An intrauterine device includes a central support member, first and second internal flexures and first and second external flexures. The first and second internal flexures each include a first section having a first stiffness, a second section having a second stiffness, and third section having a third stiffness, wherein the second stiffness is more flexible than the first and third stiffness and wherein the first section of each internal flexure is coupled to the central support member. The first and second external flexures are coupled to the central support member and coupled to the third sections of the first and second internal flexures, the first and second external flexures in combination with the first and second internal flexures being configured to extend from a collapsed position parallel to the central support member to a deployed position flexing away from the central support member.

An inserter for an intrauterine system includes a handle. The handle has a longitudinal opening at its first end, the opening having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inserter, a first end and a second end, a movable slider arranged in the longitudinal opening and having a first end and a second end. The inserter also includes a movable plunger and an insertion tube arranged around the plunger having a first end and a second end, with its second end attached to the slider. The handle further includes a lock for reversibly locking the intrauterine system in relation to the plunger via a removal string of the intrauterine system, the lock being attached to the plunger and being controllable at least by a part or an extension of the slider and/or of the insertion tube or of the handle.

The present disclosure is related to methods of using an intrauterine system (insertion device) including an intrauterine device (IUD), an insertion device or applicator for inserting the IUD into the cervix of a female patient, methods related to the insertion procedure, and methods of manufacture for the insertion device.

A new and improved hybrid framed-frameless copper-releasing contraceptive device (IUD) which is a combination of a plastic retention arm of reduced dimensions to adapt to uterine cavities of smaller size, particularly regarding their transverse width at the fundal level of the uterus, and whose retention arm has a centrally located extension of varying length to be connected with hollow copper tubes which functions as the frameless stem of the IUD, and which consists of loosely connected hollow tubes, threaded on a length of suture, or a thin plastic or metallic stem, or a thin polymeric drug eluting stem, allowing release of copper ions, from the outside and from the inside of the tubes, in the uterine cavity thereby enhancing the contraceptive effect, and of which the bottom tube, is crimped onto the lower end of the stem, including a separate metallic ion-releasing fiber, holding all copper tubes together.

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 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.

An inserter having a proximal and distal end, is for inserting and positioning an intra-uterine device (IUD), which is attached to a withdrawal string. The inserter includes a plunger having a central longitudinal axis, which is configured for slidable mounting of a hollow protective tube. The distal end of the plunger is configured for dismountable connection with the IUD. The protective tube is configured to slidably cover the IUD. The inserter has a handle attached to the proximal end of the plunger, and has a longitudinal member that forms part of the handle, which extends in the distal direction with respect to the plunger. The longitudinal member contains a friction contact surface.

A process and an apparatus for loading, insertion and placement of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) for its proper and hygienic placement in the uterus, the apparatus in a sterile pouch having a transparent cover and a base; the apparatus having a loader with a passage having a first opening and a second opening running along its elongated body, a graduated tube mounted onto loader through its second opening, an IUD and a push rod miming inside the graduated tube. The IUD is parked in the loader in an expanded condition, required to maintain inside the uterus. The loader has a guide means forming the front portion of the loader and pusher means forming rear portion of the loader. A platform connects the guide means and the pusher means of the loader. The passage runs along an elongated body of the loader.

Intrauterine systems and components thereof. The systems include an intrauterine device (IUD), an insertion device or applicator for inserting the IUD into the cervix of a female patient. The insertion device includes an elongated sheath; an elongated inner member positioned within a lumen of the elongated sheath; a handle with one or more elongated guides; and a moveable sheath slider. Additionally, methods related to the insertion procedure, and methods of manufacture for the insertion device.

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.