Patent ID: 9492311
Filing Date: 2016-11-15
CPC Classification: A61F

Claim Text:
1. A method for promoting contraception by applying force against an inner wall of a uterus without blocking fallopian tubes, the method comprising: advancing a distal end of a delivery device through a cervix; advancing an intrauterine device out of the distal end of the delivery device and into the uterus, wherein once the intrauterine device is advanced out of the distal end of the delivery device, the intrauterine device including an elongate member formed of Nitinol, having a diameter between 0.010 inch and 0.025 inch, the intrauterine device including two tissue contact members, wherein each tissue contact member comprises a non-porous material and has a surface area of at least 30 mm squared, and the intrauterine device has a width measured from a tip of one tissue contact member to a tip of the other tissue contact member of at least 40 mm in its expanded configuration outside the uterus, the intrauterine device expands into an expanded configuration to cause the two tissue contact members of the intrauterine device to move in approximately opposite directions to contact and apply force against the inner wall of the uterus, wherein each of the tissue contact members, when the intrauterine device is delivered, is positioned near, but not within, an opening of a fallopian tube; and removing the delivery device, wherein the two tissue contact members apply sufficient force against the uterine wall to promote contraception and prevent migration of the intrauterine device out of the uterus or into the fallopian tubes.