Patent ID: 8333688

Claim:
A recoverable intra-uterine device comprising: a housing adapted to contain at least one element comprising an embryo, male gametes, female gametes, a fertilized ovocyte, an unfertilized ovum, or a combination thereof, said housing having along an axis (X) a distal end and a proximal end, and a retaining device for retaining the recoverable intra-uterine device in a uterus, wherein said retaining device is arranged at the proximal end of the housing and includes at least one retaining arm adapted to assume at least two positions in the uterine cavity of said uterus, said positions comprising: a free position, wherein the at least one retaining arm is away from the axis (X); and a removal position, wherein said at least one retaining arm is substantially parallel to said axis (X), and further wherein: said retaining device comprises at least one bent wire forming a spring having a first end at said proximal end of the housing and a second end fastened to said retaining arm; and a terminal portion of said first end of the bent wire forming a spring comprises a coil spring and is fastened in a cylindrical tube of biocompatible material fixed to said proximal end of said housing.