Contraceptive transcervical fallopian tube occlusion devices and their delivery

Abstract

The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A contraceptive device, comprising an intraluminal body which is at least in part radially expandable about a longitudinal axis thereof within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first transverse dimension to a second larger transverse dimension and which is provided with a deliverable contraceptive agent.  
     
     
         2 . The contraceptive device of  claim 1  wherein the intraluminal body is a tubular member with an open framework in the expanded configuration facilitating the ingrowth of tissue cells.  
     
     
         3 . The contraceptive device of  claim 2  wherein the tubular member is formed of a helical wire configured to allow the tubular member to be expanded to the open framework.  
     
     
         4 . The contraceptive device of  claim 2  wherein the tubular member has an inner lumen.  
     
     
         5 . A contraceptive device comprising an intraluminal occlusion means which is at least in part radially expandable about a longitudinal axis thereof within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first transverse dimension to a second larger transverse dimension and which is provided with a deliverable contraceptive agent.  
     
     
         6 . A contraceptive device comprising a body expandable within a lumen of a patient's reproductive system from a first tubular configuration to a second tubular configuration, the second tubular configuration having a larger cross-sectional profile than the first tubular configuration relative to an axis of the contraceptive device, the contraceptive device comprising a contraceptive material.  
     
     
         7 . The contraceptive device of  claim 6  wherein the contraceptive material comprises copper.