IUD removal devices, and related methods and kits
A self-removal device for intrauterine device (IUD) extraction is described that includes a housing having a proximal handle and a distal aperture, and a grasper mechanism with stationary and movable elements for engaging and securing IUD threads, wherein the grasper is actuated by a lever positioned at the housing. Systems are also described comprising the device and ancillary components such as locking elements, grips, linkage assemblies, as well as kit embodiments that may include visualization aids, light sources, forceps, measuring tools, and instructions for use. A patient using the device, with or without assistance, can independently or semi-independently remove an IUD using the device and system in non-clinical settings, optionally with remote digital guidance or confirmation.
1 . An IUD removal device comprising:
a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an aperture at a distal end;
a grasper positioned within the cavity wherein the grasper extends outside the aperture at the distal end, the grasper comprising
a first stationary grasper element with a first facing surface, and
a second moveable grasper element with a second facing surface,
wherein the first facing surface is positioned to face the second facing surface;
a lever positioned adjacent the handle wherein the lever is operable to control the grasper when the lever is moved from a first position to a second position; and
an actuating link in communication with the lever at a first end and the second moveable grasper element at a second end.
2 . The IUD removal device of claim 1 further comprising one or more of a plurality of one or more of links, locking elements, and springs.
3 . The IUD removal device of claim 2 wherein a locking element is operable to secure the lever in the second position.
4 . The IUD removal device of claim 2 wherein the links further comprise an actuating link and a horizontal link.
5 . The IUD removal device of claim 1 wherein the IUD removal device is in communication with one or more of a camera and a light.
6 . The IUD removal device of claim 5 wherein the IUD removal device has a cable connection aperture for receiving a first end of a cable wherein a second end of the cable is operable to engage an electronic device.
7 . The IUD removal device of claim 5 wherein the IUD removal device is in wireless communication with the camera.
8 . The IUD removal device of claim 1 wherein the first stationary grasper element has a raised leading edge.
9 . The IUD removal device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first stationary grasper element and the second moveable grasper element is operable to extend beyond the aperture of the housing.
10 . The IUD removal device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first stationary grasper element and the second moveable grasper element has a gripping surface on an interiorly facing surface.
11 . An IUD removal device system comprising:
an IUD removal device comprising
a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an aperture at a distal end,
a grasper positioned within the cavity wherein the grasper extends outside the aperture at the distal end, the grasper comprising
a first stationary grasper element with a first facing surface, and
a second moveable grasper element with a second facing surface,
wherein the first facing surface is positioned to face the second facing surface;
a lever positioned adjacent the handle wherein the lever is operable to control the grasper when the lever is moved from a first position to a second position;
an actuating link in communication with the lever at a first end and the second moveable grasper element at a second end; and
a software application downloadable to the an electronic device wherein the software application is operable to provide instructions to a user during use of the IUD removal device.
12 . The IUD removal device system of claim 11 further comprising one or more of a plurality of one or more of links, locking elements, and springs.
13 . The IUD removal device system of claim 12 wherein the locking element is operable to secure the lever in the second position.
14 . The IUD removal device system of claim 12 wherein the links further comprise an actuating link and a horizontal link.
15 . The IUD removal device system of claim 11 wherein the IUD removal device is in communication with one or more of a camera and a light.
16 . The IUD removal device system of claim 15 wherein the IUD removal device has a cable connection aperture for receiving a first end of a cable wherein a second end of the cable is operable to engage an electronic device.
17 . The IUD removal device system of claim 16 wherein the IUD removal device is in wireless communication with the camera and the software application.
18 . The IUD removal device system of claim 11 wherein the first stationary grasper element has a raised leading edge.
19 . The IUD removal device system of claim 11 wherein at least one of the first stationary grasper element and the second moveable grasper element is operable to extend beyond the aperture of the housing.
20 . The IUD removal device system of claim 11 wherein at least one of the first stationary grasper element and the second moveable grasper element has a gripping surface on an interiorly facing surface.
21 . An IUD removal device kit comprising:
an IUD removal device comprising
a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an aperture at a distal end,
a grasper positioned within the cavity wherein the grasper extends outside the aperture at the distal end, the grasper comprising
a first stationary grasper element with a first facing surface, and
a second moveable grasper element with a second facing surface,
wherein the first facing surface is positioned to face the second facing surface,
a lever positioned adjacent the handle wherein the lever is operable to control the grasper when the lever is moved from a first position to a second position, and
an actuating link in communication with the lever at a first end and the second moveable grasper element at a second end;
one or more of a cable with a USB connector, a reflective surface, a self- illuminating cone assembly, forceps, forceps guide, vaginal canal measurement device.
22 . The IUD removal device kit of claim 21 further comprising a software application.
23 . A method of using an IUD removal device comprising:
providing the IUD removal device wherein the IUD removal device comprises
a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an aperture at a distal end,
a grasper positioned within the cavity wherein the grasper extends outside the aperture at the distal end, the grasper comprising
a first stationary grasper element with a first facing surface, and
a second moveable grasper element with a second facing surface,
wherein the first facing surface is positioned to face the second facing surface,
a lever positioned adjacent the handle wherein the lever is operable to control the grasper when the lever is moved from a first position to a second position, and
an actuating link in communication with the lever at a first end and the second moveable grasper element at a second end;
inserting the IUD removal device into a vaginal canal with the grasper in an open configuration;
visualizing a location of one or more IUD threads with a camera;
positioning the IUD threads between the first stationary grasper element and the second moveable grasper element;
activating the grasper to change the grasper from the open configuration to a closed configuration; and
withdrawing the IUD removal device from the vaginal canal.
24 . A method of using an IUD removal device comprising:
providing the IUD removal device wherein the IUD removal device comprises
a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an aperture at a distal end,
a grasper positioned within the cavity wherein the grasper extends outside the aperture at the distal end, the grasper comprising
a first stationary grasper element with a first facing surface, and
a second moveable grasper element with a second facing surface,
wherein the first facing surface is positioned to face the second facing surface;
a lever positioned adjacent the handle wherein the lever is operable to control the grasper when the lever is moved from a first position to a second position,
an actuating link in communication with the lever at a first end and the second moveable grasper element at a second end, and
a software application downloadable to the an electronic device wherein the software application is operable to provide instructions to a user during use of the IUD removal device, and
an actuating link in communication with the lever at a first end and the second moveable grasper element at a second end;
activating the software application;
inserting the IUD removal device into a vaginal canal with the grasper in an open configuration;
visualizing a location of one or more IUD threads with a camera;
following the instructions delivered via the software application;
positioning the IUD threads between the stationary first grasper element and the second moveable grasper element;
activating the grasper to change the grasper from the open configuration to a closed configuration; and
withdrawing the IUD removal device from the vaginal canal.