Abstract: A device and method of using the device for contraception or sterilization and particularly for reversible contraception by occluding a reproductive lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through the lumen for a desired period of time until the patient wishes to become fertile again and then be reopened. The occluding member preferably comprises a tubular framework formed from a shape memory material configured to be implanted in a reproductive lumen. The occluding member is implanted within a body lumen, secured to the wall of the reproductive lumen and then collapsed to collapse the wall and occlude the lumen. Alternatively, the occluding member may be collapsed upon a solid plug. The closure of the reproductive lumen may be reversed by introducing a balloon catheter and by a series of inflations of the balloon reexpanding the collapsed occluding member or by removing the plug.

Abstract: A pair of removable soft pliant plugs is inserted in the Vas to impede the flow of sperm to provide reversible male contraception.

Abstract: A method of introducing continuous lengths of filament into the body in surgical procedures in which it is desirable to place a significant amount of material into the body through a small portal. The material so introduced may serve to bulk a tissue or cavity of the body or to occlude a vas, as well as to introduce diagnostic or therapeutic agents into a site in the body. A device for implementing the method has a mechanism for feeding the filament through a conduit in such a manner that sufficient force is applied to the filament that it is forced into the desired site. In one embodiment, a system of reciprocating cannulae and synchronized grippers is used to supply the requisite force to the filament.

Abstract: Disclosed are occluders and methods of their use. The occluders comprise shape-memory polymeric materials which, when heated above their crystalline melting temperatures, may be deformed from a first configuration into a second configuration. The occluder is then held in the deformed shape until it cools to a temperature below its crystalline melting temperature (Tm) whereby it holds the deformed shape of the second configuration by virtue of the recrystallization of the polymeric occluder material. Upon reheating the occluder above its Tm, the occluder will resume its original shape. In this manner, an occluder which has been deformed to reduce its diameter may be inserted into and positioned within a target lumen in the body and then allowed to warm to body temperature whereby it resumes its original diameter and results in the occlusion of the lumen. The occluders, according to preferred embodiments, may be used for reversible sterilization of mammals, among other surgical and non-surgical uses.

Abstract: A pair of removable soft pliant plugs is inserted in the Vas to impede the flow of sperm to provide reversible male contraception.

Abstract: Securement of a condom to the glans penis is facilitated by a molded, contoured, or thickened wedge portion which fits snugly within the cleft of the glans such that a continuous circumferential seal may be obtained about the glans penis. An expansible seminal reservoir is provided and the shaft of the penis, as well as the rear portion of the glans penis opposed to the cleft, may be left unsheathed in order to allow greater sensitivity. A greater wall thickness than that typically utilized in a full length condom may be used without significant loss of sensitivity and a stronger condom more resistant to tearing during use than a conventional full length latex condom is obtained. An adhesive backing with a tab allows location of the device prior removal of the backing to ensure correct positioning and an effective circumferential seal with the adhesive.

Abstract: This is a micro-vaso-occlusive device intended generally for occlusion of small arteries located distally in the vasculature. The device is made up of a binder, often radio-opaque, which may be short in length by comparison to the length of the included thrombogenic fibers. The fibers form the other portion of the device. At least one end of the device includes a solid but comparatively soft end typically made of a molten mass of the fibers. The micro device may have multiple binder sections. The fibers may be straight, looped, or tufted.

Abstract: The method of correciton of sexual disharmony brings about the stimulation of feminine erogenous zones during the sexual act by way of an aimed mechanical action on the area of clitoris and of the vagina of ball-like elements made from biologically inert materials of 8 to 15 mm in diameter implanted in a numbers of 1 or 2 into the edges of the slit prepuce or under the skin of the penis in a number of 1 to 3 of 5 to 10 mm in diameter and also by the ends of a synthetic thread of 10 to 15 mm long of 0.5 to 1 mm in diameter fixed to the frenulum of the prepuce by 4 to 5 knots through it of 1 to 1.5 mm in diameter.

Abstract: This is a micro-vaso-occlusive device intended generally for occlusion of small arteries located distally in the vasculature. The device is made up of a binder, often radio-opaque, which may be short in length by comparison to the length of the included thrombogenic fibers. The fibers form the other portion of the device. At least one end of the device includes a solid but comparatively soft end typically made of a molten mass of the fibers. The micro device may have multiple binder sections. The fibers may be straight, looped, or tufted.

Abstract: A contraceptive device for blocking a male urethra canal includes an expandable body unit having an elastic member covering a plurality of body segments, a forwardly opening cavity extending within the body unit and having first, second, and third progressively rearwardly spaced cavity regions collectively in the body segments, a cam member having an expansion cam and a forwardly extending shaft being movable in the cavity with the cam sequentially locatable in the first, second, and third regions thereof, for expanding the body unit from a contracted configuration for insertion into a male urethra penis cavity to an expanded configuration 10% or more larger than the contracted position for blocking the urethra when the cam is in the second region, the body contracting to the contracted configuration for permitting withdrawal of the body unit when the cam is in the third region, the cam member being blocked from moving from the second position to the first position and from the third position to the second po

Abstract: The clip which is suitable for sexual sterilization or other medical use is constructed from a single plastic moulding with a silicone rubber lining. The clip has a front latch which comprises a pivotable section of the lower jaw which ensures positive latching of the clip.

Abstract: A blocking device is non-surgically inserted in a duct of a reproductive system of either a male or female subject. The device may be in the form of a stent including an expandable section for sealingly engaging the duct to effect sterilization by preventing passage of gametes therethrough. The stent preferably includes a predetermined portion which is ablatable by application of a known intensity of laser irradiation. When desired, a laser beam may be used to ablate the portion of the blocking device in order to reopen the duct and to re-establish fertility of the subject. One embodiment of the device includes a guiding segment for guiding a fiber optic device to a position adjacent the ablatable portion and for accurate application of the laser beam thereto, thereby reducing potential organic damage from a misdirected laser beam. In another embodiment, the stent includes a collapsible frame structure compressed by a spring, and a central ablatable blocking portion.

Abstract: Conception is prevented in male mammals by making an incision in one wall of the vas deferens near the epididymis and inserting a filament into the vas deferens through the incision. The filament has a length at least about one-fourth the length of the vas deferens and an outside diameter about equal to the inside diameter of the vas deferens. It contains an enlargement at one end and is made of a material inert to tissue. The filament is inserted into the vas deferens all the way to the enlargement. The incision remains open around the filament to permit sperm to escape from the vas deferens.

Abstract: A method of blocking channels in a mammal which channels normally carry a material from one point to another is carried out by injecting a heated flowable polymer into the channel and allowing the polymer to cool and solidify, thus creating a plug or channel occluder. The plug can be later removed physically in its solid form or removed gradually by softening and/or fluidizing it by heating and/or chemical means. The channel occluder is preferably comprised of a main chain or side-chain crystallizable polymer but may be comprised of other polymers provided the polymers are formulated to have certain characteristics. The polymers must be solid and/or non-flowable at body temperature or lower and flowable when heated slightly above body temperature, i.e., 10 centigrade degrees or less above body temperature. The polymer is capable of changing quickly from a flowable state to a non-flowable state by moving through only a few centigrade degrees of temperature and is a non-immunogenic, biocompatible material.

Abstract: This invention is a therapeutic clamp intended to help males with impotence, or what should be more properly called, erectile dysfunction. The clamp consists of two hinged rods having elastic bands causing the rods to exert pressure on the sides of the penis, thereby restricting flow of blood from the penis in order to maintain an erection without interfering with flow of blood into the penis, or obstructing the urethra.

Abstract: A method of reversibly occluding a biological tube is provided as well as a related apparatus. The method includes providing an occluding member to be introduced into or around a biological tube thereby blocking flow through the tube. When it is desired to eliminate such blockage, shock wave lithotripsy or other energy is employed to fragment the occluding member and thus eliminate its blockage of the biological tube. The related occluding device comprises an occluding member having an inner core of a first rigid material encapsulated in an outer shell comprised of a flexible second material. The first will fragment when struck by shock waves. The device may be either a plug-type device or a C-shaped clamp. Alternatively, the device may be comprised of a single material which is introduced in flowable form into the tube by means of a catheter. The material then hardens to form a substantially rigid plug.