← Back to Patent Explorer
US7073504B2 Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Contraceptive system and method of use

Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
•
Filing: 1996-12-18
•
Granted: 2006-07-11
•
Expires: 2016-12-18
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents 🔄 Sync Now

Abstract

Abstract A device and method of using the device for contraception or sterilization and particularly for reversible contraception by occluding a reproductive lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through the lumen for a desired period of time until the patient wishes to become fertile again and then be reopened. The occluding member preferably comprises a tubular framework formed from a shape memory material configured to be implanted in a reproductive lumen. The occluding member is implanted within a body lumen, secured to the wall of the reproductive lumen and then collapsed to collapse the wall and occlude the lumen. Alternatively, the occluding member may be collapsed upon a solid plug. The closure of the reproductive lumen may be reversed by introducing a balloon catheter and by a series of inflations of the balloon reexpanding the collapsed occluding member or by removing the plug. The occluding member and the plug may be configured to facilitate endothelialization, to provoke an inflammatory responses or to deliver a drug.

Inventors

  • 👤 Jeffrey P. Callister
  • 👤 William S. Tremulis
  • 👤 Denise S. Harges

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-24 01:56
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/12; A61B17/12022; A61B17/12131; A61B17/12168; A61B17/12172; A61B17/12099; A61B17/1214; A61B17/12159; A61F; A61F6/00; A61F6/20; A61F6/22; A61F6/225; A61B2017/00535; A61B2017/00557; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30092; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0014

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 84
Claim 1
Independent Claim 108 words
A contraceptive device, comprising a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration, which has an open framework in the expanded configuration for ingrowth of tissue cells for securing the expanded portion of the tubular body to a wall portion of the patient's reproductive system lumen, which has at least one open end and which has a member at least partially within an interior portion thereof configured for tissue growth.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 108 words
A contraceptive device, comprising a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration, which has an open framework in the expanded configuration for ingrowth of tissue cells for securing the expanded portion of the tubular body to a wall portion of the patient's reproductive system lumen, which has at least one open end and which has a member at least partially within an interior portion thereof configured for tissue growth.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 16 words
The contraceptive device of claim 1 wherein the member within the tubular body is a plug.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 18 words
The contraceptive device of claim 2 wherein the surface of the plug is roughened to provide tissue adhesion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 23 words
The contraceptive device of claim 1 wherein the member at least partially within the tubular body promotes tissue growth including an inflammatory response.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 23 words
The contraceptive device of claim 1 wherein the tubular member is formed of a thin walled metallic tube having a pattern of openings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 16 words
The contraceptive device of claim 1 wherein the tubular member is formed of a helical wire.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 17 words
The contraceptive device of claim 1 wherein the tubular member is formed of a braided wire tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 40 words
The contraceptive device of claim 1 wherein the tubular body is configured at least in part to retain substantially the second tubular configuration for sufficient time for tissue growth to epithelialize at least an expanded portion of the tubular body.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 46 words
The contraceptive device of claim 1 wherein at least part of the tubular body is configured to have outer transverse dimensions in the expanded second configuration which substantially conform to inner transverse dimensions of the patient's reproductive lumen at an expansion site in the reproductive lumen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 119 words
A contraceptive device, comprising a) a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of a patient's reproductive system, which has at least one open end and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating the ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member at least partially within the tubular body which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 119 words
A contraceptive device, comprising a) a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of a patient's reproductive system, which has at least one open end and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating the ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member at least partially within the tubular body which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 23 words
The contraceptive device of claim 10 wherein the tubular member is formed of a thin walled metallic tube having a pattern of openings.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 16 words
The contraceptive device of claim 10 wherein the tubular member is formed of a helical wire.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 17 words
The contraceptive device of claim 10 wherein the tubular member is formed of a braided wire tube.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 40 words
The contraceptive device of claim 10 wherein the tubular body is configured to retain substantially the second tubular configuration at least in part for sufficient time for tissue growth to epithelialize at least an expanded portion of the tubular body.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 46 words
The contraceptive device of claim 10 wherein at least part of the tubular body is configured to have outer transverse dimensions in the expanded second configuration which substantially conform to inner transverse dimensions of the patient's reproductive lumen at an expansion site in the reproductive lumen.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 126 words
A contraceptive device for deployment in a female patient's fallopian tube, comprising: a) a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which at least in part is configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within the patient's fallopian tube from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the expanded tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of the female patient's fallopian tube, which has at least one open end and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member at least in part within the tubular body which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 126 words
A contraceptive device for deployment in a female patient's fallopian tube, comprising: a) a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which at least in part is configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within the patient's fallopian tube from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the expanded tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of the female patient's fallopian tube, which has at least one open end and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member at least in part within the tubular body which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 40 words
The contraceptive device of claim 16 wherein the tubular body is configured at least in part to retain substantially the second tabular configuration for sufficient time for tissue growth to epithelialize at least an expanded portion of the tubular body.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 59 words
The contraceptive device of claim 16 wherein the tubular body is configured to substantially conform to the inner transverse dimensions of the patient's fallopian tube in the second tubular configuration and to at least in part retain substantially the second tubular configuration for sufficient time for tissue growth to epithelialize at least an expanded portion of the tubular body.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 125 words
A contraceptive device for deployment in a lumen of a male patient's reproductive system, comprising: a) a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which at least in part is configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within the patient's lumen from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the expanded tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part the patient's lumen, which has at least one open end and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member at least in part within the radially expandable tubular body which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 125 words
A contraceptive device for deployment in a lumen of a male patient's reproductive system, comprising: a) a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which at least in part is configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within the patient's lumen from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the expanded tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part the patient's lumen, which has at least one open end and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member at least in part within the radially expandable tubular body which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 24
Independent Claim 146 words
A method of human contraception comprising a) providing a contraceptive device comprising a tubular body having at least one open end and a member which is configured for tissue growth which is disposed at least partially within the tubular body; b) inserting within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system at least a portion of the contraceptive device including at least part of the tubular body and at least part of the tissue growth member, and c) within a region of the patient's reproductive lumen, radially expanding at least a tubular portion of the tubular body about a longitudinal axis from a first configuration to a second configuration having outer transverse dimensions which are larger than outer transverse dimensions in the first configuration and which substantially conform to the inner transverse dimensions of the patient's reproductive lumen in the region where the tubular portion is expanded.
Claim 25
Independent Claim 146 words
A method of human contraception comprising a) providing a contraceptive device comprising a tubular body having at least one open end and a member which is configured for tissue growth which is disposed at least partially within the tubular body; b) inserting within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system at least a portion of the contraceptive device including at least part of the tubular body and at least part of the tissue growth member, and c) within a region of the patient's reproductive lumen, radially expanding at least a tubular portion of the tubular body about a longitudinal axis from a first configuration to a second configuration having outer transverse dimensions which are larger than outer transverse dimensions in the first configuration and which substantially conform to the inner transverse dimensions of the patient's reproductive lumen in the region where the tubular portion is expanded.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 22 words
The method of claim 20 wherein occlusion of the reproductive lumen is facilitated by tissue growth promoted by the tissue growth member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 13 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the tissue growth includes an inflammatory response.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 20 wherein contraception is aided by a contraceptive drug associated with the device.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the tubular portion is expanded at least partially by self-expanding.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 42 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of inserting at least a portion of the contraceptive device within the patient's reproductive lumen further comprises using a catheter to introduce at least the portion of the contraceptive device into the reproductive lumen.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 22 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the expanded tubular portion is retained substantially in the second configuration within the patient's reproductive lumen.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 30 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the expanded tubular portion is retained substantially in the second configuration within the patient's reproductive lumen for a period of at least seven days.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 31 words
The method of claim 20 wherein at least part of the expanded tubular portion of the tubular body is secured by tissue ingrowth to a wall of the patient's reproductive lumen.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 32 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the expanded tubular portion of the tabular body is contracted from the second configuration to a remembered configuration having smaller transverse dimensions than the second configuration.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 32 words
The method of claim 20 wherein tissue growth surrounds the expanded tubular portion of the tubular body and at least a portion of the tissue growth member within the patient's reproductive lumen.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 42 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the contraceptive device is secured to a portion of a wall forming the patient's reproductive lumen by tissue growth surrounding at least part of the expanded tubular portion of the tubular body within the reproductive lumen.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 22 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the contraceptive device is secured to a portion of a wall fanning the patient's reproductive lumen.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 42 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the radial expansion of the tubular portion of the tubular member to the second larger configuration secures at least the expanded tubular portion of the tubular body at an expansion site within the patient's reproductive lumen.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 107 words
A human contraceptive device comprising: a) a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which has at least a tubular portion that is configured to be radially expanded within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system about the longitudinal axis from a first configuration to a second configuration having outer transverse dimensions larger than outer transverse dimensions in the first configuration, which has at least one open end and which substantially conforms to inner transverse dimensions of the patient's reproductive lumen at an expansion site therein; and b) a member which is configured for tissue growth and which is disposed at least partially within the tubular body.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 107 words
A human contraceptive device comprising: a) a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which has at least a tubular portion that is configured to be radially expanded within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system about the longitudinal axis from a first configuration to a second configuration having outer transverse dimensions larger than outer transverse dimensions in the first configuration, which has at least one open end and which substantially conforms to inner transverse dimensions of the patient's reproductive lumen at an expansion site therein; and b) a member which is configured for tissue growth and which is disposed at least partially within the tubular body.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 22 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein the tubular portion is configured to have an open frame work in the second configuration.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 19 words
The contraceptive device of claim 35 wherein the tubular portion is configured to be retained in the second configuration.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 36 words
The contraceptive device of claim 35 wherein the tubular body is selected from the group consisting of a thin walled metallic tube having a pattern of openings, a helical wire tube, and a braided wire tube.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 21 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein the tissue growth member is a plug with holes and grooves for tissue growth.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 14 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein the tissue growth member comprises a plug.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 20 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein the tubular body is configured to promote tissue growth including an inflammatory response.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 11 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 including a deliverable contraceptive agent.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 20 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein the tubular body is formed at least in part of a nickel-titanium alloy.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 25 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein the tissue growth member is configured to support tissue growth that contributes to occlusion of the reproductive lumen.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 19 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein the tubular portion of the tubular body is at least partially self-expanding.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 40 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein at least the tubular portion of the tubular body is configured to be retained substantially in the second expanded configuration within the patient's reproductive lumen for a period of at least seven days.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 28 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein at least a portion thereof is configured to be secured by tissue ingrowth to a wall of the patient's reproductive lumen.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 47 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein at least a part of the tabular portion of the tubular body is configured to contract from the second configuration to a remembered configuration having smaller transverse dimensions than the second configuration to facilitate occlusion of the patient's reproductive lumen.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 60 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein the tubular portion of the tubular body and the tissue growth member are configured to provoke tissue growth that surrounds at least in part the expanded tubular portion of the tubular body and at least a portion of the tissue growth member within the patient's reproductive lumen to substantially occlude the reproductive lumen.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 30 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein at least part of the tubular body is configured to be secured to a portion of a wall forming the patient's reproductive lumen.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 33 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein the tubular portion of the tubular body is configured to be secured to a portion of a wall forming the patient's reproductive lumen by tissue growth.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 30 words
The contraceptive device of claim 34 wherein the tubular portion of the tubular body is configured to be secured within the patient's reproductive lumen upon expansion to the second configuration.
Claim 58
Independent Claim 213 words
A method of human contraception comprising: a) providing a contraceptive device comprising a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which at least in part is configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a patient's reproductive lumen from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first tubular configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the expanded tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part the patient's lumen, which has at least one open end and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating ingrowth of tissue cells; b) inserting within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system at least a portion of the contraceptive device including at least part of the tubular body; and c) within a region of the patient's reproductive lumen, radially expanding at least a tubular portion of the tubular body about the longitudinal axis from the first configuration to the second configuration which substantially conforms to inner transverse dimensions of the patient's reproductive lumen in the region where the tubular portion is expanded and which facilitates tissue growth that surrounds at least in part the expanded tubular portion of the tubular body within the patient's reproductive lumen to substantially occlude the reproductive lumen.
Claim 59
Independent Claim 213 words
A method of human contraception comprising: a) providing a contraceptive device comprising a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which at least in part is configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a patient's reproductive lumen from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first tubular configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the expanded tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part the patient's lumen, which has at least one open end and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating ingrowth of tissue cells; b) inserting within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system at least a portion of the contraceptive device including at least part of the tubular body; and c) within a region of the patient's reproductive lumen, radially expanding at least a tubular portion of the tubular body about the longitudinal axis from the first configuration to the second configuration which substantially conforms to inner transverse dimensions of the patient's reproductive lumen in the region where the tubular portion is expanded and which facilitates tissue growth that surrounds at least in part the expanded tubular portion of the tubular body within the patient's reproductive lumen to substantially occlude the reproductive lumen.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim 114 words
A contraceptive device, comprising; a) a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second cylindrical tubular configuration having larger transverse dimensions tan the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of a patient's reproductive system and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating the ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member at least partially within the tubular body which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 114 words
A contraceptive device, comprising; a) a tubular body which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second cylindrical tubular configuration having larger transverse dimensions tan the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of a patient's reproductive system and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating the ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member at least partially within the tubular body which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 23 words
The contraceptive device of claim 53 wherein the tubular body is formed of a thin walled metallic tube having a pattern of openings.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 16 words
The contraceptive device of claim 53 wherein the tubular body is formed of a helical coil.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 15 words
The contraceptive device of claim 53 wherein the tubular body is formed of braided wire.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 16 words
The contraceptive device of claim 53 wherein the tubular body has at least one open end.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 20 words
The contraceptive device of claim 53 wherein the tubular body has an open proximal end and an open distal end.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 120 words
A contraceptive device, comprising: a) a tubular member comprises a coil member which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the helical coil to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of a patient's reproductive system and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating the ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member which is disposed at least partially within the helical coil and which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim 120 words
A contraceptive device, comprising: a) a tubular member comprises a coil member which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the helical coil to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of a patient's reproductive system and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating the ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member which is disposed at least partially within the helical coil and which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim 16 words
The contraceptive device of claim 59 wherein the helical coil has at least one open end.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim 20 words
The contraceptive device of claim 59 wherein the helical coil has an open proximal end and an open distal end.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim 16 words
The contraceptive device of claim 59 wherein the helical coil is formed of a single strand.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim 18 words
The contraceptive device of claim 59 wherein the helical coil has a cylindrical shape in the expanded configuration.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim 133 words
A contraceptive device for occluding a lumen of a patient's reproductive system, comprising: a) an elongated tubular member which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of a patient's reproductive system, which has open proximal and distal ends and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating the ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member which is disposed at least partially within the tubular member and which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim 133 words
A contraceptive device for occluding a lumen of a patient's reproductive system, comprising: a) an elongated tubular member which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of a patient's reproductive system, which has open proximal and distal ends and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating the ingrowth of tissue cells; and b) a member which is disposed at least partially within the tubular member and which is configured for tissue growth.
Claim 75
Independent Claim 213 words
A method of human contraception comprising a) providing a contraceptive device comprising a coil member which has a longitudinal axis, which at least in part is configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a patient's reproductive lumen from a first configuration to a second expanded configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first tubular configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the expanded tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part the patient's lumen, which has at least one open end and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating ingrowth of tissue cells; b) inserting within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system at least a portion of the contraceptive device including at least part of the coil member; and c) within a region of the patient's reproductive lumen, radially expanding at least a portion of the coil member about the longitudinal axis from the first configuration to the second configuration which substantially conforms to inner transverse dimensions of the patient's reproductive lumen in the region where the coil member is expanded and which facilitates tissue growth that surrounds at least in part the expanded tubular portion of the tubular body within the patient's reproductive lumen to substantially occlude the reproductive lumen.
Claim 76
Independent Claim 213 words
A method of human contraception comprising a) providing a contraceptive device comprising a coil member which has a longitudinal axis, which at least in part is configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a patient's reproductive lumen from a first configuration to a second expanded configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first tubular configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the expanded tubular body to a wall portion defining at least in part the patient's lumen, which has at least one open end and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating ingrowth of tissue cells; b) inserting within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system at least a portion of the contraceptive device including at least part of the coil member; and c) within a region of the patient's reproductive lumen, radially expanding at least a portion of the coil member about the longitudinal axis from the first configuration to the second configuration which substantially conforms to inner transverse dimensions of the patient's reproductive lumen in the region where the coil member is expanded and which facilitates tissue growth that surrounds at least in part the expanded tubular portion of the tubular body within the patient's reproductive lumen to substantially occlude the reproductive lumen.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim 15 words
The method of claim 65 wherein the tissue growth substantially occludes the patient's reproductive lumen.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim 21 words
The method of claim 65 wherein the coil member is substantially in the form of a cylinder in the expanded configuration.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim 21 words
The method of claim 65 wherein a member configured for tissue growth is disposed at least partially within the coil member.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim 15 words
The method of claim 68 wherein the member configured for tissue growth is a plug.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim 95 words
A contraceptive device comprising a tubular coil member which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the coil member to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of a patient's reproductive system and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating the ingrowth of tissue cells.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim 95 words
A contraceptive device comprising a tubular coil member which has a longitudinal axis, which is at least in part configured to be radially expanded about the longitudinal axis within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first configuration to a second configuration having larger transverse dimensions than the first configuration to facilitate securing a least a portion of the coil member to a wall portion defining at least in part a lumen of a patient's reproductive system and which has an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating the ingrowth of tissue cells.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim 23 words
The contraceptive device of claim 70 wherein a member configured for tissue growth is disposed at least partially within the tubular coil member.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim 16 words
The contraceptive device of claim 71 wherein the member configured for tissue growth is a plug.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2009-07-10 2010-01-09 2010-07-11 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2013-07-10 2014-01-09 2014-07-11 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2017-07-10 2018-01-09 2018-07-11 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

Assigned Categories & Tags

No categories assigned to this patent yet.

Assign Category Tag