Intrauterine Patents (Class 128/839)
  • Patent number: 12053413
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an Intra Uterine Ball (IUB) device useful for a gynecological procedure or treatment. The aforesaid device comprises a hollow sleeve for at least partial insertion into the uterine cavity; and, an elongate conformable member with at least a portion comprised of shape memory alloy. The elongate member is adapted to be pushed out from said sleeve within said uterine cavity. It is the core of the invention that the elongate member is adapted to conform into a predetermined three dimensional ball-like configuration within said uterine cavity following its emergence from said sleeve, such that expulsion from said uterine cavity, malposition in said uterine cavity, and perforation of the uterine walls is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: OCON Medical Ltd.
    Inventor: Ilan Bar-Am
  • Patent number: 11975165
    Abstract: A drug delivery system that includes an elongated inert support and at least two reservoirs containing a pharmaceutically active ingredient. The inert support has a number of wall segments that define at least two compartments arranged for accommodating the at least two reservoirs. The inert support is made of a material which prevents migration or diffusion of the active ingredient from one reservoir into the other or into the support. Since the drug delivery system is divided into compartments, one for each reservoir containing an active ingredient, the release rates of each active ingredient can be independently controlled or adjusted. This is due to the fact that there is no interaction between the active ingredients, and accordingly the active ingredients will not influence each other physically or chemically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: QPHARMA AB
    Inventors: John Ingvar Feldtblad Kendrup, Steen Alex Stavnshøj, Ian Peter Flawn Orpana
  • Patent number: 11903869
    Abstract: A pessary device has a support portion, a stem and a loop attached to the stem to facilitate manipulation and control of the pessary device. The loop portion is flexible and provides a hole for receipt of a finger of the person inserting or removing the pessary device. The loop portion preferably includes a taper and/or a dimpled end to facilitate the use of a finger or an applicator for insertion of the device deeper into the vagina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Reia, LLC
    Inventors: Kaitlin E. Maier, Ariana M. Sopher, Meegan P. Daigler
  • Patent number: 11904122
    Abstract: A dilator includes a tubular member composed of a flexible material, the tubular member forming a channel; wires extending inwardly from an interior of the tubular member into the channel; a string attached to the wires and extending through the channel; and a handle attached to the string; pulling the handle applies force to the string; force to the string causes the string to disengage from the wires such that the wires recoil against the interior of the tubular member such that the tubular member takes on a diameter of a predetermined dimension; and the tubular member in a recoiled state provides for dilation of a canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Roxana Belciu Kerns
  • Patent number: 11684509
    Abstract: A contraceptive device for intervaginal use includes a relatively thin, saucer-shaped impermeable body having two opposite side faces wherein one of the two side faces is concave in form and the other of the side faces is convex in form. In addition, the impermeable portion includes an amount of copper-including material which is disposed across the side faces of the impermeable portion so that the copper-including material is exposed at locations across the side faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: Kathleen Edmunds
  • Patent number: 11612718
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided for controlled drug delivery within the bladder, or other body vesicle. The device may include at least one drug reservoir component comprising a drug; and a vesicle retention frame which comprises an elastic wire having a first end, an opposing second end, and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the drug reservoir component is attached to the intermediate region of the vesicle retention frame. The retention frame prevents accidental voiding of the device from the bladder, and it preferably has a spring constant selected for the device to effectively stay in the bladder during urination while minimizing the irritation of the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael J. Cima, Heejin Lee
  • Patent number: 11571329
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: CooperSurgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley Holbrooks, Fabio Pinto, Patrick N. Gutelius, Derek R. Kulakowski, Gary Helstern, Richard I. Farrington, John Triunfo
  • Patent number: 11510695
    Abstract: A tissue retractor comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and a flexible, metal sheath extending therebetween is described. Embodiments of the inner ring comprise a flat or wedge-shaped conformation useful for insertion between muscle layers. Other embodiments of the inner ring include variable diameter inner rings, where the diameter can be adjusted as required and optionally locked into place, and reshapeable inner rings that permit a user to conform the inner ring to the anatomy of the patient when placing the inner ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Albrecht, Eric Nguyen, Matthew M. Becerra, Gary M. Johnson, John R. Brustad, Ghassan Sakakine
  • Patent number: 11207209
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Sebela VLC Limited
    Inventors: Michael Tal, Bob H. Katz, Mark James DeBisschop
  • Patent number: 11026832
    Abstract: An intrauterine device (IUD) with a restricted movement of a string(s), the strings can be either a single string or two or more strings or a filament, emerging from the spherical bulge of IUD. The strings of IUD are of a differential strength so that the strings are soft and the hanging portion of the strings, “feelable” in the vaginal cavity, does not cause discomfort to the woman, nor bruise the organ of the partner during intercourse, at the same time the strings in the endocervical canal are relatively stiffer and not have the tendency to get curled up progressively. The strings optionally have marks to facilitate cutting by a surgeon to an accurate length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Pregna International Limited
    Inventors: Ajit Raje, Usha Kumar
  • Patent number: 10918841
    Abstract: A drainage device for holding an incision in an abscess of a subject open to allow drainage of fluid out of the abscess includes an elongate body and an extension member extending laterally from the elongate body. The elongate body is configured for insertion into the abscess. The extension member is configured to retain at least a portion of the elongate body in the abscess. The elongate body facilitates drainage of fluid out of the abscess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: MAR-MED CO.
    Inventor: Jerry Paul Marogil
  • Patent number: 10905583
    Abstract: An intrauterine device and method of delivering and using same are provided. The intrauterine device includes a wire having a portion capable of forming a three dimensional (3D) structure. The 3D structure is elastically deformable to a partially collapsed configuration via a crush force larger than a force applied thereto by a relaxed uterine cavity. The three dimensional structure is also capable of elastically contracting and expanding in response to contraction and expansion of the uterine cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: OCON Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Ilan Bar-Am, Ariel Weinstein
  • Patent number: 10772236
    Abstract: A heat dissipation device for an electronic device is provided. The heat dissipation device comprises a heat conducting cover configured to be disposed on an electronic device, the heat conducting cover forming a closed cavity; and a heat absorbing material filler located within the closed cavity as defined by the heat conducting cover. With a temperature increase of the electronic device, the heat absorbing material filler is configured to deform structurally, to absorb heat generated by the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: LENOVO (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Guowen Zhang
  • Patent number: 10646691
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided for controlled drug delivery within the bladder, or other body vesicle. The device may include at least one drug reservoir component comprising a drug; and a vesicle retention frame which comprises an elastic wire having a first end, an opposing second end, and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the drug reservoir component is attached to the intermediate region of the vesicle retention frame. The retention frame prevents accidental voiding of the device from the bladder, and it preferably has a spring constant selected for the device to effectively stay in the bladder during urination while minimizing the irritation of the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael J. Cima, Heejin Lee
  • Patent number: 10398588
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: SEBELA VLC LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Tal, Bob H. Katz, Mark James DeBisschop
  • Patent number: 10159596
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: SEBELA VLC LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Tal, Bob Katz, Mark James DeBisschop, Peter Wilson, Oleg Shikhman
  • Patent number: 10052225
    Abstract: A drug dispensing ring removal tool with a rigid elongate member, a rigid hook member, a rigid flat plate member, a hook tip resilient member, a hook front end resilient member and a plurality of flat plate resilient members. The hook member is fixedly attached to the proximal end of the elongate member. The flat plate member fixedly attached to the distal end of the elongate member. The hook tip resilient member is fixedly attached to the end of the hook member. The hook front resilient member fixedly attached to the forward most end of the hook member. The flat plate resilient members fixedly attached within cutout portions of the flat plate member. The flat plate resilient members extend approximately one sixteenth of an inch above and below the planar surface of the flat plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventors: Mary M. O'Mara, Nathan Nick Moorhatch
  • Patent number: 9968345
    Abstract: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising an elongated member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture. The elongated member has a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture. A material forms two curved legs having ends positionable external of the vessel. The legs curve in different directions and a retention portion is formed in the material to retain the legs during placement of the elongated member inside the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Rex Medical, L.P.
    Inventors: Richard T. Briganti, James F. McGuckin, Jr., Walter H. Peters, James S. Tarmin, Stephan A. DeFonzo
  • Patent number: 9949869
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel intrauterine systems and to methods for manufacturing these systems. An intrauterine system according to the invention comprises a reservoir and a continuous, closed and flexible frame. The frame comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer made of a polycarbonate diol, 1,6-hexamethylenediisocyanate, and a chain extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: BAYER OY
    Inventors: Taina Tjäder, Ulla Calvo Alonso, Pirjo Inki, Harri Jukarainen, Ilkka Jutila, Pirjo Kortesuo, Juha Lehtinen, Eeva Lukkari-Lax, Heikki Lyytikäinen, Joachim Moede, Hannu Nikander, Pirjo Sallinen, Faisal Shafiq, Wolfgang Kaufhold, Christian Wamprecht
  • Patent number: 9808252
    Abstract: Shape memory materials (SMM) are formed as coil-shaped vascular occlusion devices upon deployment. Shape memory polymer (SMP) materials are tailored through formulation for specific mechanical behavior of the coils. Concurrent coil diameter changes enhance the relative change in stiffness along the length of the coil. Interconnecting structures (104a/b) are formed on ends of elongated members (102a) in the pre-deployment shape for multiple coil insertion capability within an introducer. Channels (206) are formed in pre-deployment shape, elongate members (202) that allow access for injection of imaging contrast agent or concurrent placement of instruments. A single SMM occlusive device (300) transforms into multiple, smaller diameter coils (302b) in the deployed state to generate a complex occlusive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: ENDOSHAPE, INC., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, A BODY CORPORATE
    Inventors: Julie Marie Trommeter, Michael B. Lyons, Jeffrey Paul Castleberry, Robin Shandas, James Fogelberg, Stephen Johnson
  • Patent number: 9750634
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an Intra Uterine Ball (IUB) device useful for a gynecological procedure or treatment. The aforesaid device comprises a hollow sleeve for at least partial insertion into the uterine cavity; and, an elongate conformable member with at least a portion comprised of shape memory alloy. The elongate member is adapted to be pushed out from said sleeve within said uterine cavity. It is the core of the invention that the elongate member is adapted to conform into a predetermined three dimensional ball-like configuration within said uterine cavity following its emergence from said sleeve, such that expulsion from said uterine cavity, malposition in said uterine cavity, and perforation of the uterine walls is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: OCON MEDICAL LTD
    Inventor: Ilan Bar-Am
  • Patent number: 9744341
    Abstract: Retention devices and methods are provided for drug delivery. The device may include a housing configured for intraluminal deployment into a human or animal subject and at least one reservoir contained within the housing. The at least one reservoir may have an actuation end and a release end and contain at least one drug formulation. A plug may be contained within the at least one reservoir and be moveable from the actuation end toward the release end. The device may also include an actuation system operably connected to the actuation end of the at least one reservoir and configured to drive the at least one drug formulation from the reservoir. The device may also include at least one retention member affixed to the housing and movable between a non-stressed position, a deployment position, and a retention position for retaining the device in an intraluminal location in the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: David Mathew Johnson, Martin Sheridan, Scott A. Uhland, Ramkumar Abhishek, Eric Peeters, Timothy J. Curley, Felicia Linn, Philipp H. Schmaelzle
  • Patent number: 9610191
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: CONTRAMED, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Tal, Bob H. Katz, Mark James DeBisschop
  • Patent number: 9586035
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided for controlled drug delivery within the bladder, or other body vesicle. The device may include at least one drug reservoir component comprising a drug; and a vesicle retention frame which comprises an elastic wire having a first end, an opposing second end, and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the drug reservoir component is attached to the intermediate region of the vesicle retention frame. The retention frame prevents accidental voiding of the device from the bladder, and it preferably has a spring constant selected for the device to effectively stay in the bladder during urination while minimizing the irritation of the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael J. Cima, Heejin Lee
  • Patent number: 9510088
    Abstract: An intrauterine device for applying pressure to the walls of the uterine cavity includes a resilient body having an elongated member which includes a first end and a second end which are resiliently biased away from each other. The first end of the elongated member includes a first leg having a first end and a second end. The second end of the elongated member includes a second leg having a first end and a second end. A connection member is positioned between the first end of the first leg and the first end of the second leg. A first plug member is secured at the second end of the first leg and a second plug member is secured at the first end of the second leg. The first and second plug members are shaped and dimensioned for bearing against the walls of the uterine cavity as the elongated member spreads outwardly with the first end and the second end moving apart. A method for preventing conception within the uterine cavity is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignees: YALE UNIVERSITY, CONTRAMED LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Tal, Patrick N. Gutelius, Mark J. DeBisschop, Oleg Shikman, Pasquale Patrizio
  • Patent number: 9492312
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an implant delivery device can include a housing defining a housing passageway. A distal end of the housing can flexibly couple to a head that can define a head passageway. Collectively, the housing passageway and the head passageway can define an insertion passageway such that, at least a portion of the insertion passageway is nonlinear. The implant delivery device can include at least one insertion member having a distal end configured to be removably coupled to an implant. The insertion member can be disposed within the housing such that, at least a portion of a proximal end of the insertion member is housed within the housing. The insertion member can be configured to bend, pivot, and/or rotate and move within a portion of the insertion passageway to convey the implant to a target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Bioceptive, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Cappiello, Shuchi Priye Khurana, Clarence B. Kemper, III, Krista A. Wohlfeil, Bota A. Tastanova, Mark J. Gabriel, Catharine Z. Dolese
  • Patent number: 9486224
    Abstract: A method for making a device for causing thrombosis of an aneurysm, wherein said device comprises a single elastic filament configurable between (i) an elongated, substantially linear configuration, and (ii) a longitudinally-contracted, substantially three-dimensional configuration, said method comprising: providing a sheet of shape memory material; producing a single filament, two-dimensional interim structure from said sheet of shape memory material; mounting said single filament, two-dimensional interim structure to a fixture so that said single filament, two-dimensional interim structure is transformed into said longitudinally-contracted, substantially three-dimensional configuration; and heat treating said single filament, two-dimensional interim structure while it is mounted to said fixture so as to produce said device in its longitudinally-contracted, substantially three-dimensional configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Howard Riina, Jeffrey Milsom, J. Frederick Cornhill, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Kevin Smith, Kevin Keough, Robert Andrews
  • Patent number: 9351866
    Abstract: This invention relates to condoms, prophylactics and contraceptive devices having a thick shape-retaining sheath body with an open end and a closed end, and a plurality of longitudinal flutes on the sheath body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel Resnic
  • Patent number: 9339364
    Abstract: An intravaginal device having an aperture and a withdrawal assembly. The withdrawal assembly has a withdrawal member and an obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Evan Joseph Durling, Kevin Charles Strong, Robert Clark Avery, Jr., Hinrich Knuth, Daniel Christy Jones
  • Patent number: 8899236
    Abstract: The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Essure Inc.
    Inventors: Betsy Swann, Christopher A. Stout, Ken Chan, Julian Cruzada, Kathryn A. Tunstall
  • Patent number: 8851077
    Abstract: The invention describes methods and apparatus for creating permanent occlusion of body lumens such as the fallopian tubes. The methods and apparatus use non-surgical approaches to deliver permanent implants which create acute occlusion of desired body lumens which resolve to permanent occlusions of the lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Brenzel, Paul J. Hindrichs, Richard G. Cornelius
  • Publication number: 20140283844
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) characterized by comprising polymer based material 1, and flexible structure 2, wherein the flexible structure 2 comprises one or more of tubelets 3, wherein the tubelets 3 are interconnected by connecting means 4, wherein the tubelets 3 are provided with a pulling means 5 on one end, wherein the tubelets 3 have perforations in the form of holes 6, and wherein the tubelets 3 have both sides 7, 8 open, and said sides are in sloping shape, wherein the tubelets 3 are arranged in the form of a chain, and wherein the combination of said polymer based material 1 and said flexible structure 2 is injectable or implantable in the uterine cavity. In one embodiment it relates to flexible structure referred to as intra-uterine device (IUD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Sujoy Kumar GUHA
  • Patent number: 8814883
    Abstract: The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Essure Inc.
    Inventors: Mimi Nguyen, Rosendo Aguilar, Betsy Swann, Elisa Janine Aldridge, Christopher A. Stout, Philip Albert Bailey
  • Patent number: 8707958
    Abstract: The invention described is directed to an intracorporeal occluding device having elements with non-traumatic ends and devices, systems and methods for occluding the lumens of anatomical passageways and/or for delivering drugs or other substances to the bodies of human or animal subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Essure Inc.
    Inventors: Betsy Swann, Dai Ton, Ashish Khera
  • Patent number: 8656916
    Abstract: A convenient and highly accurate intravaginal device with wireless sensors for monitoring fertility and sexual health of humans and animals is proposed. Sensors in the intravaginal device measure fertility and sexual health and via wireless transmitter send this information to a terminal on which the information is processed and displayed in convenient form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Igor Igorevich Stukanov
  • Publication number: 20130306079
    Abstract: An intrauterine device for applying pressure to the walls of the uterine cavity includes a resilient body having an elongated member which includes a first end and a second end which are resiliency biased away from each other. The first end of the elongated member includes a first leg having a first end and a second end. The second end of the elongated member includes a second leg having a first end and a second end. A connection member is positioned between the first end of the first leg and the first end of the second leg. A first plug member is secured at the second end of the first leg and a second plug member is secured at the first end of the second leg. The first and second plug members are shaped and dimensioned for bearing against the walls of the uterine cavity as the elongated member spreads outwardly with the first end and the second end moving apart. A method for preventing conception within the uterine cavity is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis A. Tracy
  • Patent number: 8568374
    Abstract: An intrauterine system is disclosed for use in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding; menorraghia; dysmenorrhoea; endometriosis; uterine fibroids; climacteric complaints; osteoporosis; and urogenital atrophy. The system is formed by a frame defining an interior space for receipt of a deposit of a therapeutically effective dose of a biologically active compound. The frame has an open structure allowing access to a substantial part of an outer surface of the deposit, and the deposit has a rate controlling structure that controls a rate of release of the compound within the uterus. One or more retention elements are provided on the frame for retaining the frame within the uterus of a female mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
    Inventors: Wouter De Graaff, Harm Veenstra, Titia Martine Truce Mulders
  • Patent number: 8495809
    Abstract: A gynecological instrument for delineating the fornix of the vagina during laparoscopic operations having a solid ring with a guiding groove for easy and safe opening of the vagina laparoscopically. The solid ring has a protrusion outward which pushes the vaginal wall toward the peritoneal cavity, creating a bulging of the vaginal wall, making it easily identifiable. The solid ring is permanently attached to the proximal end of the base by a semi-cylindrical wall which creates a window anteriorly, for better visualization of the cervix and easy insertion of a cannula or delineator into the uterine cavity. The vaginal delineator is locked to the head of the uterine mobilizer by inserting the locking end of a cannula, delineator or vaginal delineator lock, through the hole of the delineator and into the head of the uterine mobilizer. An elastic diaphragm is provided with different sizes for obstruction of the vagina, which does not allow flow in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Konstantin Lazarov Valtchev
  • Patent number: 8490625
    Abstract: An intrauterine device string is provided. The intrauterine device string has an elongated member with an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion. The upper portion is configured to attach the elongated member to an intrauterine device. The intermediate portion is configured to extend through the endocervical canal of a female. The lower portion has a first curved portion configured to follow a contour of the external orifice of the cervix of a female. A second curved portion at an end of the lower portion has a memory-retaining material to prevent the second curved portion from passing through the external orifice of the cervix and to constrain the second curved portion to follow the contour of the outer portion of the cervix. The intermediate portion is configured to pass through a plane defined by three points on said second curved portion when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Laura Ann Schneider
  • Patent number: 8479742
    Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are disclosed for delivering an implant into the body of a patient. The devices include a damping assembly having an internal chamber with a varying inner diameter, and a piston slideably disposed therein. The piston is operably connected with a catheter portion such that movement of the piston is associated with concurrent movement of the catheter for implant delivery. The varying inner diameter of the damping assembly results in a decrease in damping force during implant delivery, thus providing a substantially constant velocity of implant delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew LaPlaca
  • Patent number: 8443808
    Abstract: The invention describes methods and apparatus for creating permanent occlusion of body lumens such as the fallopian tubes. The methods and apparatus use non-surgical approaches to deliver permanent implants which create acute occlusion of desired body lumens which resolve to permanent occlusions of the lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Brenzel, Paul J. Hindrichs, Richard G. Cornelius
  • Patent number: 8360065
    Abstract: According to one claim of the invention, a method for occluding a fallopian tube in a vertebrate subject is described, which comprises comprising transcervically delivering a solid blocking material into the fallopian tube. In various embodiments, a fluid sealing material is delivered along with the solid blocking material. Other claims of the invention pertain to articles of manufacture, delivery devices and kits for use in occluding the fallopian tubes of a vertebrate subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. H. Chu, Jianmin Li, Hamid Davoudi
  • Patent number: 8360064
    Abstract: The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.
    Inventors: Betsy Swann, Christopher A. Stout, Ken Chan, Julian Cruzada, Kathryn A. Tunstall
  • Patent number: 8347888
    Abstract: A gynaecological instrument for delineating the fornix of the vagina during laparoscopic surgeries having a spring, which proximal end is securely affixed to a distal end of a solid ring and the distal end of the spring is securely affixed to a base. The extension of the base can be inserted into the head of the Valtchev® Uterine Mobilizer and locked in place. When the delineator is pushed toward the fornix of the vagina the solid ring is self-adjusting to the angle of the of the fornix and the length of the cervix. An elastic plastic ring is provided, for placing on the solid ring, in order to protect the ring and instrument which is used to open the vagina laparoscopically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Konstantin Lazarov Valtchev
  • Patent number: 8333688
    Abstract: The recoverable intra-uterine system comprises a housing capable of containing one or a plurality of elements selected from among the group comprising an embryo, male and/or female gametes, a fertilized oocyte, and unfertilized ovum and a combination of these elements, the housing having along an axis a distal end and a proximal end, and a device for holding the recoverable intra-uterine device in the uterus. The holding device is arranged at the proximal end of the housing and includes at least one holding arm in the uterine cavity capable of taking at least two positions: —one free position in which at least one holding arm is separated from the axis; and —a retracted position in which at least one holding arm is substantially parallel to the axis. Use in medically assisted reproduction techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Anecova SA
    Inventors: Pascal Mock, Nicolas Bouche, Philippe Le Goff
  • Patent number: 8235047
    Abstract: The invention described is directed to an intracorporeal occluding device having elements with non-traumatic ends and devices, systems and methods for occluding the lumens of anatomical passageways and/or for delivering drugs or other substances to the bodies of human or animal subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.
    Inventors: Betsy Swann, Dai Ton, Ashish Khera
  • Publication number: 20120111338
    Abstract: An inserter for placing a T-shaped intrauterine device inside a patient's uterus and a T-shaped intrauterine device are disclosed. The inserter includes a sleeve part and a plunger part, the sleeve part includes a tube and a first engaging member and the plunger part includes a rod, a handle attached to the rod and a second engaging member. The first and the second engaging members are configured for reversibly engaging the sleeve part and the plunger part to temporarily lock the relative position between the tube and the rod. The T-shaped intrauterine device includes a pair of wings having a relaxed extended configuration and a contracted folded configuration and an elongated contraceptive body suspended from a junction between the wings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: David WEITRAUB
  • Publication number: 20120097172
    Abstract: An intrauterine device for applying force to a wall of a uterus to promote contraception without blocking the fallopian tubes may include an elongate member formed of a resilient material and having a default expanded configuration and a spring portion disposed approximately at a midpoint between two ends of the elongate member. The IUD may also include two tissue contact members, one tissue contact member disposed at one of the two ends of the elongate member and the other tissue contact member disposed at the other end. The tissue contact members may generate a laterally directed force against the wall of the uterus when the intrauterine device assumes its default expanded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Michael G. Tal, Patrick N. Gutelius, Mark J. DeBisschop, Oleg Shikhman, Pasquale Patrizio, Bob H. Katz
  • Patent number: 7918863
    Abstract: The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.
    Inventors: Mimi Nguyen, Rosendo Aguilar, Betsy Swann, Elisa Janine Aldridge, Christopher A. Stout, Philip Albert Bailey
  • Publication number: 20100300452
    Abstract: An intrauterine device for applying pressure to the walls of the uterine cavity includes a resilient body having an elongated member which includes a first end and a second end which are resiliently biased away from each other. The first end of the elongated member includes a first leg having a first end and a second end. The second end of the elongated member includes a second leg having a first end and a second end. A connection member is positioned between the first end of the first leg and the first end of the second leg. A first plug member is secured at the second end of the first leg and a second plug member is secured at the first end of the second leg. The first and second plug members are shaped and dimensioned for bearing against the walls of the uterine cavity as the elongated member spreads outwardly with the first end and the second end moving apart. A method for preventing conception within the uterine cavity is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Michael G. Tal, Patrick N. Gutelius, Mark J. DeBisschop, Oleg Shikhman, Pasquale Patrizio