These measurements varied from 3.3-10 mm under the conditions of time and temperature used. The safety features and the potential for clinical application are discussed.