Among these operations are a number which, to a variable extent, are compromised by the inability of the surgeon to see deep into the area of dissection or resection. Included in this list of procedures are endometrial resections, adhesiolyses for Asherman's syndrome and transcervical myomectomies for leimyomas with intramural components.

In each of these procedures, the risk of perforating the uterus compromises the ability of the surgeon to adequately complete the procedure. Efforts to guide or monitor such procedures with concomitant laparoscopy have generally been expensive and unrewarding. The laparoscope may aid in the early diagnosis of perforation but it is relatively useless in prevention.

Using endoluminal ultrasonic technologies with current resection techniques, researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to overcome many of the obstacles listed above. This novel technology may expand the types of procedures possible and enhance the quality of procedures performed under hysteroscopic guidance.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 1994-528

US Patent Number: 5,957,849