Intrauterine device with retrieval thread
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.
1. An intrauterine contraceptive system, comprising:
a contraceptive intrauterine device;
a retrieval thread permanently attached to the intrauterine device and having a length of between 5 centimeters and 9 centimeters;
an insertion device for inserting the intrauterine device into a uterus, the insertion device comprising a shaft, a proximal end and a distal end; and
a release thread releasably coupled with, and not permanently attached to, the intrauterine device, so that when the release thread is no longer needed for securing the intrauterine device to the insertion device, the release thread may be pulled off the intrauterine device, wherein the release thread extends from a first end, located at the proximal end of the insertion device, through the shaft of the insertion device, through the intrauterine device, to an attachment point at or near the proximal end of the insertion device,
wherein the intrauterine device is deployable out of the distal end of the insertion device and is configured to change from a delivery configuration when housed in the insertion device to a deployed configuration when deployed in a uterus.
2. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the retrieval thread is at least partially housed within the insertion device during insertion of the intrauterine device into the uterus.
3. A system as in claim 2 , wherein the intrauterine device includes an opening, wherein the retrieval thread is attached to the intrauterine device at or near the opening, and wherein the release thread passes through the opening.
4. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the retrieval thread comprises:
a first portion having a first color; and
a second portion having a second color, wherein the first and second colors contrast with one another sufficiently to be visible during a physical examination of a patient in which the intrauterine device has been placed.
5. A system as in claim 4 , wherein the first portion extends from a point of attachment of the retrieval thread with the intrauterine device to a location along the retrieval thread between 2 centimeters and 3 centimeters from the point of attachment.
6. A system as in claim 4 , wherein the retrieval thread further comprises a third portion having the first color, wherein the second portion comprises a band of the second color, with the first and third portions on either side of the band.
7. An intrauterine contraceptive device, comprising:
a frame;
a retrieval thread permanently attached to the frame and having a length of between 5 centimeters and 9 centimeters; and
a release thread releasably coupled with, and not permanently attached to, the frame for coupling the intrauterine device with a contraceptive insertion device, so that when the release thread is no longer needed for securing the intrauterine device to the insertion device, the release thread may be pulled off the intrauterine device,
wherein the release thread, when coupled with the insertion device, extends from a first end, located at a proximal end of the insertion device, through the shaft of the insertion device, through the intrauterine device, to an attachment point at or near the proximal end of the insertion device.
8. A device as in claim 7 , wherein the frame includes an opening, wherein the retrieval thread is attached to the frame at or near the opening, and wherein the release thread passes through the opening.
9. A device as in claim 7 , wherein the retrieval thread is at least partially housed within the insertion device during insertion of the intrauterine device into the uterus.
10. A device as in claim 7 , wherein the retrieval thread comprises:
a first portion having a first color; and
a second portion having a second color, wherein the first and second colors contrast with one another sufficiently to be visible during a physical examination of a patient in which the intrauterine device has been placed.
11. A device as in claim 10 , wherein the first portion extends from a point of attachment of the retrieval thread with the frame to a location along the retrieval thread between 2 centimeters and 3 centimeters from the point of attachment.
12. A device as in claim 10 , wherein the retrieval thread further comprises a third portion having the first color, wherein the second portion comprises a band of the second color, with the first and third portions on either side of the band.