Intrauterine electronic capsule for administering a substance

Abstract

An electronic capsule (200) features a reservoir (204), and is configured for placement within a reproductive organ, such as the uterus or cervix. While located therein, the capsule dispenses (208), from the reservoir, a substance, such as a reproductive hormone, semen, acidic buffer, fertility drug or other drug, effectively administered from within the organ. In some embodiments, the capsule has on-board sensors(238, 244), and control circuitry in wireless communication with an external processor functioning automatically or guided by a clinician or user, for decisions and timing in administering the substance.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an electronic capsule placed in a body organ, and more particularly, to an electronic capsule placed in a reproductive organ and dispensed substances from within the organ. Background technique [0002] Infertility, or the inability of couples to have children, affects approximately 7.3 million women and their spouses in the United States—that's about 12 percent of the reproductive-age population (source: National Survey of Family Growth, CDC 2002). Treatment modalities range from monitoring bodily signs of ovulation to assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization. Even with various treatment modalities, many couples still have difficulty conceiving children. Unexplained (spontaneous) infertility is a diagnosis made by excluding couples who have never conceived and who have not detected any abnormalities on standard investigations. This condition accounts for approximately 40% of infertility in wome...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] While prompting can be helpful in achieving pregnancy or achieving pregnancy quickly, especially for those with declining fertility, there are still many other factors and contingencies that remain unmet or unresolved

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