IUD Removal Devices and Related Methods and Kits

Abstract

A device for removing an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is disclosed, the device being configured and operable to optimize self-removal of the IUD by a patient or removal in a non-clinical setting.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (cross reference)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 464,226, filed Sep. 10, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63 / 375,879, entitled IUD REMOVAL DEVICES, AND RELATED METHODS AND KITS, filed Sep. 16, 2022, which applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties into this specification.

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

[0003]

[0003] Background: Rates of unwanted pregnancy in developing and developed countries have continued to decline over the past decade. However, barriers to accessing contraception remain a significant issue for jurisdictions with limited access to health care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), additional barriers to accessing contraception may be based on age, marital status, health care provider stigma, and / or lack of willingness to recognize sexual health needs. Knowledge, transportation, and financial constraints are also significant barriers to access.

[0004]

[0004] Improving access to contraception remains an important objective for a variety of reasons. Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant contributor to maternal and child mortality, as well as the intergenerational cycle of disease and poverty. While several types of contraception are available, intrauterine devices (IUDs) remain a reliable, easy-to-deploy, and low-cost option for preventing unplanned pregnancies. However, accessibility of IUDs as a contraceptive method for women living in underserved areas remains a challenge due to lack of access to health clinics or physicians.

[0005]

[0005] What is needed are methods, devices, systems, and kits that can be used for IUD removal by patients or patients and partners in remote locations when access to a medical clinic or physician is not readily available. Summary of the Invention

[0006] (Summary of the Invention)

[0006] Disclosed are methods, devices, systems, and kits for IUD removal by a patient or patient and a partner when access to a medical clinic or physician is not available. The partner may include, for example, a local medical promoter, a practice nurse, a friend, or a relative.

[0007]

[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)

[0008] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated by reference into this specification to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0009]

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 2,442,066, issued May 25, 1948, to Waterbury;

[0010]

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 3,407,806, issued October 29, 1968, to Hulka et al.

[0011]

[0011] U.S. Patent No. 3,635,215, issued January 18, 1972, to Shea et al.

[0012]

[0012] U.S. Patent No. 3,902,483, issued September 2, 1975, to Place et al.

[0013]

[0013] U.S. Patent No. 3,937,217, issued February 10, 1976, to Kosonen;

[0014]

[0014] U.S. Patent No. 4,022,198, issued May 10, 1977, to Johnson;

[0015]

[0015] U.S. Patent No. 4,359,046, issued November 16, 1982, to Shaw Jr.;

[0016]

[0016] U.S. Patent No. 4,372,302, issued February 8, 1983, to Akerlund;

[0017]

[0017] U.S. Patent No. 4,381,001, issued April 26, 1983, to Shaw Jr.;

[0018]

[0018] U.S. Patent No. 4,495,934, issued January 29, 1985, to Shaw Jr.;

[0019]

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,433, issued Dec. 31, 1985, to Wheeler et al.

[0020]

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,025, issued May 16, 1989, to Gainutdinova et al.

[0021]

[0021] U.S. Patent No. 5,785,053 to Macandrew et al., issued July 28, 1998;

[0022]

[0022] U.S. Patent No. 6,599,296 to Gillick et al., issued July 29, 2003;

[0023]

[0023] U.S. Patent No. 10,028,858 to Deckman et al., issued July 24, 2018;

[0024]

[0024] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0038018 to Wilson et al., a U.S. patent publication published on February 11, 2016;

[0025]

[0025] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 00261258 to Deckman et al., a U.S. patent publication published on August 20, 2020;

[0026]

[0026] WO 2017 / 173178 by Ramanujam et al., published October 5, 2017; and

[0027]

[0027] International Publication No. 2018 / 069285 by Mikkonen et al., published April 19, 2018.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] The novel features of the present invention are set forth with detail in the appended claims. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Furthermore, the figures presented in this disclosure are not meant to be actual diagrams of any particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method, but are merely ideal representations employed to describe various embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all operations of a particular method.

[0029] A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1A]

[0029] Figure 1A is a t-shaped IUD. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows a T-shaped IUD placed in the uterus. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows the IUD removal device with the IUD grasper in the open configuration. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows the IUD removal device with the IUD grasper in the closed configuration. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C shows an internal view of the IUD removal device. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D shows an internal view of the IUD removal device. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E shows an internal view of the IUD removal device. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F shows an internal view of the IUD removal device. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2G shows an exploded view of the parts of the IUD removal device. [Figure 3A]

[0031] FIG. 3A shows a close-up of the distal end of the IUD grasper with the IUD thread on the bottom of the grasper. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a close-up view of the distal end of the IUD grasper with the IUD secured between the first and second grasper elements. [Figure 4]

[0032] FIG. 4 shows an IUD removal device with a cable for connecting to a mobile device. [Figure 5A]

[0033] FIG. 5A shows the device at one point in time in use. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows the device at another point in time during use. [Figure 5C]FIG. 5C shows the device at yet another point in time during use. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D shows the device at yet another different point in time during use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] (Mode for Carrying Out the Invention)

[0034] The following markings are used throughout this disclosure and figures: axis a, proximal or proximal position 10, and distal or distal position 20. The proximal position reflects the location closest to the user's hand during use, and the distal position reflects the location furthest from the user's hand during use. The axis is the axis about which action occurs.

[0032]

[0035] The IUD removal devices disclosed herein are sized to fit at least partially within a woman's vagina 34 and to allow the device to approach and / or engage the cervix 32. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, although the actual length and width of the vagina varies, the female vaginal anatomy may typically be organized by size, and instruments that engage the female vaginal anatomy may also be organized by size. The average depth of the vagina (measured from the opening to the tip of the cervix) is approximately 3.77 inches (9.6 cm), with a reported size range of approximately 3 inches to 7 inches (7.6 cm to 17.7 cm). The cervix is ​​typically about 1 inch (approximately 2 cm to 3 cm) long.

[0033]

[0036] Generally, the removal devices disclosed herein will have longitudinal body (e.g., inserted portion) dimensions ranging from 3.1 inches (80 mm) to 5.1 inches (130 mm) in length, more preferably from 3.5 inches (90 mm) to 4.7 inches (120 mm) in length, and even more preferably from 4.1 inches (105 mm) to 4.2 inches (108 mm) in length. The overall diameter of the distal end 20 of the device will be from 0.39 inches (10 mm) to 1.25 inches (31.75 mm), more preferably from 0.47 inches (12 mm) to 1.10 inches (27.9 mm), and even more preferably 1.00 inches (25 mm). The diameter size can be selected to facilitate keeping the vaginal walls out of the way during use. For example, a 1.00 inch diameter is optimized for insertion while 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 either in line with the longitudinal axis (e.g., 0 degrees from the longitudinal axis) or at a variety of angles from the longitudinal axis up to 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis A.

[0034] (I. Intrauterine Devices (IUDS))

[0037] 1A shows a T-shaped IUD 100. The IUD 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 when the IUD is in the fully deployed position. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the length does not include any knots or removal strings that may be associated with the IUD.

[0035]

[0038] The T-shaped IUD 100 comprises an elongate body 110 having a proximal end 10 and a distal end 20. The elongate body 110 may include a coating such as a time-release drug, hormone, or copper. A drug delivery T-shaped IUD 100 typically has four components: the T-shaped IUD 100, a removal string at the proximal end of the IUD, a drug reservoir, and an outer membrane surrounding the drug reservoir that allows the drug in the reservoir to be slowly released.

[0036]

[0039] The elongated body 110 can be formed from 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 physician's hand), IUD arms 120, 122 are attached to or integrally formed with the elongated body 110. The IUD arms 120, 122 can be configured to fold upward (u) or downward (d) to minimize the IUD cross-section so that the IUD can fit inside an insertion device sheath or tube for insertion through the cervix into the uterus. Additionally, either or both of the IUD arms 120, 122 can be configured to include enlarged or bulbous tips 121, 123, which can have, for example, a curved, spherical, or hemispherical shape. The bulbous tips 121, 123 of the IUD arms 120, 122 can be shaped to form a smooth, rounded distal tip when the IUD arms are folded upward (u) and pressed together. IUDs are not shipped or stored with the arms folded to avoid deformation of the arms.

[0037]

[0040] At the proximal end 10 of the T-shaped IUD 100, the IUD can further include one or more IUD threads 130, 132 (or strings) attached to the IUD. The IUD threads 130, 132 can be connected to the IUD at a connection point 140, for example, as shown, a single string with both ends passing through openings and tied in a knot. The connection point 140 can have an opening 142 through which the string passes. The IUD thread can also be configured to form a loop that passes through the connection point.

[0038]

[0041] IUD devices can also release sustained-release medications, active agents, or hormones. For example, if the T-shaped IUD 100 has an elongated member made of polyethylene and is equipped with a reservoir sized 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 membrane that controls the release rate of the agent. The active agent can also include, for example, hormones used to treat menopausal symptoms or hormones used for contraception. A membrane can be provided surrounding the reservoir 150 to provide sustained release of the hormone within the reservoir.

[0039]

[0042] In its packaged state, the T-shaped IUD 100 is positioned at the anterior end of the insertion device, with the hormone-containing reservoir protected by the outer tube, while the transverse IUD arms 120, 122 can be placed outside the outer tube to prevent creep or shape-setting during shipping and storage prior to use. The IUD threads 130, 132, which allow the T-shaped IUD 100 to be retracted during removal, are internal to the insertion device and extend from the proximal end.

[0040]

[0043] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary T-shaped IUD 100 having a looped IUD thread 132 positioned within the uterus 30. Other thread configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the uterus 30 is accessed through the cervix 32, which is 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, this configuration includes a looped IUD thread 134 (or string) that forms a loop at the proximal end 10 (the end positioned within the vagina 34). The use of the looped IUD thread 134 provides a mechanism that allows the IUD thread to be captured for easier removal of the T-shaped IUD 100.

[0041]

[0044] In some configurations, the IUD thread 130, 132 or looped IUD thread 134 can have a series of knots 160 or beads (not shown) spaced along the length of the IUD thread 130, 132 or looped IUD thread 134 to aid in the removal process. One or more knots 160 can be formed by tying each IUD thread as an individual knot along the length of the IUD thread. If beads are used, small beads can be attached or incorporated into each IUD thread along its length. The knots or beads will be located along the length of the IUD thread at locations along the length of the IUD thread that will be located outside the cervix. In the case of a looped IUD thread 134, the knots or beads can be located along the length of the looped IUD thread 134 that will be located outside the cervix 32 and within the vagina 34.

[0042] II. Removal Devices and Systems

[0045] 2A-2G 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 of a clinic environment. The IUD removal device 200 can be part of a system.

[0043]

[0046] The IUD removal device 200 comprises a housing 210 defining a cavity having a handle 220 at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end; a gripper disposed within the cavity, the gripper extending outside the opening at the distal end, the gripper comprising a first fixed gripper element having a first opposing surface and a second movable gripper element having a second opposing surface, the first opposing surface being positioned opposite the second opposing surface; a lever 224 disposed adjacent to the handle 210, the lever 224 operable to control the gripper when the lever 224 is moved from a first position to a second position; and an actuation link in communication with the lever at a first end and in communication with the second movable gripper element at a second end.

[0044]

[0047] 2A, 2D, and 2E show exterior (FIG. 2A) and interior (FIGS. 2D and 2E) views of an IUD removal device 200 in an open configuration. The IUD removal device 200 has a housing 210 having a handle 220 at its proximal end 10 and an opening 212 at its 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 lever 224 is provided that is operable to control movement of a gripper at the distal end 20 when securing an IUD string of the IUD. The gripper has a first gripper element 214 and a second gripper element 216. Each of the gripper elements has an inward-facing surface. The inward-facing surface of the first gripper faces the inward-facing surface of the second gripper. When the IUD removal device has an IUD string disposed between the first and second grippers, the inwardly facing surfaces are brought into contact with one another by actuating the lever. Depending on whether the inwardly facing surfaces are smooth or have a surface treatment, the surfaces will either form complete surface-to-surface contact or sufficient surface-to-surface contact to secure the IUD string between the opposing gripper surfaces.

[0045]

[0048] The grippers can extend completely or partially out of the opening 212. When activated, the first gripper element 214 and the second gripper element 216 have opposing surfaces that mate or contact each other, e.g., can be positioned to face each other. The opposing surfaces can be two flat surfaces. A raised leading edge 215 can be provided on at least one gripper element to facilitate engagement or gripping of the IUD's sutures with the grippers. A gripping surface, such as a textured surface, teeth, and / or ridges, can also be provided on the inner surface of one or both of the gripper elements, such that the gripping surface on the inner surface faces the inner surface of the opposing gripper element. The gripping surface can be a surface integrally formed with the gripper element or can be a surface treatment applied to the gripper element. The IUD removal device is operable to communicate with one or more of a camera, a speaker, and a screen. One or more of the camera, speaker, and screen may be built into the IUD removal device or may be associated with an external electronic device, such as a cell phone or tablet, that is secondary to the IUD removal device.

[0046]

[0049] 2A-2F, the first gripper element 214 is not movable but is formed integrally with the housing of the removal device 200. The second gripper element 216 is movable to engage with the first gripper element 214 during use. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the first gripper element 214 can be formed separately from the IUD removal device 200 and movable with the movement of the second gripper element 216. The first gripper element 214 can be fixed, while the second gripper element 216 is a movable gripper element.

[0047]

[0050] In Figure 2A, when the grippers are open (e.g., when the first gripper element 214 and the second gripper element 216 are spaced apart), the lever 224 is shown extending outward from the body of the IUD removal device 200. In Figure 2B, when the grippers are closed (e.g., when the first gripper element 214 and the second gripper element 216 are in contact), the lever 224 is shown adjacent to the body of the IUD removal device 200.

[0048]

[0051] 2C-2G, internal views (FIGS. 2C-2F) and exploded view (FIG. 2G) of IUD removal device 200 are shown. In FIG. 2C, lever 224 is shown disposed within handle 220 in a closed position, with a substantial portion of the lever 224 body disposed within handle 220. IUD removal device 200 has a body or housing with right and left sides and multiple mating surfaces 225 that allow the right and left sides of the body to securely engage when the right and left sides are brought together. The mating surfaces can be multiple detent mechanisms. The detent mechanisms provide a fastener between a first portion of the housing and a second portion of the housing to hold the housing components securely together when the device is assembled, until it may be desirable to release the detents to allow access to the interior of the housing.

[0049]

[0052] Lever 224 is operable to engage multiple links. As shown, lever 224 engages actuation link 230. Actuation link 230 is an elongated arm having a first actuation link mating surface 231 and a second actuation link mating surface 231′, where the first actuation link mating surface is located at a first end of actuation link 230 and the second actuation link mating surface is located at a second (opposite) end of actuation link 230. The actuation link mating surfaces are shown as concave or C-shaped. A first concave surface of first actuation link mating surface 231 mates with a mating surface on horizontal link 232. A second concave surface of second actuation link mating surface 231′ mates with a lever mating surface located within the body of lever 224. The mating surface within lever 224 is shown as a cylindrical shape extending from the interior surface of the lever. The second concave surface allows the actuation link 230 to rotate about an axis during use when the lever 224 moves from a position substantially outside the handle 220 (open) to a position substantially inside the handle 220 (closed).

[0050]

[0053] Horizontal link 232 is elongated and has a first horizontal link mating surface 233 configured to engage second gripper element 216 and a second horizontal link mating surface 233' configured to engage first actuation link mating surface 231 of actuation link 230. In one configuration, first horizontal link mating surface 233 and second horizontal link mating surface 233' are not disposed in the same plane, as can be seen by reviewing Figures 2C and 2F. When the lever is in the closed position, as shown in Figures 2C and 2F, distal end 20 of actuation link 230 is angled toward a lower inner surface 211 within housing 210, and distal end 20 of horizontal link 232 is angled toward an upper inner surface 211' within housing 210, thereby exerting downward pressure on second gripper element 216, thereby positioning second gripper element 216 in the closed position. When the lever is in the open position, as shown in Figures 2D and 2E, the distal end 20 of the actuating link 230 moves away from the lower inner surface 211 within the housing 210, and the distal end 20 of the horizontal link 232 moves away from the upper inner surface 211' within the housing 210 toward the center of the interior of the housing 210, thereby removing the downward pressure on the second gripper element 216, thereby positioning the second gripper element 216 in the open position so that the opposing surface of the second gripper element does not engage the opposing surface of the first gripper element.

[0051]

[0054] An exploded view of the components of the IUD removal device 200 is shown in FIG. 2G. 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 through the distal end of the IUD removal device to be provided to an electronic device, such as an electronic device having a screen. The camera and / or the IUD removal device may be connected to the electronic device having a screen by wire or wirelessly. Alternatively, the camera may be connectable to the IUD removal device wirelessly.

[0052]

[0055] A spring 240 is operable to keep the lever 224 in an outward position extending outward from the body of the handle as a default location. The spring 240 is attached on its front end to the horizontal link 232 and on its rear end to the handle 220, for example, on the left side of the housing.

[0053]

[0056] 3A-3B show close-up views of the distal end 20 of the IUD removal device 200 with the IUD thread 132 on the bottom of the gripper (FIG. 3A) and secured between the second gripper element 216 and the first gripper element 214 when the lever (shown in FIG. 2) is moved to the closed position (FIG. 3B). The leading edge of the bottom (or secured) gripper element is raised. The raised leading edge 215 facilitates the entry of the IUD thread into the gripper. Teeth can also be provided on the inner surface of one or both of the gripper elements, with the teeth on the inner surface facing the face of the opposing gripper element.

[0054] (III. How to Remove an IUD)

[0057] In use, once any packaging is removed, the IUD removal device 200 is advanced into the vaginal canal with the grasper in the open configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B. A camera may be used to allow the user or a third party to visualize on a screen the distal opening of the IUD removal device and the location of the thread relative to the grasper. The third party may be located remotely from the user. The camera may communicate a single image, multiple images, or video via wire or wireless to an external device having a screen. Instructional videos and content may also be viewed on the screen.

[0055]

[0058] The IUD removal device and / or camera may or may not have additional features, such as a light element, to facilitate observation. A suitable light element is an LED light. Once the IUD thread is placed between the gripper elements, the lever is moved toward the main body of the housing, which moves the gripper to the closed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D. The camera can be interfaced via a camera cable or via a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth. The cable engages with the IUD removal device through a cable connection opening on the housing of the IUD removal device. The IUD removal device 200 is then pulled proximally, which should extract the IUD. The gripper may have a locking element to keep the gripper closed. Alternatively, the user can continue to grip the handle during removal. Locking elements include, but are not limited to, ratchets, cams, friction mechanisms, gears, and latches.

[0056] (IV. Kit)

[0059] An IUD removal device kit can 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 can include a USB connector. The reflective surface can be particularly useful in removal device configurations that do not include a camera.

[0057]

[0060] A self-illuminating conical assembly can also be provided. Additional components of the kit can include forceps and forceps guides. The self-illuminating conical assembly can be similar to a self-contained amnioscope, providing a shadowless light source and allowing access to the vagina 34. The forceps have a 90-degree bend and pass through the forceps guides in the self-illuminating conical assembly to access the cervix 32. The forceps can be used to grasp the IUD sutures to optimally position them so that the IUD removal device securely engages the sutures. A reflective surface, such as a mirror or phone mount attached to the self-illuminating conical assembly, provides visual feedback during the removal procedure. A vaginal canal measuring device can be provided to assist in determining the depth of the vaginal canal. A software application ("app") can also be provided on the electronic device that allows the patient (or partner) to upload a photo of the removed IUD to digitally confirm successful removal.

[0058] (V. Software)

[0061] As part of the IUD removal device system, a software application can be provided and downloaded to memory on the electronic device or stored in memory associated with the IUD removal device. The software can be operable to provide audible and / or visual instructions (static (e.g., photographs), non-static (e.g., videos), or a combination thereof). The memory can be internal or external to the microcontroller and can be implemented in firmware and / or software. Firmware and / or software-implemented methodologies can be implemented using modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described herein. Machine-readable media tangibly embodying instructions can be used in practicing the methodologies described herein. For example, software code can be stored in memory and executed by a processor unit (e.g., a microcontroller). The memory can be implemented within or external to the processor unit. As used herein, the term "memory" refers to long-term, short-term, volatile, non-volatile, and / or other non-transitory memory types, and is not limited to a particular type or number of memories or the type of medium on which the memory is stored.

[0059]

[0062] When 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 code on a computer-readable medium. Examples include computer-readable media encoded with data structures and computer-readable media encoded with a computer program. Computer-readable media include physical computer storage media. A storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed 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 desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer (e.g., a microcontroller); as used herein, "disk" and "disc" include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs. Disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically via lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0060]

[0063] In addition to storage on a computer-readable medium, the instructions and / or data may be provided as signals on a transmission medium included in a communications device. For example, a communications device may include a transceiver having signals indicative of the instructions and data. The instructions and data are configured to cause one or more processors (e.g., microcontrollers) to perform the outlined functions.

[0061]

[0064] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, modifications, and alternatives will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the use of variations such as "comprise" or "comprises" or "comprising" includes a recited integer or group of integers, but does not exclude any other integer or group of integers. It will be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. Any claims presented at any time in this application define the scope of the invention, and it is intended that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

1. a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end; a gripper disposed within the cavity and extending outside the opening at the distal end, a first stationary gripper element having a first opposing surface; and a second movable gripper element having a second opposing surface; The gripping tool is arranged so that the first opposing surface faces the second opposing surface; a lever disposed adjacent the handle, the lever operable to control the gripping implement when the lever is moved from a first position to a second position; an actuation link associated at a first end with the lever and at a second end with the second movable gripper element; An IUD removal device comprising:

2. 10. The IUD removal device of claim 1, wherein the first fixed gripper element has a raised leading edge.

3. 10. The IUD removal device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first fixed gripper element and the second movable gripper element is operable to extend beyond the opening in the housing.

4. 10. The IUD removal device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first fixed gripper element and the second movable gripper element has a gripping surface on an inwardly facing opposing surface.

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

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

7. 6. The IUD removal device of claim 5, wherein the link further comprises an actuation link and a horizontal link.

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

9. 9. The IUD removal device of claim 8, wherein the IUD removal device has a cable connection opening for receiving a first end of a cable, the second end of the cable being operable to engage with an electronic device.

10. 9. The IUD removal device of claim 8, wherein the IUD removal device is in wireless communication with the camera.

11. 1. A method of using an IUD removal device, comprising: providing the IUD removal device, the IUD removal device comprising: a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end; a gripper disposed within the cavity and extending outside the opening at the distal end, a first stationary gripper element having a first opposing surface; and a second movable gripper element having a second opposing surface; The gripping tool is arranged so that the first opposing surface faces the second opposing surface; a lever disposed adjacent the handle, the lever operable to control the gripping implement when the lever is moved from a first position to a second position; an actuation link coupled at a first end to the lever and at a second end to the second movable gripper element; inserting the IUD removal device into the vaginal canal with the grasper in an open configuration; visualizing the location of one or more IUD threads with a camera; placing the IUD thread 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; withdrawing the IUD removal device from the vaginal canal; 1. A method of using an IUD removal device, comprising:

12. a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end; a gripper disposed within the cavity and extending outside the opening at the distal end, a first stationary gripper element having a first opposing surface; and a second movable gripper element having a second opposing surface; The gripping tool is arranged so that the first opposing surface faces the second opposing surface. a lever disposed adjacent the handle, the lever operable to control the gripping tool when the lever is moved from a first position to a second position; and an actuation link communicating at a first end with the lever and at a second end with the second movable gripper element; an IUD removal device having a software application downloadable to an electronic device, said software application operable to provide instructions to a user during use of said IUD removal device; and An IUD removal device system comprising:

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

14. 13. 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 opening in the housing.

15. 13. 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 gripping surfaces on opposing inwardly facing surfaces.

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

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

18. 17. The IUD removal device system of claim 16, wherein the links further comprise an actuation link and a horizontal link.

19. 13. 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. 20. The IUD removal device system of claim 19, wherein the IUD removal device has a cable connection opening for receiving a first end of a cable, the second end of the cable being operable to engage with an electronic device.

21. 21. The IUD removal device system of claim 20, wherein the IUD removal device communicates wirelessly with the camera and the software application.

22. 1. A method of using an IUD removal device, comprising: providing the IUD removal device, the IUD removal device comprising: a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end; a gripper disposed within the cavity and extending outside the opening at the distal end, a first stationary gripper element having a first opposing surface; and a second movable gripper element having a second opposing surface; The gripping tool is arranged so that the first opposing surface faces the second opposing surface. a lever disposed adjacent the handle, the lever operable to control the gripping tool when the lever is moved from a first position to a second position; an actuation link associated at a first end with the lever and at a second end with the second movable gripper element; a software application downloadable to an electronic device, the software application operable to provide instructions to a user during use of the IUD removal device; and an actuation link communicating at a first end with the lever and at a second end with the second movable gripper element; the providing step comprising: running the software application; inserting the IUD removal device into the vaginal canal with the grasper in an open configuration; visualizing the location of one or more IUD threads with a camera; following the instructions delivered via the software application; placing the IUD thread 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; withdrawing the IUD removal device from the vaginal canal; 1. A method of using an IUD removal device, comprising:

23. a housing defining a cavity having a handle at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end; a gripper disposed within the cavity and extending outside the opening at the distal end, a first stationary gripper element having a first opposing surface; and a second movable gripper element having a second opposing surface; The gripping tool is arranged so that the first opposing surface faces the second opposing surface. a lever disposed adjacent the handle, the lever operable to control the gripping tool when the lever is moved from a first position to a second position; and an actuation link communicating at a first end with the lever and at a second end with the second movable gripper element; an IUD removal device having one or more of a cable having a USB connector, a reflective surface, a self-illuminating cone assembly, a forceps, a forceps guide, and a vaginal canal measurement device; An IUD removal device kit comprising:

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

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