Abstract:
A method for sterilizing a male by coagulating an anatomical element using an instrument having a body with two members adapted for closing towards each other and holding therebetween an anatomical element, and a waveguide constructed to emit electromagentic radiation at a predetermined microwave frequency suitable for coagulation of an anatomical element, the waveguide disposed on at least one of the body members, comprising the steps of holding an anatomical element between the body members closed towards each other at a predetermined pressure causing emission of electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide in one of the body members towards the remaining body member, the radiation being emitted at a frequency to selectively permanently cauterize only muscle tissue portions of the anatomical element held between the body members without significant damage to fatty tissue portions of the anatomical element held between the body members; and subjecting the held anatomical element to the emitted waveguide radiation for only a period of time sufficient to coagulate the muscle tissue portions of the anatomical element.