U.S. patent number 3,561,438 [Application Number 04/744,023] was granted by the patent office on 1971-02-09 for gynaecological device.
Invention is credited to Robert Canel.
United States Patent |
3,561,438 |
Canel |
February 9, 1971 |
GYNAECOLOGICAL DEVICE
Abstract
A gynecological device for birth control in the form of a
resilient spiral filament the turns of which decrease in size from
one end to the other to fit into the uterine cavity, the largest
turn terminating in a bulged portion serving as a stop means for an
instrument which assists the introduction of the device, the
smallest turn terminating in a retaining cone which holds the
device in position.
Inventors: |
Canel; Robert (Aix-en-Provence
Bouches du Rhone, FR) |
Family
ID: |
8628112 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/744,023 |
Filed: |
July 11, 1968 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/839 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
6/142 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
6/00 (20060101); A61F 6/14 (20060101); A61f
005/46 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/127,128,129,130,131 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Eager; Adele M.
Claims
I claim:
1. A gynecological device comprising a resilient filament having
the shape of a spiral, the turns of which decrease in size from one
end to the other so as to fit into a space having the shape of a
cone having a small angle at the apex, and wherein the largest turn
terminates in a bulged portion serving as a stop means for an
instrument which is utilized for the introduction of the device
into the uterus cervix, the dimensions of the spiral being of the
order of magnitude of those of a uterine cavity.
2. A gynecological device according to claim 1, wherein the spiral
terminates, on the side of the smallest turn, in a retaining cone
having an extremely thin and flexible wall and suitable for
fulfilling the role of a catch in the cervix, thus preventing the
accidental ejection of the device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Due to present-day technical development and the evolution of
thinking as the result of world population expansion and
developments with regard to those pathological cases wherein
pregnancy is quite legally disallowed, various birth control
methods have been proposed.
Some, known under the general name of "pills," are administered
orally. The result of this treatment is to systematically compress
conception by a very considerable addition of hormones. If, in the
majority of cases, this very inconvenient form of treatment is well
tolerated by the organism, it sometimes happens, in certain
unforeseeable cases, that patients suffer unpleasant secondary
effects, notably circulatory troubles, an increase in weight,
dermatological and hepatorenal disorders, etc.
A further means which has been well tested and involves no
noteworthy danger of secondary effects, consists of a diaphragm
which is placed in position before intercourse takes place.
However, a practice of this kind is repugnant to many couples who
see, in this preparation, an offense to the sentiments and even to
the erotic stimuli preceding the sexual act. Furthermore, and this
is an important factor, there are many "failures."
Finally, numerous devices which are permanently introduced into the
uterus prevent nidation and also set up a mechanical obstacle. Some
are made of metal and may, in the case of an impact, cause serious
accidents. Furthermore, they are heavy and often not well tolerated
by the mucous membranes which they sometimes upset. They also
deteriorate very rapidly and they frequently require to be
removed.
Others are made of flexible plastics material and are generally
better tolerated by the mucous membranes. However, these apparatus,
which frequently have various shapes, bear on the inner walls of
the mucous membrane only through the agency of branched tangent
lines ( ). It follows that the uterus walls are in contact with the
plastics or metal material along lines which are proportionally
thinner as the diameter or the sides of the filaments constituting
the branches are smaller. Now, it is necessary that the apparatus
should remain in position and therefore exert a constant and
flexible force on the largest possible surface of the walls of the
inner mucous membrane, doing so despite the variations in this
cavity. The stress thus developed is all the stronger in proportion
as it is applied on a smaller surface. The consequence thereof is a
risk of inflammation of the mucous membranes. Furthermore, since
the inner wall is not affected at all by the device, there is a
risk (extremely small, it is true, but nevertheless existing) of
fertilization.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved gynecological device
permitting these disadvantages to be obviated.
According to the present invention there is provided a
gynecological device comprising a resilient filament having the
shape of a spiral the turns of which decrease in size from one end
to the other, so as to fit into a space having the shape of a cone
having a small angle at the apex, the dimensions of the spiral
being of the order of magnitude of those of a uterine cavity put in
such manner that, when introduced through the cervix and placed in
position in the said cavity, the spiral bears resiliently against
the mucous membrane and exerts there only a moderate stress per
unit of contact surface.
The largest turns may, optionally but with advantage, terminate in
a bulged or grain-shaped portion serving as an arresting means for
the instrument, for example a slotted trocar, employed for the
introduction of the device, at this end, into the uterus cervix.
Furthermore, the spiral may terminate, at the opposite side, in a
retaining cone having a flexible and extremely thin wall and
suitable for fulfilling the role of a "catch" in the cervix and
preventing the accidental ejection of the device.
The material from which the spiral is manufactured must be such
that contact with the human tissues will not cause irritation. What
may be used is in particular a material of the class of the
superpolyamides, such as nylon and the undecanamide polymers, high
and low pressure polyethylenes and acrylic polymers, although this
list is not limitative.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The present invention will now be described in greater detail by
way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein
the sole FIGURE is a perspective view of a preferred form of
gynecological device.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As the drawing shows, the apparatus comprises a resilient spiral 1
the section of which is as may be desired but which has no
roughened portions capable of injuring the tissues, the successive
turns decreasing in size downwardly, in such manner that they are
inscribed in a space having approximately the shape of a cone 2
having a small angle at the apex.
The largest terminal turn 1a has, at its end a bulged or
grain-shaped portion 3 which has no roughened portions and the size
of which is sufficiently small to enable it to be introduced into
the uterus cervix without it being necessary to distend the latter.
The said portion 3 may be integral with the spiral or may be fitted
at the end thereof.
The smallest terminal turn 1b has, at its end a thin flexible
walled cone 4 which is designed to remain in the cervix, after the
placing in position of the device, so as to constitute, there, a
retaining means preventing the falling out of the device by being
"buttressed" at its edge against the mucous membrane of the
cervix.
* * * * *