US4572162A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for the detection, location and extraction of an intrauterine device
Assignee: Ortho Pharmaceutical Canada Ltd
•
Filing: 1984-01-23
•
Granted: 1986-02-25
•
Expires: 2004-01-23
Abstract
Abstract A system for the detection, location and extraction of an intrauterine device ("IUD") including a magnetic IUD, a locator probe to be used intravaginally and an extractor probe to be used intrauterinally, both containing at least one Hall effect generator. The probe is inserted into the patient and an indicator means is provided to communicate the presence of the IUD, in the case of the locator, or the distance of the IUD from the probe, in the case of the extractor. After positioning the extractor next to the IUD using the indicator for guidance, grasping means in the extractor is actuated to effect temporary attachment of the IUD to the extractor which is then withdrawn from the uterus.
Inventors
- 👤 Billy R. Livesay
- 👤 Howard J. Tatum
- 👤 Melvin R. Toews
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:40
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F6/00; A61F6/06; A61F6/14; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/06; A61B17/00; A61B17/50; A61B17/52; A61B5/061; A61B5/062; A61F6/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for the detection, location and extraction of an intrauterine device having a magnetic portion located in a projecting portion of the device, which comprises the steps of: a. inserting into the uterus of a patient a probe comprising a grasping means and at least two Hall effect generators disposed perpendicularly to each other in electrical connection with an indicator means which responds to the output voltage of the Hall generators: b. sensing the location of the magnetic portion with the probe, c. adjusting the position of the probe in response to the indicator means until the probe is in close proximity to the intrauterine device; d. actuating the grasping means to grasp a portion of the intrauterine device within the uterus; and e. extracting the probe together with the intrauterine device from the uterus.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for the detection, location and extraction of an intrauterine device having a magnetic portion located in a projecting portion of the device, which comprises the steps of: a. inserting into the uterus of a patient a probe comprising a grasping means and at least two Hall effect generators disposed perpendicularly to each other in electrical connection with an indicator means which responds to the output voltage of the Hall generators: b. sensing the location of the magnetic portion with the probe, c. adjusting the position of the probe in response to the indicator means until the probe is in close proximity to the intrauterine device; d. actuating the grasping means to grasp a portion of the intrauterine device within the uterus; and e. extracting the probe together with the intrauterine device from the uterus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said probe is constructed of materials which are incapable of holding a magnetic dipole.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said intrauterine device is a T shaped intrauterine device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 3, wherein said magnetic portion is located in the stem of the T shaped intrauterine device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the distance between the poles of the dipole of the magnetic portion and the cross-section of the magnetic portion is at least 2:1.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 5, wherein said ratio is at least 5:1.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said grasping means is actuated by a plunger.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said grasping means comprises at least two opposing finger members which separate when actuated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic portion comprises homogeneously dispersed particulate magnetic material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said magnetic material is a rare-earth-cobalt alloy.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said probe comprises three Hall effect generators disposed perpendicularly to each other.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3042030A
Cited
GB994400A
Cited
US3267368A
Cited
US3528402A
Cited
US3467087A
Cited
FR2103284A5
Cited
US3805777A
Cited
US3908646A
Cited
US3913573A
Cited
DE2438341A1
Cited
US4296410A
Cited
DE3222795A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-02-24 | 1989-08-26 | 1990-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-02-24 | 1993-08-26 | 1994-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-02-24 | 1997-08-26 | 1998-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |