Cornual plug

Claim 1

A cornual plug adapted to engage and be retained in the cornual area within the human uterus and formed of an inert material compatible with retention therein, comprising a tapered, plug-shaped device having, at one end thereof a cone-shaped end portion that cooperates with the surrounding uterine tissue as the cornual plug is inserted; a means for retaining the plug in removable contact with said cornual area and the surrounding tissue comprising a cavity within the central portion of said device and opening at the end opposite said cone-shaped portion; at least one anchoring wire contained substantially within said cavity; a plurality of apertures between said cavity and the outside surface of said plug, said apertures providing channels for guiding said anchoring wire from said cavity through the wall of said device, said anchoring wire, in its retracted or insertion positIon, extending no further than the outside circumference of said plug, and, in its extended or engaging position, extending beyond the outside circumference of said plug, thereby when extended securing and engaging said plug to the surrounding uterine tissue to retain said plug in proper position.

Claim 7

A method of temporarily blocking access to the Fallopian tubes of the human female by securing a cornual plug device to the cornual area of the uterus of said female, said method including the steps of: a. removably attaching a cornual plug device to the distal portion of an insertion tool, said device having a forward cone-shaped tapered section and being provided with anchor wires adjustably extending from the interior portion of said plug to the exterior thereof in a region of said plug spaced from said cone-shaped section; b. inserting said plug and at least a portion of said insertion tool into said uterus; c. positioning said plug into one cornual area of said uterus by manipulation of said insertion tool; d. securing said positioned plug to the surrounding uterine tissue and, at the same time, disengaging said plug from said insertion tool by exerting force against said anchor wires and, in turn, said plug, thereby extending said anchor wires from the interior portion of said plug to the exterior portion thereof and beyond, said anchor wires, disengaging said plug from said insertion tool engaging the adjacent uterine tissue surrounding said plug, thereby attaching said plug to the cornual area of said uterus; e. removing said insertion tool from the uterus; f. repeating steps (a) - (c) thereby securing an additional plug of the type described in step (a) to the other cornual area of said uterus.

Claim 8

A method of temporarily blocking access to the Fallopian tubes of the human female by securing a cornual plug device to the cornual area of the uterus of said female, said method including the steps of: a. removably attaching a cornual plug device to the distal portion of an insertion tool, said device having a forward cone-shaped tapered section and being provided with anchor wires adjustably extending from the interior portion of said plug to the exterior thereof in a region of said plug spaced from said cone-shaped section; b. inserting said plug and at least a portion of said insertion tool into said uterus; c. positioning said plug into one cornual area of said uterus by manipulation of said insertion tool; d. securing said positioned plug to the surrounding uterine tissue and, at the same time, disengaging said plug from said insertion tool by exerting force against said anchor wires and, in turn, said plug, thereby extending said anchor wires from the interior portion of said plug to the exterior portion thereof and beyond, said anchor wires, disengaging said plug from said insertion tool engaging the adjacent uterine tissue surrounding said plug, thereby attaching said plug to the cornual area of said uterus; e. removing said insertion tool from the uterus; f. repeating steps (a) - (c) thereby securing an additional plug of the type described in step (a) to the other cornual area of said uterus.