Contraceptive devices and ion emitters

Abstract

The present invention provides a contraceptive device (10), comprising: At least one thread (5); at least one ion emitter (3, 3', 3'', 3''') having at least one through hole (31) with at least two through hole openings (31c, 31d) through which at least one thread (5) extends; Equipped with an outer surface (32, 32', 32'', 32''') of the ion emitter (3, 3', 3'', 3''') extending from one of the through-hole openings (31c, 31d) to the other of the through-hole openings (31c, 31d) has no outwardly facing edge; Contraceptive devices (10).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to contraceptive devices and ion emitters for such devices.

[0002] For contraception, intrauterine devices (IUDs for short) are known that allow hormone-free contraception. The intrauterine device frequently used is the so-called classical copper spiral, consisting of a plastic frame with copper wire partially wound around it. It is inserted into the womb (uterus) for birth control (contraception). The release of copper ions changes the endometrium and the mucous membrane of the cervix, reducing sperm motility and lifespan, and finally, combined with other effective principles discussed, provides contraception. Alternatively, there are non-hormonal IUDs that release hormones by classical pituitary suppression methods to exert their contraceptive effect.

[0003] A further variant of intrauterine contraceptive devices is the so-called copper chain. This variant of the Cu-IUD (copper spiral) consists of a plastic thread threaded through a copper tube. Depending on the size of the uterus, copper chains with four or six such emitters are typically used. The plastic thread insertion end of the copper chain has a small knot that is inserted into the uterine muscle to anchor the copper chain. The copper chain is based on the same principle of action as the copper spiral, but due to its relatively small and flexible design it can better adapt to the uterus. The copper chain IUD has the advantage over the conventional copper IUD that it can be used, especially in nulliparous cases, since there is no enhancement of dysmenorrhea. In addition, it rarely causes menorrhagia, as is the case with conventional copper IUDs. It has a significantly lower Pearl Index. Also, a longer wearing period can be achieved because no plastic parts are required, which can become brittle and break after an average of 3-4 years. Furthermore, the elimination of the need for a plastic frame reduces the risk of infection. The absence of tubal stimulation by the plastic arms can reduce the rate of ectopic pregnancies. Copper chains are often referred to as frameless intrauterine devices due to their flexible construction.

[0004] Despite their small and flexible construction, copper chains can cause so-called cycle-independent IUP-induced spotting or intermenstrual bleeding in women who wear them. This is thought to be due to micro-erosions in the endometrium (i.e. damage to endometrial blood vessels) caused by the sharp ends of the copper chains' copper tubes, which have been detected by hysteroscopy in over 300 cases. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the above observations, the present invention aims to provide a frameless intrauterine contraceptive device that can reduce or even prevent endometrial erosion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is achieved by a contraceptive device according to claim 1 and by an ion emitter for such a device according to claim 15. Advantageous developments of the invention are provided in the dependent claims.

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a contraceptive device comprises at least one thread and at least one ion emitter having at least one through hole having at least two through hole openings through which the at least one thread extends, and an outer surface of the ion emitter extending from one of the through hole openings to the other of the through hole openings has no outwardly facing edges.

[0008] The risk of erosion in the endometrium is minimized if outward edges, such as occur, for example, at the end of the transition to the outer surface when using copper tubing, are eliminated, whereas very severe erosion is observed if edges are generated by fastening by folding pressing on the thread.

[0009] For example, the ion emitter may still have an edge at the transition from the outer surface to the through hole, but even in such a case, this edge does not face outward, but rather merely forms a surface recess with the respective through hole opening. In addition, the transition from the outer surface to the through hole may be formed by a curved section. A crucial advantage over copper tubing is the elimination of sharp edges due to the fastening pressing. The present invention allows for the complete elimination of sharp edges due to the through holes by recessing the knot fastening inside the emitter.

[0010] The thread may be, for example, a polypropylene thread. The term "thread" refers to a flexible structure having a mainly one-dimensional extent, and may refer to threads formed not only from plastics, fibers or other materials, but also from other cords or chains in thread-like form. In addition, a combination of several such threads may be used, for example for reinforcement. For the purpose of brevity, the term thread is used below, but the disclosure in this respect is equally interchangeable and therefore applicable to several threads, unless this is excluded in the context. The movement ability of the ion emitter relative to the thread may be limited by a knot, the diameter of which is larger than the minimum diameter of the through-hole of each ion emitter in at least one direction of the extent of the thread. One end of the thread has an anchoring knot as an instrument fixation means that can be inserted into the uterine muscle to hold the instrument in the uterus when the instrument is inserted into the uterus. In addition, a metal clip may be placed under the anchoring knot or between the anchoring knot and at least one ion emitter, respectively, to form a fiducial detectable by ultrasound examination. For example, a stainless steel clip may be used for this purpose. However, the metal clip may also be made from another metal or a corresponding alloy that has antibacterial and / or fungistatic effects in addition to or instead of ultrasound detectability, so that the corresponding effects can be counteracted by inserting an instrument into the uterine muscle.

[0011] In one embodiment, the exterior surface of the ion emitter can be described, at least in part, as a surface portion of an ellipsoid having semi-axis lengths a, b, and c, and specifically represented in Cartesian coordinates by the following equation: where a, b and c are greater than zero.

number

[0012] Thus, the outer surface of the ion emitter is at least partially formed by ellipsoidal surface portions. In particular, the basic shape of the ion emitter as a whole has a substantially ellipsoidal shape. The term "substantially" refers to a recognizable basic shape, and depending on the particular embodiment, individual surface regions of the ion emitter may be formed in a concave and / or protruding shape, for example to increase the surface area for the emission of ions. For example, the surface may have a concave inward bulge as a concave surface region, similar to the surface structure of a golf ball. Similarly, a convex outward bulge may be present, and the protruding surface region according to the basic concept of the present invention does not have edges or tips that are associated with the risk of erosion. However, the bulge given as an example here does not result in a change in the recognizable basic shape of the ion emitter as an ellipsoid. The recess in the outer surface of the ion emitter formed by the through-hole opening of the through-hole also does not result in a substantial change in the recognizable basic shape.

[0013] In the case where the outer surface of an ion emitter of recognizable basic shape is only partially formed by a surface portion of an ellipsoid, the remaining outer surface is also here configured such that the surface transition is circular.

[0014] With respect to the description of the outer surface or surface portion of the outer surface as an ellipsoid, the semi-axis lengths a, b, and c represent the lengths of each of the three mutually perpendicular axes. In a Cartesian coordinate system, for example, the semi-axis length a corresponds to the semi-axis length in the x-direction, the semi-axis length b corresponds to the semi-axis length in the y-direction, and the semi-axis length c corresponds to the semi-axis length in the z-direction.

[0015] In particular, the longitudinal axis of the ion emitter extends substantially parallel to the extension direction of the through hole of the ion emitter, the semi-axis lengths a, b extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the semi-axis length c extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0016] The direction of the longitudinal axis of the ion emitter therefore substantially corresponds to, in particular is coaxial with, the extension direction of the through-hole. The term "substantially" with respect to the extension direction relates to the fact that the through-hole does not necessarily have to be straight, but the extension direction can be specified as a connection between the through-hole opening on the inlet side and the through-hole opening on the outlet side.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the lengths of the semi-axes a, b and c are equal.

[0018] Thus, the outer surface of the ion emitter forms, in whole or at least in part, a sphere of ellipsoidal shape with semi-axes of equal length a, b and c.

[0019] In particular, the lengths a, b and c of the semi-axes are between 1 mm and 5.5 mm, in particular between 1.5 mm and 5 mm.

[0020] With respect to the outer surface of an ion emitter, particularly as a sphere, a larger semi-axis length allows for a larger diameter sphere and therefore a larger surface area for ion emission, while allowing for greater flexibility in using smaller spheres as ion emitters, for example.

[0021] Alternatively, two of the semi-axis lengths a, b, and c are equal and one of the semi-axis lengths a, b, and c is different.

[0022] The outer surface of the ion emitter thus forms a spheroid in its basic shape. Alternatively, the outer surface may also have at least one surface portion formed by a corresponding surface portion of an ellipsoid.

[0023] If the outer surface of the ion emitter forms a spheroid in its basic shape, it can provide a larger surface for ion emission compared to, for example, a sphere having the same volume.

[0024] In one embodiment, the semi-axis lengths a and b are equal.

[0025] For example, the length c of the semi-axis extends parallel to, and in particular coaxially with, the longitudinal axis of the ion emitter. The longitudinal axis of the ion emitter is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the through-hole of the ion emitter. Therefore, when the lengths a and b of the semi-axis are equal and the lengths c of the semi-axis are different, a rotationally symmetric ellipsoid is generated with the longitudinal axis of the ion emitter as the axis of rotational symmetry. The tilt of the ion emitter around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is unlikely to occur at least at the coaxial position of the longitudinal axis with respect to the extension direction of the through-hole.

[0026] In particular, the semi-axis lengths a and b are between 1 mm and 2 mm, in particular about 1.5 mm, and the semi-axis length c is between 1.5 mm and 5.5 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0027] In the case of an ion emitter as a spheroid with the longitudinal axis as the axis of rotation, the circle diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is 2 mm to 4 mm, in particular 3 mm, and the length in the longitudinal direction is 3 mm to 11 mm, in particular 4 mm to 10 mm. In particular, if the length in the longitudinal direction is long compared to the circle diameter having the same surface, the circle diameter can be made small in order to facilitate, or at least not hinder, the insertion of an instrument for insertion into the uterus.

[0028] As an alternative to the embodiment in which the semi-axis lengths a and b are equal, the semi-axis lengths a and c, or b and c, are equal.

[0029] This allows the ion emitter to form a spheroid having an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0030] In particular, the length c of the semi-shaft is between 1 mm and 5.5 mm, in particular between 1.5 mm and 5 mm, and the length a or b of the other semi-shaft is between 1 mm and 3.5 mm, in particular between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0031] In particular, when the length c of the semi-axis is shorter than the length a or b of the semi-axis different from the length c of the semi-axis, the ion emitter can be easily tilted in the insertion direction during insertion of the instrument for insertion into the uterus, thus avoiding any hindrance during the insertion process despite the larger dimension on one side.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the lengths a, b and c of the semi-axes are different from each other.

[0033] This allows the ion emitter to be shaped or described, for example, as a triaxial or triaxial ellipsoid, respectively, although, as with all other embodiments, the exterior surface of the ion emitter can be described as an ellipsoid in its basic shape, so that manufacturing specifications remain relatively straightforward despite variations in particular configurations such as dimensions and / or surface structure.

[0034] More preferably, the through holes have at least two different diameters.

[0035] At least two different diameters of the through-holes can, for example, provide a larger surface in the part of the through-hole with a larger diameter, while at least the part of the through-hole with a smaller diameter can cooperate with the ion emitter and the knot of the thread to limit the relative movement of the ion emitter. If the larger diameter is larger than the knot and the smaller diameter is smaller than the knot, the knot may be covered by the part of the through-hole with the larger diameter, so that the through-hole does not form an interfering profile and the distance between the multiple ion emitters of the instrument may also be reduced. The through-holes may also have three or more parts with different diameters, for example, to provide a flexible stop for various knot sizes and / or distances of the multiple ion emitters. Considering the above example, the different diameters are designed to decrease or increase in particular in one direction, in this case preferably in the direction of the anchoring knot.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the ion emitter comprises or is formed from a metal, in particular copper, a copper alloy, gold, a gold alloy or a copper-gold alloy.

[0037] For example, the copper ions released when using copper or copper-containing alloys can have toxic and inhibitory effects on sperm, which can lead to a reduction in sperm motility and lifespan. Furthermore, the use of gold or gold-copper or copper-gold alloys, respectively, can have bacteriostatic and fungistatic effects, which can reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. Also, the microgalvanic effect in the case of gold-copper or copper-gold alloys, respectively, can have a positive effect on contraception.

[0038] The above mentioned metals and / or alloys of such metals may completely or only partially form the ion emitter. For example, for cost reasons, only the substrate of the ion emitter may consist, for example of plastic, which is coated with one of the above mentioned metals and / or alloys of such metals. The coating may be limited to the surface suitable for sufficient ion emission, whereby the coating is exposed to the outside for ion emission.

[0039] More preferably, the device comprises 2 to 5, especially 3 or 4, ion emitters, each with at least one thread extending through a through hole.

[0040] The number of ion emitters is therefore a number depending on the total amount of ions to be emitted and the size and geometric configuration of the ion emitters suitable for receiving. The size, geometric configuration and / or material selection of the ion emitters through which the thread penetrates may be the same, but also different. In the case of at least partially different ion emitters, i.e. at least two ion emitters with different properties, these can be flexibly assembled depending on the intended application.

[0041] A further aspect of the invention relates to an ion emitter for a contraceptive device according to the above description.

[0042] The possible configurations of each ion emitter and the associated advantages are similar to those discussed above.

[0043] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of a contraceptive device according to a first embodiment of the device according to the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ion emitter shown as an ellipsoid. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of an ion emitter along the longitudinal axis of the through-hole. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a side view of the ion emitter according to FIG. 3a. [Figure 3c] FIG. 3c is a top view of the ion emitter according to FIGS. 3a and 3b. [Figure 3d] FIG. 3d is a bottom view of the ion emitter according to FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of an ion emitter along the longitudinal axis of the through-hole. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a side view of the ion emitter according to FIG. 4a. [Figure 4c] FIG. 4c is a top view of the ion emitter according to FIGS. 4a and 4b. [Figure 4d] FIG. 4d is a bottom view of the ion emitter according to FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of an ion emitter along the longitudinal axis of the through-hole. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is a side view of the ion emitter according to FIG. 5a. [Figure 5c] FIG. 5c is a top view of the ion emitter according to FIGS. 5a and 5b. [Figure 5d]FIG. 5d is a bottom view of the ion emitter according to FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of an ion emitter along the longitudinal axis of the through-hole. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is a side view of the ion emitter according to FIG. 6a. [Figure 6c] FIG. 6c is a top view of the ion emitter according to FIGS. 6a and 6b. [Figure 6d] FIG. 6d is a bottom view of the ion emitter according to FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Terms relating to the figures such as "top", "bottom" or side view refer respectively to the figures according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a. In the figures, the term "top" refers to the area of ​​the ion emitter pointing in the direction of extension of the thread penetrating in the insertion direction of the contraceptive device. Details of the other figures are derived therefrom in a similar manner.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a longitudinal axis L of a contraceptive device 10 according to a first embodiment of the device according to the invention. The device 10 comprises four ion emitters 3 and a thread 5 extending through a through hole 31 of the ion emitters 3 (FIGS. 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a). The longitudinal axis L is related here to the extension direction of the through hole 31 of the ion emitters 3, which corresponds to the extension direction of the thread 5 through the ion emitters 3. It is noted that although in this embodiment four ion emitters 3 are shown, the number of ion emitters may be different. The number of ion emitters 3 may also be less or more depending on the effect to be provided and the associated choice of dimensions, geometric shapes and / or materials.

[0047] The thread 5 has four knots 4 which act as spacers for the ion emitters. For this purpose, the knots 4 are dimensioned to be larger than the smallest diameter of the through-hole. Thus, each ion emitter 3 can move a predefined distance relative to the thread 5 between two knots 4. However, instead of using knots 4, other thread thickeners or clips can also be used, which are placed on the thread 5 and are dimensioned to enable the corresponding function. The thread 5 also has an anchoring knot 1 at its insertion end for inserting the device 10 into the uterus. The anchoring knot 1 is inserted into the uterine muscle and held there to fix the device 10 in the uterus. Furthermore, the anchoring knot 1 is dimensioned such that the relative movement of the ion emitters 3 facing the anchoring knot 1 is equally restricted and thus held on the thread 5. Thus, each of the ion emitters 3 is placed between two knots 4 or between one knot 4 and the anchoring knot 1, and as a result has a predefined movement clearance. Alternatively, the knots 4 and / or the anchoring knots 1 may also be spaced apart from one another such that at least one of the ion emitters 3 has no movement clearance and is therefore held in a fixed positional relationship with respect to the thread 5. In the embodiment shown here, the thread 5 further comprises a stainless steel clip 2 arranged between the anchoring knot 1 and the ion emitter 3 facing the anchoring knot 1. This is useful for detection by ultrasound examination and can be detected as an orientation aid, for example during the insertion or implantation of the device 10 into the uterus, respectively. The stainless steel clip 2 is therefore arranged in particular in the vicinity of the anchoring knot 1. In a variant, the stainless steel clip 2 may also be dimensioned to limit the relative movement of the emitter 3 facing the anchoring knot 1 in the direction of the anchoring knot 1 instead of the anchoring knot 1.

[0048] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ion emitter 3, showing its description as an ellipsoid. The ion emitter 3 according to Fig. 2 is a sphere, as a particular variant of an ellipsoid. For the sake of clarity, the through-holes 31 are not shown in this figure. Moreover, the through-holes do not affect the recognizable basic shape formed by the outer surface of the ion emitter 3 as an ellipsoid, here specifically as a sphere.

[0049] The ellipsoid is exemplarily described using Cartesian coordinates with reference to the ion emitter 3 shown in Figure 2. This allows the ion emitter 3 to be described as a sphere, and therefore allows further ellipsoids or corresponding surface portions of the ion emitter different from a sphere to be described as well.

[0050] An ellipsoid is described herein by the lengths a, b and c of its semi-axes, each with an absolute value greater than 0. In Cartesian coordinates, an ellipsoid can be represented as:

number

[0051] The semi-axis length a corresponds to the semi-axis length in the x-direction, the semi-axis length b corresponds to the semi-axis length in the y-direction and the semi-axis length c corresponds to the semi-axis length in the z-direction, the directional axes being respectively perpendicular to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the z-direction respectively points in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In principle, however, the orientation of the coordinate system may differ from this. According to the sphere shown in FIG. 2 as the basic shape of the ion emitter 3, the semi-axis lengths a, b and c are equal here.

[0052] 3a is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary first embodiment of an ion emitter 3 along the longitudinal axis L of the through hole 31. As described above, the basic shape of the ion emitter 3 in the first embodiment is a sphere. In other words, the outer surface 32 of the ion emitter 3 substantially forms a sphere. The spherical shape of the outer surface is interrupted only by the through hole openings 31c and 31d of the through hole 31. Even if such interruptions are intended to be significant with respect to the basic shape, the outer surface can still be described as at least a surface portion of a corresponding ellipsoid.

[0053] The longitudinal axis L of the through hole extends through the center of the ion emitter 3. With respect to the longitudinal axis L, the semi-axial length c is designated here as the length of the semi-axis of the ion emitter 3 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L and corresponds in the same sense to the radius of the sphere as the semi-axes a, b and c of equal length. For the orientation, the corresponding coordinate system is again shown in the top right of FIG. 3a. However, in a variant, the longitudinal axis L of the through hole 31 may extend eccentrically through the ion emitter 3.

[0054] The through hole 31 has two through hole portions 31a and 31b in the longitudinal axis L direction, and the diameter d1 of the through hole portion 31a is different from the diameter d2 of the through hole portion 31b. The through hole portion 31b extends from the through hole opening 31d into the ion emitter 3 in the longitudinal axis L direction, and the through hole portion 31a extends from the end of the through hole portion 31b opposite to the through hole opening 31d to the through hole opening 31c in the longitudinal axis L direction. The diameter d1 of the through hole portion 31a is smaller than the diameter d2 of the through hole portion 31b, and is a dimension such that the knot 4 of the thread 5 cannot pass through the through hole portion 31a. The larger diameter d2 is a diameter suitable for receiving the knot 4 of the thread 5. Thus, the transition from the through-hole portion 31b with the larger diameter d2 to the through-hole portion 31a with the smaller diameter d1 forms a stop for the knot 4 of the thread 5, which in the stop position is covered by the through-hole portion 31b with the larger diameter d2. Here, the diameters d1 and d2 are constant in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. However, in a variant, the through-hole portions 31a and 31b may have variable diameters, with a minimum diameter being the diameter d1 of the through-hole portion 31a and a maximum diameter being the diameter d2 of the through-hole portion 31b. In a further variant, the through-hole 31 may also taper from the through-hole opening 31d at least from the minimum diameter d2 to the maximum diameter d1 to the through-hole opening 31c.

[0055] The ion emitter 3 is positioned relative to the thread 5 of the instrument 10 so that the through-hole opening 31c as the opening of the through-hole portion 31a having the smaller diameter d1 is located on the outside of the side of the ion emitter 3 facing the fixing knot 1, and the through-hole opening 31d as the opening of the through-hole portion 31b having the larger diameter d2 is located on the outside of the side of the ion emitter 3 facing away from the fixing knot 1.

[0056] Figures 3b, 3c and 3d are further external views of the ion emitter 3. Figure 3b is a side view, Figure 3c is a top view, i.e., a view of the through-hole opening 31c from the outside, and Figure 3d is a bottom view, i.e., a view of the through-hole opening 31d from the outside, with the through-hole opening 31c being located behind the through-hole opening 31d in this viewing direction.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of the sphere is 1.5 mm, but is not limited thereto. In alternative embodiments, the radius of the sphere may be, for example, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, or 10 mm. Additional or intermediate sizes are also contemplated.

[0058] 4a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of an ion emitter 3' along the longitudinal axis L of the through-hole 31. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the outer surface 32' of the ion emitter 3' is formed as a spheroid or a surface portion of such a spheroid, respectively, when considering the recess formed by the through-hole 31 as a deviation, which does not affect the basic shape.

[0059] Here, the ion emitter 3' has a rotation axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis L of the rotational symmetry of the ion emitter 3' or the outer surface 32', respectively. The semi-axis lengths a and b, as the lengths of the semi-axes perpendicular to the rotation axis or the longitudinal axis L, respectively, are therefore equal. In contrast to this, the semi-axis length c in the direction of the longitudinal axis L is different from the semi-axis lengths a, b. In FIG. 4a, the semi-axis length c is longer than the semi-axis lengths a and b. However, according to a variant, the semi-axis length c may also be shorter than the semi-axis lengths a and b.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the length c of the semi-shaft is illustratively 2 mm, and the lengths a and b of each semi-shaft are 1.5 mm, however, the length c of the semi-shaft may be, for example, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, or 5 mm, and the lengths a and b of each semi-shaft may vary as well.

[0061] Figures 4b, 4c and 4d are further external views of the ion emitter 3' of the second embodiment, respectively. Figure 4b is a side view, Figure 4c is a view of the through-hole opening 31c from the top, i.e., from the outside, and Figure 4d is a view of the through-hole opening 31d from the bottom, i.e., from the outside, where the through-hole opening 31c is located behind the through-hole opening 31d in this viewing direction.

[0062] 5a is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary third embodiment of an ion emitter 3" along the longitudinal axis L of the through hole 31. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the spheroid is not formed around the longitudinal axis L as the axis of symmetry here, but around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, here an axis x as the extension direction of the semi-axis length a. In other words, the semi-axis lengths b and c are equal here, whereas the semi-axis length a is different and is longer than the semi-axis lengths b and c.

[0063] The semi-shaft lengths b and c are here 1.5 mm each, and the semi-shaft length a is 2 mm. In other variants, other semi-shaft lengths a, b and c may also be provided. For example, the semi-shaft length a may be 2.5 mm or 3 mm.

[0064] Figures 5b, 5c and 5d are further external views of the ion emitter 3" of the third embodiment. Figure 5b is a side view, Figure 5c is a view of the through-hole opening 31c from the top, i.e., from the outside, and Figure 5d is a view of the through-hole opening 31d from the bottom, i.e., from the outside, with the through-hole opening 31c being located behind the through-hole opening 31d in this viewing direction.

[0065] Figure 6a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of an ion emitter 3''' along the longitudinal axis L of the through hole 31. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that here the semi-axial length a is shorter compared to the equal semi-axial lengths b and c.

[0066] The semi-shaft lengths b and c are here 2 mm each, and the semi-shaft length a is 1.5 mm. In other variants, other semi-shaft lengths a, b and c may also be provided. For example, the semi-shaft lengths b and d may be 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm or 5 mm.

[0067] Figures 6b, 6c and 6d are further external views of the ion emitter 3" of the fourth embodiment. Figure 6b is a side view, Figure 6c is a top view, i.e., a view of the through-hole opening 31c from the outside, and Figure 6d is a bottom view, i.e., a view of the through-hole opening 31d from the outside, with the through-hole opening 31c being located behind the through-hole opening 31d in this viewing direction.

[0068] The ion emitters 3, 3', 3" and 3'" of the first to fourth embodiments each consist of copper. However, in alternative variants, the ion emitters 3, 3', 3" and 3'" may also be formed from a copper alloy, in particular a copper-gold alloy, or from gold or a gold alloy, in particular a gold-copper alloy, or may be at least partially coated on the outside with a corresponding one of the aforementioned materials.

[0069] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. In each of the above embodiments, only ion emitters are shown that form an ellipsoid in basic shape according to their outer surface, but the outer surface of the ion emitter may also form a surface region that has only an ellipsoid surface portion or that is different from it but does not have a protruding edge at the transition. The outer surface of the ion emitter may also be composed of multiple surface portions of an ellipsoid. Further variations include surface structuring, for example by concave or convex bulges. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 Fixation knot (instrument fixation) 2 Stainless Steel Clips 3,3´,3´´,3´´´ Ion emitter 4 Knots (spacers) 5. Thread 31 Through hole 31a Through hole part (d1) 31b Through hole part (d2) 31c Through hole opening (d1) 31d Through hole opening (d2) 32,32´,32´´,32´´´ External surface a,b,c semi-axis d1,d2 diameter L Longitudinal axis x,y,z Cartesian coordinates

Claims

1. A contraceptive device (10), comprising: At least one thread (5); at least one ion emitter (3, 3', 3'', 3'") having at least one through hole (31) with at least two through hole openings (31c, 31d) through which the at least one thread (5) extends; Equipped with an outer surface (32, 32', 32'', 32''') of the ion emitter (3, 3', 3'', 3''') extending from one of the through-hole openings (31c, 31d) to the other of the through-hole openings (31c, 31d) has no outwardly facing edge; The through hole (31) has at least two different diameters (d1, d2), Contraceptive devices (10).

2. the outer surface (32, 32', 32'', 32''') of the ion emitter (3, 3', 3'', 3''') can be described, at least in part, as a surface portion of an ellipsoid, such ellipsoid having semi-axes with lengths a, b and c; A contraceptive device (10) according to claim 1.

3. A contraceptive device (10) as described in claim 2, wherein the longitudinal axis (L) of the ion emitter (3, 3', 3'', 3''') extends substantially parallel to the extension direction of the through hole (31) of the ion emitter (3, 3', 3'', 3'''), the lengths a, b of the semi-axes extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L), and the length c of the semi-axes extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L).

4. A contraceptive device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the lengths a, b and c of the semi-axes are equal.

5. A contraceptive device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the lengths a, b and c of the semi-axes are between 1 mm and 5.5 mm.

6. A contraceptive device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein two of the lengths a, b and c of the semi-axes are equal and one of the lengths a, b and c of the semi-axes is different.

7. 7. A contraceptive device (10) according to claim 6, wherein said lengths a and b of said semi-axes are equal.

8. A contraceptive device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the lengths a and b of the semi-shafts are between 1 mm and 2 mm, and the length c of the semi-shaft is between 1.5 mm and 5.5 mm.

9. 7. A contraceptive device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the lengths a and c, or b and c, of the semi-axes are equal.

10. A contraceptive device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the length c of the half-shaft is between 1 mm and 5.5 mm and the length a or b of the other half-shaft is between 1 mm and 3.5 mm.

11. A contraceptive device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the lengths a, b and c of the semi-axes are different from each other.

12. A contraceptive device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ion emitter (3, 3', 3'', 3''') comprises or is formed from a metal.

13. The contraceptive device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising two to five ion emitters (3, 3', 3'', 3''') passing through the respective through holes (31) through which the at least one thread (5) extends.

14. An ion emitter (3, 3', 3'', 3''') for a contraceptive device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, an ion emitter (3, 3', 3'', 3'") having at least one through hole (31) with at least two through hole openings (31c, 31d) through which said at least one thread (5) extends; Equipped with an outer surface (32, 32', 32'', 32''') of the ion emitter (3, 3', 3'', 3''') extending from one of the through-hole openings (31c, 31d) to the other of the through-hole openings (31c, 31d) has no outwardly facing edge; The through hole (31) has at least two different diameters (d1, d2), Ion emitter.

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