Patent ID: 8257244

Claim:
A method of performing in utero preimplantatory incubation of an embryo or a zygote in assisted reproductive technology, comprising the steps of: providing one or more element(s) comprising an embryo, a zygote, male and/or female gametes, a fertilized oocyte, or any combination thereof, providing a retrievable intrauterine device comprising a capsule capable of being loaded with one or more elements comprising an embryo, a zygote, male and/or female gametes, a fertilized oocyte, or any combination thereof, wherein said capsule comprises a material that permits passage of proteins from a uterine cavity to said elements loaded in said capsule, when said device is placed in the uterine cavity, loading said capsule in said device with said element(s), placing said device within the uterine cavity of a mammal, retrieving and removing the device from the uterine cavity along with the encapsulated element(s) after incubation of said element(s) in contact with uterine fluids in said capsule, further retrieving an embryo or a zygote from said capsule.