GB1426636A - Inflatable intrauterine device - Google Patents

Abstract

1426636 Intrauterine device and inserter TECNA CORP 28 Nov 1973 [6 March 1973] 55249/73 Heading A5R An inflatable intrauterine device comprises a pair of superposed, approximately triangular sheets (6), (7) Fig. 2 (not shown), of elastomeric material which is impervious to usual inflating liquids but permeable to other selected liquids, a non-stretchable mat 8, Fig. 1, of pliant, woven fibres either firmly attached to or included within said sheets, which sheets are secured together, by heat-sealing or adhesive, around their edges in a planar band 9 leaving a gap 11, and areas 12-14 generally bisecting the triangle apices and being secured together except at said gap and at a region 16 at the triangle centre to leave unsecured zones 17-19 communicating with each other and with said gap. A liquid is introduced into said zones through a tube 31 and fills the zones and separates the sheets into a preformed configuration. Silicon rubber may be used for the sheets, being impermeable to the inflating liquid but permeable to contraceptive materials which may be contained in the device, which device may have an inner or outer coating of e.g. polyurethane having a closely controlled porosity. Tube 31 has a loosely tied knot 33 and an end-fitting 34. Applicators. An applicator in the form of a probe 26, Fig. 4, having a bulbous portion 28 on which the device is placed for insertion, held in position by a removable cap 29, which dissolves in the uterus, is provided, the endfitting 34 of the tube clipping into a socket (36) Fig. 5, (not shown), on a handle (27) of the probe. Liquid is injected into the tube by a syringe (38), Fig. 7, (not shown). The device may be provided with a fine cord 52.