GB1457859A - Apparatus for inserting an intrauterine - Google Patents

Abstract

1457859 Apparatus for inserting an intrauterine device ALZA CORP 24 March 1975 [27 Marsh 1974] 12164/75 Heading A5R Apparatus for inserting an intrauterine device 10, the device having a stem 13 and at least one flexible arm (14) Fig. 1 (not shown), 15 extending outwardly from the stem, comprises a hollow inserter 11 and a cap 12, the inserter 11 comprising a hollow, tapered, curved tube 20 open at both ends with channels 24 on an end 23 at which device 10 is mounted, the channels receiving the arms to prevent rotation of the device, and stem 13 extending into tube 20; and cap 12 comprising a hollow sleeve 28 open at both ends which slides snugly over end 23 and has two open ended axial slots 30 to receive arms (14), 15 and giving the cap resilience, and two axial grooves 36 on its inner surface which align with slots 30 and slidingly receive the arms, which are folded inwardly, as the sleeve is slid axially on the tube 20. Each slot 30 has protrusions 33 on its axial edges which engage arms (14), 15 and prevent cap 12 being displaced from tube 20. The arms are folded axially along the device by bracing flanges 34 of cap 12 against a sterile field 53, Fig. 4, and moving tube 20 and the device towards field 53, causing the arms to move towards closed ends 54 of slots 30, the arms then being bent axially against tube 20 within cap 12. As the device and apparatus are inserted into the body, flanges 34 rest against the cervical os, Fig. 6 (not shown), cap 12 remaining outside the cervical canal. Tube 20 is pushed towards the uterine cavity (56), out through the end of cap 12, Fig. 7 (not shown), and into the cavity, Fig. 8, (not shown), the arms resuming their original position, and tube 20 is withdrawn. Owing to its resiliency, cap 12 does not slide away from end 23 of the tube. Figs. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B (not shown) depict two alternative embodiments of cap 12, cap (37), Figs. 9A, B, not being flexible.