A method of manufacturing an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception that has a desired copper elution rate is described. The method may involve selecting an elongate shape memory member comprising a first metal having a first galvanic potential, selecting at least one attachment member comprising a second metal having a second galvanic potential that is different from the first galvanic potential, attaching the attachment member(s) to the shape memory member, and shaping the shape memory member to form a frame of the intrauterine contraceptive device. The first metal and the second metal are specifically selected as materials for the shape memory member and the attachment member(s), in order to achieve the desired copper elution rate.

A tray for securing an implantable device to a carrier member includes a slot configured to retain the carrier member and a receptacle adjacent the slot. The carrier member surrounds a shaft of the implantable device. The receptacle has a first width at a proximal end of the receptacle to receive first and second arms of the implantable device in an initial state in which the first and second arms extend substantially perpendicularly from the shaft. The receptacle has a second width at a distal end of the receptacle for receiving the first and second arms of the implantable device in a collapsed state in which the first and second arms are folded against the shaft such that the carrier member can be slid over the first and second arms to retain the first and second arms. The second width is less than the first width.

A tray for securing an implantable device to a carrier member includes a slot configured to retain the carrier member and a receptacle adjacent the slot. The carrier member surrounds a shaft of the implantable device. The receptacle has a first width at a proximal end of the receptacle to receive first and second arms of the implantable device in an initial state in which the first and second arms extend substantially perpendicularly from the shaft. The receptacle has a second width at a distal end of the receptacle for receiving the first and second arms of the implantable device in a collapsed state in which the first and second arms are folded against the shaft such that the carrier member can be slid over the first and second arms to retain the first and second arms. The second width is less than the first width.

An instrument 10 to prepare an intra-uterine device 30 for insertion in uterus 50 of woman, comprising a downfolding device 20, a graduated tube 16, a push rod 17, a stopper 15, and an IUD 30; the downfolding device 20 having a concave depression 41 on either side, an open channel 29 of a circular orifice 46 having a sector of angle measure 46A at least 220° and having an exit opening 48 initially marginally less than an external diameter 22B of the graduated tube 16, a root thickness 37B of the base 37 in-between the open channel 29 such that the exit opening 48 increases by the base 37 flexing; the graduated tube 16 has an internal diameter 22D of a far-end opening 22a of the graduated tube 16 sufficient to capture the stem 33 and both arms 32 of the IUD 30 in a downward triangular formation 51.

An instrument 10 to prepare an intra-uterine device 30 for insertion in uterus 50 of woman, comprising a downfolding device 20, a graduated tube 16, a push rod 17, a stopper 15, and an IUD 30; the downfolding device 20 having a concave depression 41 on either side, an open channel 29 of a circular orifice 46 having a sector of angle measure 46A at least 220° and having an exit opening 48 initially marginally less than an external diameter 22B of the graduated tube 16, a root thickness 37B of the base 37 in-between the open channel 29 such that the exit opening 48 increases by the base 37 flexing; the graduated tube 16 has an internal diameter 22D of a far-end opening 22a of the graduated tube 16 sufficient to capture the stem 33 and both arms 32 of the IUD 30 in a downward triangular formation 51.

A device for occluding a tubular body lumen that includes a structure having a proximal and a distal end and having a means for securing said device to the wall of a fallopian tube prior to tissue in-growth; the device for occluding a tubular body lumen wherein the device is constructed from a radio-opaque substance; the distal end of the occlusion device includes a connection means for connecting to an insertion rod; wherein said device has a plurality of spikes, bumps, grooves, protrusions to secure said device to the wall of a fallopian tube prior to tissue in-growth and removal of an insertion rod; wherein said device having one of a rigid outer or semirigid outer construction; The occluding device having one of a smooth, a porous, and a combination smooth and porous surface; wherein the occluding device includes antimicrobial properties; wherein the proximal and distal ends of the device comprise a circular shape, an oval shape, a half oval shape, a cylindrical shape, a cone shape, a bullet shape, a sphere shape or a combination thereof; and wherein the occluding device is one of a solid, hollow, and a combination of solid and hollow.

A device for occluding a tubular body lumen that includes a structure having a proximal and a distal end and having a means for securing said device to the wall of a fallopian tube prior to tissue in-growth; the device for occluding a tubular body lumen wherein the device is constructed from a radio-opaque substance; the distal end of the occlusion device includes a connection means for connecting to an insertion rod; wherein said device has a plurality of spikes, bumps, grooves, protrusions to secure said device to the wall of a fallopian tube prior to tissue in-growth and removal of an insertion rod; wherein said device having one of a rigid outer or semirigid outer construction; The occluding device having one of a smooth, a porous, and a combination smooth and porous surface; wherein the occluding device includes antimicrobial properties; wherein the proximal and distal ends of the device comprise a circular shape, an oval shape, a half oval shape, a cylindrical shape, a cone shape, a bullet shape, a sphere shape or a combination thereof; and wherein the occluding device is one of a solid, hollow, and a combination of solid and hollow.

Systems, methods and kits for self-insertion and self-removal of an IUD device. Devices include a handle

Systems, methods and kits for self-insertion and self-removal of an IUD device. Devices include a handle

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an intrauterine device (IUD) comprising an oval shape, wherein the device comprises a core of magnetic material, an inert material or copper coating the core, wherein the coating comprises a pharmaceutical agent, copper or a combination thereof. Another embodiment provides a method to suppress estrus in a subject comprising inserting an intrauterine device (IUD) comprising an oval shape, wherein the device comprises a core of magnetic material and an inert material or copper coating the core.