Systems and methods to decrease intrauterine device expulsion and perforation

1. A system for inserting and securing an intrauterine device in a uterine cavity, the system comprising:

a barbed suture;

an intrauterine device configured to couple to the barbed suture; and

a needle, wherein:

the needle is configured to direct the barbed suture into a uterine cavity wall;

the barbed suture comprises a first end and a second end;

the barbed suture is configured to be removed from the uterine cavity wall when the first end of the barbed suture is pulled in a direction away from the uterine cavity wall; and

the barbed suture is configured to remain in the uterine cavity wall when the second end of the barbed suture is pulled in a direction away from the uterine cavity wall.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a suction device configured to create a vacuum on a target region of the uterine cavity wall.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the suction device comprises a first end, a second end, an inner conduit, and a plunger disposed within the inner conduit.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the suction device comprises a first channel configured to guide the needle and the barbed suture toward the uterine cavity wall.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the suction device comprises a second channel configured to guide the needle and the barbed suture away from the uterine cavity wall.

6. The system of claim 4 wherein the first channel comprises a first curved portion proximal to the first end, wherein the curved portion is configured to direct the needle and the barbed suture toward the inner conduit.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the second channel comprises a second curved portion configured to direct the needle and the barbed sutured from the inner conduit toward the second end of the suction device.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein:

the first curved portion is configured to direct the needle to penetrate into the uterine cavity wall at a first location; and

the second curved portion is configured receive the needle from the uterine cavity wall at a second location.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the needle is flexible.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the intrauterine device is a frameless intrauterine device.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the intrauterine device comprises an aperture configured to receive the barbed suture.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the barbed suture is biodegradable.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the barbed suture is configured to degrade and release the intrauterine device in a period of time between one month and one year after the barbed suture is coupled to the intrauterine device and inserted in a uterine cavity wall.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein the barbed suture is configured to degrade and release the intrauterine device in a period of time between six weeks and six months after the barbed suture is coupled to the intrauterine device and inserted in a uterine cavity wall.

15. A method of inserting an intrauterine device in a uterine cavity, the method comprising:

coupling an intrauterine device to a barbed suture; and

inserting the barbed suture into a uterine cavity wall to secure the intrauterine device in the uterine cavity, wherein inserting the barbed suture into the uterine wall comprises;

directing the barbed suture into a first location of the uterine cavity wall; and

directing the barbed suture out of a second location of the uterine cavity wall.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising creating a vacuum on a target region of the uterine wall cavity comprising the first location and the second location of the uterine cavity wall.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein creating a vacuum on the target region of the uterine cavity wall comprises:

placing a suction device proximal to the target region of the uterine cavity wall, wherein the suction device comprises a first end, a second end, an inner conduit, and a plunger disposed within the inner conduit;

engaging the first end of the suction device with the uterine cavity wall;

positioning the first end of the suction device around the target region of the uterine cavity wall; and

moving the plunger away from the first end of the suction device and toward the second end of the suction device.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the uterine cavity wall is a fundus.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising positioning the barbed suture such that the barbed suture forms a loop in the uterine cavity.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the barbed suture comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end and the second end are distal from the uterine cavity wall.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising removing the barbed suture from the uterine cavity wall by pulling the first end of the barbed suture in a direction away from the uterine cavity wall.

22. The method of claim 15 wherein the barbed suture is biodegradable.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the barbed suture degrades and releases the intrauterine device in a period of time between one month and one year after the barbed suture is coupled to the intrauterine device and inserted in a uterine cavity wall.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein the barbed suture degrades and releases the intrauterine device in a period of time between six weeks and six months after the barbed suture is coupled to the intrauterine device and inserted in a uterine cavity wall.