IUD removal devices and related methods and kits

Abstract

An apparatus for removing an intrauterine device (IUD) is disclosed. The device is configured and operable to optimize self removal of the IUD by a patient or removal of the IUD in a non-clinical environment.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 464,226, filed on September 10, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 375,879, filed on September 16, 2022, entitled "IUD Removal Device and Related Methods and Kits", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] FIELD: The present disclosure relates generally to devices for removing intrauterine devices (IUDs). Background Art

[0003] Background: Unintended pregnancy rates have continued to decline over the past decade in both developing and developed countries. However, barriers to accessing contraception remain a significant issue for settings with limited access to healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), additional barriers to accessing contraception may be based on age, marital status, healthcare provider bias, and / or unwillingness to acknowledge sexual health needs. Knowledge, transportation, and financial constraints are also significant barriers to accessing contraception.

[0004] Improving access to contraception remains an important goal for a variety of reasons. Adolescent pregnancy remains a leading cause of maternal and child mortality and an intergenerational cycle of disease and poverty. While there are several types of contraception available, the intrauterine device (IUD) remains a reliable, easily deployable, and low-cost option for preventing unintended pregnancies. However, for women living in medically underserved communities, access to IUDs as a method of contraception remains a challenge due to lack of access to health clinics or doctors.

[0005] What are needed are methods, devices, systems and kits that can be used by a patient or a patient and a partner in remote areas to remove an IUD when a medical clinic or physician assistance is not readily accessible. Summary of the invention

[0006] Disclosed are methods, devices, systems and kits for patients or patients and partners to remove IUDs when it is not possible to go to a medical clinic or get help from a doctor. The partner may include, for example, a local healthcare promoter, a nurse practitioner, a friend or a relative.

[0007] Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

[0008] Incorporated by Reference

[0009] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0010] U.S. Patent 2,442,066A, issued to Waterbury on May 25, 1948;

[0011] U.S. Patent 3,407,806A, issued to Hulka et al. on October 29, 1968;

[0012] U.S. Patent 3,635,215A, issued on January 18, 1972 to Shea et al.

[0013] U.S. Patent 3,902,483A, issued to Place et al. on September 2, 1975;

[0014] U.S. Patent 3,937,217A, issued to Kosonen on February 10, 1976;

[0015] U.S. Patent 4,022,198A, issued to Johnson on May 10, 1977;

[0016] U.S. Patent 4,359,046A, issued to Shaw Jr. on November 16, 1982;

[0017] U.S. Patent 4,372,302A, issued to Akerlund on February 8, 1983;

[0018] U.S. Patent 4,381,001A, issued to Shaw Jr. on April 26, 1983;

[0019] U.S. Patent 4,495,934A, issued to Shaw Jr. on January 29, 1985;

[0020] U.S. Patent 4,561,433A, issued December 31, 1985 to Wheeler et al.

[0021] U.S. Patent 4,830,025A, issued May 16, 1989 to Gainutdinova et al.

[0022] U.S. Patent 5,785,053A, issued on July 28, 1998 to Macandrew et al.

[0023] U.S. Patent 6,599,296B2, issued on July 29, 2003 to Gillick et al.

[0024] U.S. Patent No. US10,028,858B2, issued on July 24, 2018 to Deckman et al.

[0025] Wilson et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. US2016 / 0038018 A1, published on February 11, 2016;

[0026] Deckman et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. US2020 / 00261258A1, published on August 20, 2020;

[0027] WO 2017 / 173178 A1 to Ramanujam et al., published on October 5, 2017; and

[0028] WO 2018 / 069285 A1 by Mikkonen et al., published on April 19, 2018. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The novel features of the present invention are set forth in detail in the appended claims. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. In addition, the illustrations presented in this disclosure are not intended to be actual views of any particular device (e.g., apparatus, system, etc.) or method, but are merely idealized representations adopted to describe various embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, for the sake of clarity, the sizes of various features may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced. In addition, for the sake of clarity, some drawings may be simplified. Thus, the drawings may not depict all parts of a given device (e.g., device) or all operations of a particular method.

[0030] A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by referring to the following detailed description, which sets forth illustrative embodiments utilizing the principles of the present invention and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] FIG. 1A is a T-shaped IUD; FIG. 1B is a T-shaped IUD positioned in the uterus;

[0032] Figure 2-AG illustrates an IUD removal device with the IUD gripper in an open configuration ( Figure 2A ), with the gripper in a closed configuration ( Figure 2B ), Internal View( Figure 2C -F), and exploded views of parts ( Figure 2G );

[0033] Figure 3A -B illustrates a close-up of the distal end of the IUD gripper with the IUD string on the bottom of the gripper ( Figure 3A ), and the IUD is fixed between the first gripper element and the second gripper element ( Figure 3B );

[0034] Figure 4 An IUD removal device with a cable for connecting to a mobile device is illustrated; and

[0035] Figure 5A -D illustrates different states of the device during use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Throughout the disclosure and drawings, the following reference numerals are used: a axis; 10 proximal or proximal position; and 20 distal or distal position. The proximal position reflects the position closest to the user's hand in use; the distal position reflects the position farthest from the user's hand in use. The axis is the axis about which action occurs.

[0037] The size of the IUD removal device disclosed herein fits at least partially within the female vagina 34 and allows the device to approach and / or engage the cervix 32. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the female vaginal anatomy can generally be categorized by size, and the tools that engage the female vaginal anatomy can also be categorized by size, although the actual length and width of the vagina vary. The average depth of the vagina (measured from the opening to the tip of the cervix) is about 3.77 inches (9.6 centimeters), and the size range is reported to be about 3 inches to 7 inches (7.6 centimeters to 17.7 centimeters). The length of the cervix is ​​generally about 1 inch (about 2 centimeters to 3 centimeters).

[0038] Typically, the removal devices disclosed herein will have a longitudinal body (e.g., the portion that is inserted) that is sized within a range of 3.1 inches (80 mm) to 5.1 inches (130 mm), more preferably 3.5 inches (90 mm) to 4.7 inches (120 mm), and even more preferably 4.1 inches (105 mm) to 4.2 inches (108 mm) in length. The overall diameter of the distal end 20 of the device is 0.39 inches (10 mm) to 1.25 inches (31.75 mm), more preferably 0.47 inches (12 mm) to 1.10 inches (27.9 mm), and even more preferably 1.00 inches (25 mm). The size of the diameter can be selected to facilitate keeping the vaginal walls out of the way during use. For example, a diameter of 1.00 inches is optimized for insertion, in which case keeping the vaginal walls out of the way. The handle of the device can have a larger diameter than the distal (insertion) end of the device and can be oriented in line with the longitudinal axis (e.g., 0 degrees from the longitudinal axis) or at various angles to the longitudinal axis (up to 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis A).

[0039] 1. Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUDS)

[0040] 1A is a T-shaped IUD 100. When the IUD is in a fully expanded position, it typically has a length of about 31.90 mm to about 32.22 mm and a width of about 31.81 mm to about 32.13 mm. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this length does not include a knot or removal string that may be provided with the IUD.

[0041] The T-shaped IUD 100 includes an elongated body 110 having a proximal end 10 and a distal end 20. The elongated body 110 may include a coating, such as a slow-release drug, hormone, or copper. Drug Delivery The T-shaped IUD 100 generally has four components: the T-shaped IUD 100, a removal cord at the proximal end of the IUD, a drug reservoir, and an outer membrane surrounding the drug reservoir that enables timed release of the drug in the reservoir.

[0042] The elongated body 110 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic or copper. At the distal end 20 of the IUD (i.e., the end located away from the doctor's hand), the IUD arms 120, 122 are attached to the elongated body 110 or are formed integrally with the elongated body 110. The IUD arms 120, 122 may be configured to be folded upward u or folded downward d to minimize the IUD cross-section so that the IUD can be loaded into the interior of the insertion device sheath or tube for insertion through the cervix and into the uterus. Additionally, either or both of the IUD arms 120, 122 may be configured to include an enlarged or spherical tip 121, 123, which may, for example, have a curved, spherical, or hemispherical shape. The spherical tips 121, 123 of the IUD arms 120, 122 may be formed so that the IUD arms form a smooth and rounded distal tip when folded upward and pushed together. The arms are not folded when the IUD is transported or stored to avoid deforming the arms.

[0043] At the proximal end 10 of the T-shaped IUD 100, the IUD may also include one or more IUD wires 130, 132 (or cords) attached to the IUD. The IUD wires 130, 132 may be connected to the IUD at a connection point 140, for example, as a single wire with both ends passing through holes and tied as shown. The connection point 140 may have a hole 142 through which the cord passes. The IUD wire may also be configured to pass through the connection point to form a loop.

[0044] The IUD device can also release a timed release of a drug, an active agent or a hormone. For example, when the T-shaped IUD 100 has an elongated member made of polyethylene, equipped with a reservoir regulated around the elongated member, the reservoir can contain, for example, the hormone levonorgestrel. The reservoir 150 containing the active agent can also be covered with a polymer film that controls the release rate of the drug. The active agent can also include, for example, hormones for treating menopausal problems or hormones for contraception. A membrane can be provided that surrounds the reservoir 150 and provides a timed release of the hormone in the reservoir.

[0045] After packaging, the T-shaped IUD 100 is positioned at the front end of the insertion device, wherein the reservoir containing the hormone is protected by the outer tube. On the other hand, the IUD arms 120, 122 of the cross member are allowed to reside outside the outer tube to prevent creep or shape setting of the arms during transportation and storage before use. The IUD wires 130, 132 allow the T-shaped IUD 100 to be retracted during removal, within the interior of the insertion device and extending from the proximal end.

[0046] FIG. 1B is an exemplary T-shaped IUD 100 having a ring-shaped IUD string 132 positioned within the uterus 30. Other string configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the uterus 30 is approached via the cervix 32 located within the vagina 34. The T-shaped IUD 100 is similar to the IUD shown in FIG. 1A in that it includes an elongated body 110, IUD arms 120, 122, and a connection point 140. However, in this configuration, a ring-shaped IUD string 134 (or cord) is provided that forms a loop at the proximal end 10 (the end positioned within the vagina 34). The use of the ring-shaped IUD string 134 provides a mechanism that allows the IUD string to be captured so that the T-shaped IUD 100 can be more easily removed.

[0047] In some configurations, the IUD wire 130, 132 or the ring-shaped IUD wire 134 may have a series of knots 160 or beads (not shown) spaced along its length to assist in the removal process. One or more knots 160 may be formed by tying each IUD wire into a separate knot along the length of the IUD wire. In the case of using beads, beads may be attached or incorporated into each IUD wire along the length of the IUD wire. The knots or beads will be positioned along the length of the IUD wire at a position along the length of the IUD wire, and the IUD wire will be positioned outside the cervix. For the ring-shaped IUD wire 134, the knots or beads may be arranged along the length of the ring-shaped IUD wire 134 located outside the cervix 32 and inside the vagina 34.

[0048] II. Removal of Devices and Systems

[0049] 2-AG illustrate an IUD removal device 200. The IUD removal device 200 is suitable for self-removal of an IUD or removal of an IUD outside a health clinic. The IUD removal device 200 may be part of a system.

[0050] The IUD removal device 200 includes: a housing 210 defining a cavity having a handle 220 at a proximal end and an aperture at a distal end; a gripper positioned within the cavity, wherein the gripper extends beyond the aperture at the distal end, the gripper comprising a first fixed gripper element having a first facing surface, and a second movable gripper element having a second facing surface, wherein the first facing surface is positioned to face the second facing surface; a rod 224 positioned adjacent to the handle 210, wherein the rod 224 is operable to control the gripper when the rod 224 moves from a first position to a second position; and an actuating link connected to the rod at a first end and to the second movable gripper element at a second end.

[0051] Figure 2A , 2D and 2E from the external view ( Figure 2A ) and internal views ( Figure 2D and 2E ) illustrates an IUD removal device 200 in an open configuration. The IUD removal device 200 has a housing 210 having a handle 220 at a proximal end 10 and a hole 212 at a distal end 20. The housing defines a cavity therein. The proximal end 10 engages a user's hand, and the distal end 20 is positionable within the vagina. A rod 224 is provided, which is operable to control the movement of a gripper at the distal end 20 when the IUD string of the IUD is fixed. The gripper has a first gripper element 214 and a second gripper element 216. Each gripper element has an inner facing surface. The inner facing surface of the first gripper faces the inner facing surface of the second gripper. When the IUD removal device has an IUD string positioned between the first gripper and the second gripper, the inner facing surfaces are brought into contact with each other by activating the rod. Depending on whether the inner facing surfaces are smooth or have a surface treatment, the surfaces will be in full surface-to-surface contact or will be in full surface-to-surface contact to fix the IUD string between the gripper-facing surfaces.

[0052] The gripper may extend completely or partially out of the hole 212. When activated, the first gripper element 214 and the second gripper element 216 have facing surfaces that cooperate or contact each other (e.g., can be positioned to face each other). The facing surfaces may be two flat surfaces. A raised leading edge 215 may be provided on at least one gripper element to facilitate engaging or gripping the line of the IUD with the gripper. A gripping surface (such as a textured surface, teeth and / or ridges) may also be provided on the inner surface of one or both of the gripper elements so that the gripping surface on the inner surface faces the inner surface of the relative gripper element. The gripping surface may be a surface formed integrally with the gripper element, or may be a surface treatment applied to the gripper element. The IUD removal device may be operable to communicate with one or more cameras, speakers, and screens. One or more of the cameras, speakers, and screens may be incorporated into the IUD removal device, or may be associated with an external electronic device (such as a mobile phone or tablet). The external electronic device is an auxiliary device for the IUD removal device.

[0053] like Figure 2A -F, the first gripper element 214 is non-movable and is integrally formed with the housing of the removal device 200. The second gripper element 216 is movable to engage the first gripper element 214 in use. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the first gripper element 214 may be formed separately from the IUD removal device 200 and may move with the movement of the second gripper element 216. The first gripper element 214 may be fixed, while the second gripper element 216 is a movable gripper element.

[0054] Figure 2A The rod 224 is shown extending away from the body of the IUD removal device 200 when the gripper is open (eg, when the first gripper element 214 and the second gripper element 216 are spaced apart). Figure 2B The rod 224 is shown adjacent the body of the IUD removal device 200 when the gripper is closed (eg, when the first gripper element 214 and the second gripper element 216 are in contact).

[0055] Steering Figure 2C -G, illustrates an internal view of the IUD removal device 200 ( Figure 2C -F) and exploded part views ( Figure 2G ). Figure 2C20 shows a closed position in which the rod 224 is positioned within the handle 220, wherein a substantial portion of the body of the rod 224 is positioned within the interior of the handle 220. The IUD removal device 200 has a body or housing having a right side and a left side and a plurality of coupling surfaces 225 that allow the right and left sides of the body to securely engage when the two sides of the body are brought together. The coupling surfaces may be a plurality of stop features. The stop features provide a fastener between the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing to securely hold the housing components together when the device is assembled until it may be necessary to release the stop to allow access to the interior of the housing.

[0056] The rod 224 is operable to engage a plurality of links. As illustrated, the rod 224 engages an actuation link 230. The actuation link 230 is an elongated arm having a first actuation link mating surface 231 and a second actuation link mating surface 231 ', wherein the first actuation link mating surface is positioned at a first end of the actuation link 230, and the second actuation link mating surface is positioned at a second end (opposite end) of the actuation link 230. The actuation link mating surfaces are shown as concave surfaces or c-shaped. The first concave surface of the first actuation link mating surface 231 is coupled to a mating surface on a horizontal link 232. The second concave surface of the second actuation link mating surface 231 ' is coupled to a rod mating surface positioned within the body of the rod 224. The mating surface within the rod 224 is shown as a cylindrical shape extending from the interior surface of the rod. The second concave surface allows the actuation link 230 to rotate about an axis during use when the lever 224 moves from a position generally outside the handle 220 (open) to a position generally inside the handle 220 (closed).

[0057] The horizontal link 232 is elongated and has a first horizontal link mating surface 233 configured to engage the second gripper element 216 and a second horizontal link mating surface 233' configured to engage the first actuation link mating surface 231 of the actuation link 230. In one configuration, the first horizontal link mating surface 233 and the second horizontal link mating surface 233' are not positioned in the same plane, as can be seen by viewing Figure 2C and 2F As can be understood. Figure 2C and 2F As shown, when the lever is in the closed position, the distal end 20 of the actuation link 230 is angled within the housing 210 toward the lower interior surface 211, and the distal end 20 of the horizontal link 232 is angled within the housing 210 toward the upper interior surface 211', which applies downward pressure to the second gripper element 216, thereby placing the second gripper element 216 in the closed position. Figure 2D and 2EAs shown, when the rod is in the open position, the distal end 20 of the actuating link 230 moves away from the lower interior surface 211 in the housing 210, and the distal end 20 of the horizontal link 232 moves away from the upper interior surface 211' in the housing 210 toward the middle of the interior of the housing 210, which eliminates the downward pressure on the second gripper element 216, thereby placing the second gripper element 216 in the open position so that the facing surface of the second gripper element does not engage the facing surface of the first gripper element.

[0058] Figure 2G An exploded view of the parts of the IUD removal device 200 is shown. A spring 240 and a camera 250 are also provided. A cable may also be provided to connect the camera 250 to, for example, a power source or a mobile device. The camera allows images obtained via the distal end of the IUD removal device to be provided to an electronic device (such as an electronic device with a screen). The camera and / or the IUD removal device may be connected to the electronic device with a screen via a wired or wireless manner. Alternatively, the camera may be capable of being wirelessly connected to the IUD removal device.

[0059] The spring 240 is operable to keep the rod 224 in an external position away from the handle body as a default position. The spring 240 is attached to the horizontal link 232 on the front end of the spring and is attached to the handle 220 on the rear end of the spring 240 (e.g., the left side of the housing).

[0060] Figure 3A -B illustrates a close-up of the distal end 20 of the IUD removal device 200, with the IUD string 132 on the bottom of the gripper ( Figure 3A ), and when the rod (as shown in FIG. 2 ) is moved to the closed position, the IUD wire 132 is fixed between the second gripper element 216 and the first gripper element 214 ( Figure 3B ). The leading edge of the lower (or fixed) gripper element is raised. The raised leading edge 215 helps to place the IUD string into the gripper. Teeth may also be provided on the inner surface of one or both of the gripper elements so that the teeth on the inner surface face the face of the opposing gripper element.

[0061] III. Methods of removing the IUD

[0062] In use, once any packaging has been removed, the IUD removal device 200 is advanced into the vaginal canal with the gripper in an open configuration, such as Figure 5A -B. A camera can be used to allow the user or a third person to see on the screen the position of the wire relative to the distal opening of the IUD removal device and the gripper. The third person can be located remote from the user. The camera can communicate an image, multiple images, or video to an external device with a screen via wired or wireless means. Instruction videos and content can also be viewed on the screen.

[0063] The IUD removal device and / or the camera may or may not be provided with additional features, such as lighting elements, to facilitate viewing. A suitable lighting element is an LED light. Once the IUD wire is positioned between the gripper elements, the rod is moved towards the housing body, which moves the gripper into a closed configuration, such as Figure 5C -D. The camera can be engaged via a camera cable or via a wireless connection (such as Bluetooth). The cable engages the IUD removal device via a cable connection hole on the IUD removal device housing. The IUD removal device 200 is then pulled proximally, which should cause the IUD to be removed. The gripper can have a locking element to keep the gripper closed. Alternatively, the user can continue to squeeze the handle during removal. Locking elements include, but are not limited to, ratchets, cams, friction features, gears, and latches.

[0064] IV.Kit

[0065] An IUD removal device kit may also be provided. In addition to the removal device, the kit includes a reflective surface and a cable 410 for connecting the IUD removal device to an external device, such as a mobile device 450, such as a phone. The cable may include a USB connector. The reflective surface is particularly useful for configurations of the removal device that do not include a camera.

[0066] A self-luminous cone assembly may also be provided. Additional components of the kit may include forceps and forceps guides. The self-luminous cone assembly may be similar to a self-contained amnioscope, which provides a shadow-free light source and allows access to the vagina 34. The forceps have a 90-degree bend and pass through the forceps guide in the self-luminous cone assembly to access the cervix 32. The forceps can be used to grasp the IUD line so as to position the IUD line in the optimal position so that the IUD removal device firmly engages the line. A reflective surface (such as a mirror or mobile phone holder attached to the self-luminous cone assembly) provides visual feedback during the removal process. A vaginal canal measuring device may be provided to assist in determining the depth of the vaginal canal. A software application ("app") may also be provided for the electronic device, which allows the patient (or partner) to upload a picture of the removed IUD to provide digital confirmation of successful removal.

[0067] V. Software

[0068] As part of the IUD removal device system, a software application can be set and downloaded to a memory on an electronic device or stored in a memory associated with the IUD removal device. The software can operate to provide audible instructions and / or visual instructions (static (e.g., pictures), non-static (e.g., videos), or a combination thereof). The memory can be an internal memory or an external memory of a microcontroller and can be implemented in firmware and / or software implementations. The firmware and / or software implementations can be implemented with modules (e.g., programs, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described herein. When implementing the methods described herein, a machine-readable medium that tangibly embodies instructions can be used. For example, a software code can be stored in a memory and executed by a processor unit (e.g., a microcontroller). The memory can be implemented within a processor unit or outside a processor unit. As used herein, the term "memory" refers to the type of long-term, short-term, volatile, non-volatile, and / or other non-temporary memory, and is not limited to a specific type of memory or the amount of memory, or the type of medium on which the memory is stored.

[0069] If implemented in firmware and / or software, and / or as part of a microcontroller and / or memory, the functions described herein may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Examples include computer-readable media encoded with data structures and computer-readable media encoded with computer programs. Computer-readable media include physical computer storage media. The storage medium may be a usable medium accessible by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or other media that can be used to store the required program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer (e.g., a microcontroller); disks and optical disks used herein include compact disks (CDs), laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0070] In addition to being stored on a computer-readable medium, instructions and / or data may also be provided as signals on a transmission medium included in a communication device. For example, a communication device may include a transceiver with signals indicating instructions and data. The instructions and data are configured to cause one or more processors (e.g., microcontrollers) to implement the functions outlined.

[0071] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Those skilled in the art will now appreciate that many variations, changes and substitutions will not depart from the scope of the present invention. For example, variations such as including or including are used to include the stated integer or integer groups, but any other integer or integer group is not excluded. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be adopted in practicing the present invention. It is intended that any claims presented at any time in this application define the scope of the present invention, and methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents are thus covered.

Claims

1. An IUD removal device, comprising: a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an aperture at a distal end; a gripper positioned within the cavity, wherein the gripper extends out of the aperture at the distal end, the gripper comprising a first fixed gripper element having a first facing surface, and a second movable gripper element having a second facing surface, wherein the first facing surface is positioned to face the second facing surface; a lever positioned adjacent the handle, wherein the lever is operable to control the gripper when the lever moves from a first position to a second position; and An actuation link is in communication with the rod at a first end and in communication with the second movable gripper element at a second end.

2. The IUD removal device according to claim 1, wherein: The first fixed gripper element has a raised leading edge.

3. The IUD removal device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first fixed gripper element and the second movable gripper element is operable to extend beyond the aperture of the housing.

4. The IUD removal device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first fixed gripper element and the second movable gripper element has a gripping surface on an inner facing surface.

5. The IUD removal device of claim 1, further comprising one or more of a plurality of one or more connecting rods, locking elements, and springs.

6. The IUD removal device according to claim 5, wherein: The locking element is operable to secure the lever in the second position.

7. The IUD removal device according to claim 5, wherein: The linkage also includes an actuating linkage and a horizontal linkage.

8. The IUD removal device according to claim 1, wherein: The IUD removal device is in communication with one or more of a camera and a light.

9. The IUD removal device according to claim 8, wherein: The IUD removal device has a cable connection aperture for receiving a first end of a cable, wherein a second end of the cable is operable to engage an electronic device.

10. The IUD removal device according to claim 8, wherein: The IUD removal device is in wireless communication with the camera.

11. A method of using an IUD removal device, comprising: The IUD removal device is provided, wherein the IUD removal device comprises a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an aperture at a distal end, a gripper positioned within the cavity, wherein the gripper extends out of the aperture at the distal end, the gripper comprising a first fixed gripper element having a first facing surface, and a second movable gripper element having a second facing surface, wherein the first facing surface is positioned facing the second facing surface, a lever positioned adjacent the handle, wherein the lever is operable to control the gripper when the lever moves from a first position to a second position; and an actuation link in communication with the rod at a first end and in communication with the second movable gripper element at a second end; inserting the IUD removal device into the vaginal canal with the gripper in an open configuration; Using a camera to visualize the location of one or more IUD strings; positioning the IUD wire between the first fixed gripper element and the second movable gripper element; actuating the gripper to change the gripper from the open configuration to a closed configuration; and The IUD removal device is removed from the vaginal canal.

12. An IUD removal device system, comprising: An IUD removal device comprising a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an aperture at a distal end, a gripper positioned within the cavity, wherein the gripper extends out of the aperture at the distal end, the gripper comprising a first fixed gripper element having a first facing surface, and a second movable gripper element having a second facing surface, wherein the first facing surface is positioned to face the second facing surface; a lever positioned adjacent the handle, wherein the lever is operable to control the gripper when the lever moves from a first position to a second position; an actuation link in communication with the rod at a first end and in communication with the second movable gripper element at a second end; and A software application downloadable to an electronic device, wherein the software application is operable to provide instructions to a user during use of the IUD removal device.

13. The IUD removal device system of claim 12, wherein: The first fixed gripper element has a raised leading edge.

14. The IUD removal device system of claim 12, wherein: At least one of the first fixed gripper element and the second movable gripper element is operable to extend beyond the aperture of the housing.

15. The IUD removal device system of claim 12, wherein: At least one of the first fixed gripper element and the second movable gripper element has a gripping surface on an inner facing surface.

16. The IUD removal device system of claim 12, further comprising one or more of a plurality of one or more links, a locking element, and a spring.

17. The IUD removal device system of claim 16, wherein: The locking element is operable to secure the lever in the second position.

18. The IUD removal device system of claim 16, wherein: The linkage also includes an actuating linkage and a horizontal linkage.

19. The IUD removal device system of claim 12, wherein: The IUD removal device is in communication with one or more of a camera and a light.

20. The IUD removal device system of claim 19, wherein: The IUD removal device has a cable connection aperture for receiving a first end of a cable, wherein a second end of the cable is operable to engage an electronic device.

21. The IUD removal device system of claim 20, wherein: The IUD removal device is in wireless communication with the camera and the software application.

22. A method of using an IUD removal device, comprising: The IUD removal device is provided, wherein the IUD removal device comprises a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an aperture at a distal end, a gripper positioned within the cavity, wherein the gripper extends out of the aperture at the distal end, the gripper comprising a first fixed gripper element having a first facing surface, and a second movable gripper element having a second facing surface, wherein the first facing surface is positioned to face the second facing surface; a lever positioned adjacent the handle, wherein the lever is operable to control the gripper when the lever moves from a first position to a second position, an actuation link in communication with the rod at a first end and in communication with the second movable gripper element at a second end, and a software application downloadable to an electronic device, wherein the software application is operable to provide instructions to a user during use of the IUD removal device, and an actuation link in communication with the rod at a first end and in communication with the second movable gripper element at a second end; launching the software application; inserting the IUD removal device into the vaginal canal with the gripper in an open configuration; Using a camera to visualize the location of one or more IUD strings; following instructions transmitted via the software application; positioning the IUD wire between the fixed first gripper element and the second movable gripper element; actuating the gripper to change the gripper from the open configuration to a closed configuration; and The IUD removal device is removed from the vaginal canal.

23. An IUD removal device kit comprising: An IUD removal device comprising a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an aperture at a distal end, a gripper positioned within the cavity, wherein the gripper extends out of the aperture at the distal end, the gripper comprising a first fixed gripper element having a first facing surface, and a second movable gripper element having a second facing surface, wherein the first facing surface is positioned facing the second facing surface, a lever positioned adjacent the handle, wherein the lever is operable to control the gripper when the lever moves from a first position to a second position, and an actuation link in communication with the rod at a first end and in communication with the second movable gripper element at a second end; One or more of a cable with a USB connector, a reflective surface, a self-luminous cone assembly, tweezers, a tweezers guide, and a vaginal canal measuring device.

24. The IUD removal device kit of claim 23, further comprising a software application.

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