An intrauterine contraceptive system may include a contraceptive intrauterine device, a retrieval thread permanently attached to the intrauterine device and an insertion device for inserting the intrauterine device into a uterus. The system may also include a release thread releasably coupled with the intrauterine device. The intrauterine device may be deployable out of a distal end of the insertion device and may be configured to change from a delivery configuration when housed in the insertion device to a deployed configuration when deployed in a uterus. The retrieval thread and the optional release thread may be at least partially housed within the insertion device during insertion of the intrauterine device into the uterus. The release thread may extend from the intrauterine device through the insertion device to an attachment point at or near a proximal end of the insertion device.

An inserter for an intrauterine system can include a handle having an opening, a slider arranged in the opening, a plunger attached to the handle, an insertion tube attached to the slider and arranged around the plunger, and a lock adapted to reversibly lock at least one removal string of the intrauterine system. The lock can include a main part with an opening, the main part being rotatably mounted on a shaft or axle, an extension of the main part, and a counterpart. The removal string passes through the opening of the main part and is immobilized between the main part and the counterpart when the lock is in a locking position. The slider is configured to press against the extension of the main part and turn the main part around the shaft or axle to release the removal string as the slider is moved backwards.

A drug delivery system that includes an elongated inert support and at least two reservoirs containing a pharmaceutically active ingredient. The inert support has a number of wall segments that define at least two compartments arranged for accommodating the at least two reservoirs. The inert support is made of a material which prevents migration or diffusion of the active ingredient from one reservoir into the other or into the support. Since the drug delivery system is divided into compartments, one for each reservoir containing an active ingredient, the release rates of each active ingredient can be independently controlled or adjusted. This is due to the fact that there is no interaction between the active ingredients, and accordingly the active ingredients will not influence each other physically or chemically.

The present invention relates to an inserter for an intrauterine system comprising a handle (3), and an insertion tube (6) having a first end and a second end, and being arranged in connection with the handle. The inserter is characterized in that the first end of the insertion tube (6) comprises at least one frame slot for receiving a frame of the intrauterine system. The invention also relates to a kit comprising an inserter according to the present invention and an intrauterine system, wherein the intrauterine system (1) comprises a therapeutic component (1b) and a continuous, closed frame (1a), the therapeutic component (1b) being connected to the frame (1a) at least one point, and therapeutic component (1b) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged inside the first end of the insertion tube (6) and the frame (1a) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged outside the first end of the insertion tube (6).

Devices and methods for removing an intravaginal drug delivery ring are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device is an integral one-piece moisture impermeable structure that includes a closed end finger cot and a substantially rigid hook. Typically, the closed end finger cot includes a finger opening, a compression band, and an expandable sleeve. In some examples, the distal end of the hook is aligned substantially parallel to an axis of the finger cot to properly position the user's finger with the intravaginal drug delivery ring in the vaginal canal. The result is devices and methods to improve removal of intravaginal drug delivery rings and similar contraception prevention units.

A process for recovering one or more blastocysts from a uterus of a human is disclose which comprises placing a device transvaginally into a cervical canal of the patient; delivering fluid through the device to the uterus and applying a vacuum to the uterus to aspirate fluid and entrained one or more blastocysts from the uterus; and causing a disruption of to the uterus and/or to one or more embryos remaining in the uterus following removal of one or more blastocysts from the uterus to reduce the chance that any such retained embryos remaining in the uterus will form a viable pregnancy, wherein the causing a disruption comprises one or more of the following: inducing a mechanical disruption of the uterus, delivering a hormonal agent to the uterus, delivering a chemical agent to the uterus, inducing a thermal disruption of the uterus, or using ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to induce said disruption. Kits and uterine lavage systems are further provided for performing the processes described in the invention.

A method for promoting contraception by placing a contraceptive device within a uterus without blocking fallopian tubes may involve advancing a distal end of a delivery device through a cervix, advancing the contraceptive device comprising an elongate shape memory member out of the distal end of the delivery device and into the uterus, and limiting inferior migration of the contraceptive device within the uterus. Inferior migration may be limited by allowing the contraceptive device to assume a shape, when subjected to pressure that tends to cause a downward migration of the device within the uterus, in which an expandable middle portion of the device is expanded to contact the inner wall of the uterus and thus limit the downward migration of the device.

A process for recovering one or more blastocysts from a uterus of a human is disclose which comprises placing a device transvaginally into a cervical canal of the patient; delivering fluid through the device to the uterus and applying a vacuum to the uterus to aspirate fluid and entrained one or more blastocysts from the uterus; and causing a disruption of to the uterus and/or to one or more embryos remaining in the uterus following removal of one or more blastocysts from the uterus to reduce the chance that any such retained embryos remaining in the uterus will form a viable pregnancy, wherein the causing a disruption comprises one or more of the following: inducing a mechanical disruption of the uterus, delivering a hormonal agent to the uterus, delivering a chemical agent to the uterus, inducing a thermal disruption of the uterus, or using ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to induce said disruption. Kits and uterine lavage systems are further provided for performing the processes described in the invention.

Devices and methods for removing an intravaginal drug delivery ring are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device is an integral one-piece moisture impermeable structure that includes a closed end finger cot and a substantially rigid hook. Typically, the closed end finger cot includes a finger opening, a compression band, and an expandable sleeve. In some examples, the distal end of the hook is aligned substantially parallel to an axis of the finger cot to properly position the user's finger with the intravaginal drug delivery ring in the vaginal canal. The result is devices and methods to improve removal of intravaginal drug delivery rings and similar contraception prevention units.

The invention relates to a hysteroscopic technique and specific instrument, applicator or device inserter, to insert a frameless, anchored device for intrauterine and intratubal delivery of bioactive substances for long-acting contraception and gynecological treatment. This is realized by the invention of a specially designed inserter allowing the passage through the narrow working channel of a specially designed hysteroscope for the precise insertion of an anchoring means, a non-biodegradable or biodegradable anchoring knot, or a hook, under direct vision in the fundal wall of the uterus, and to which a biological active component is attached which consists of a copper, copper-silver or another metallic ion-releasing agent, or a drug-eluting system for the release of a hormone or hormone-antagonist or other substance, active in the uterus as well as in the oviducts, and which can be hand-fixed to the hysteroscope by means of a thumbpiece fixed to the inserter tube to allow safe and controlled insertion.