Claims for Patent: 10,398,588

Summary for Patent: 10,398,588

Title:	Intrauterine device with retrieval thread
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.
Inventor(s):	Michael Tal, Bob H. Katz, Mark James DeBisschop
Assignee:	Sebela Vlc Ltd
Application Number:	US15/477,189
Patent Claims:	1. An intrauterine contraceptive device, comprising: a frame comprising a distal end and an opening at the distal end; and a release thread releasably attached to the distal end of the frame, adjacent the opening, 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. 2. A device as in claim 1, further comprising a retrieval thread permanently attached to the frame adjacent the opening and having a length of between 5 centimeters and 9 centimeters. 3. A device as in claim 2, wherein the retrieval thread is configured to be at least partially housed within the insertion device during insertion of the intrauterine device into the uterus. 4. A device as in claim 2, 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 device as in claim 4, 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. 6. A device 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. A method for delivering a contraceptive intrauterine device into a uterus, the method comprising: advancing the intrauterine device out of the distal end of an insertion device, into the uterus, wherein the intrauterine device is removably coupled with a release thread; pulling the release thread off of the intrauterine device; and removing the release thread and the insertion device from the uterus, leaving the intrauterine device behind in the uterus. 8. A method as in claim 7, further comprising controlling advancement of the intrauterine device out of the distal end of the insertion device, using the release thread. 9. A method as in claim 7, further comprising manipulating the intrauterine device during or after advancing it out of the distal end of the insertion device, by manipulating the release thread. 10. A method as in claim 7, wherein the intrauterine device comprises a frame with an opening at a distal end of the frame, wherein the release thread extends through the opening in the frame, and wherein pulling the release thread comprises pulling one end of the release thread. 11. A method as in claim 10, wherein the intrauterine device further comprises a retrieval thread permanently attached to the frame adjacent the opening, and wherein the method comprises leaving the intrauterine device behind in the uterus without cutting the retrieval thread, wherein the retrieval thread extends from an attachment point of the retrieval thread with the intrauterine device through the cervix into the vaginal cavity. 12. A method as in claim 7, wherein removing the release thread and the insertion device from the uterus comprises: removing the release thread first, by pulling it out through the insertion device; and after removing the release thread, pulling the insertion device out of the uterus. 13. A method as in claim 7, wherein removing the release thread and the insertion device from the uterus comprises pulling the release thread and the insertion device out of the uterus together, at the same time. 14. A method as in claim 7, further comprising viewing the retrieval thread in the vaginal cavity after removing the release thread and the insertion device from the uterus. 15. A method as in claim 14, further comprising confirming that the intrauterine device has been delivered sufficiently far into the uterus to perform contraception, based on viewing the retrieval thread. 16. A method as in claim 15, wherein viewing the retrieval thread comprises viewing a colored marker on the thread, wherein the marker is located a known distance from the attachment point of the retrieval thread with the intrauterine device. 17. A method as in claim 15, wherein viewing the retrieval thread comprises viewing a color change at a point along the thread, wherein the point is located a known distance from the attachment point of the retrieval thread with the intrauterine device.