Thin film intrauterine device

Abstract

Contraceptive intrauterine devices made of thin film shape memory alloy materials. The devices are formed in three-dimensional shapes which contact uterus tissue of a human or other mammal to prevent conception. In certain embodiments, structural features such as tails, fenestrations, ridges or grooves are formed on the devices to enhance the contraceptive effect.

1 . A method of preventing conception in a human or other mammal comprising the steps of providing an intrauterine device comprised of a thin film of shape memory alloy material, and placing the device in the uterus of the human or other mammal.  
   
   
       2 . A method as in  claim 1  in which the material has a crystalline phase change transformation temperature at which the device changes from an elastic phase shape when the material is below the temperature to a memory shape when the material is above the temperature, inserting the device into the uterus when the device is in the elastic phase, and enabling the device to change to the memory shape responsive to heat from the uterus.  
   
   
       3 . An intrauterine device for use in the uterus of a human or other mammal, the device comprising a thin film formed of a shape memory alloy material that is characterized in having a crystalline phase change transformation temperature by which the film changes from an elastic phase shape when the material is below the temperature to a memory shape when the material is above the temperature, the elastic phase shape being sufficient to enable insertion of the device into the uterus, and the memory shape being sufficient to enable contact of at least a portion of the thin film with a wall of the uterus to prevent conception.  
   
   
       4 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 3  in which the memory shape is sufficient to conform to a portion of the uterus wall.  
   
   
       5 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 3  in which the memory shape is sufficient to resist ejection through a cervical channel leading from the uterus.  
   
   
       6 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 3  and further comprising a catheter enclosing the thin film when the film is in its elastic phase shape for enabling insertion of the device into the uterus.  
   
   
       7 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 3  and further comprising a structure formed on the thin film, the structure being selected from the group consisting of an appendage, a fenestration, a ridge, a groove and an indentation.  
   
   
       8 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 7  in which the structure is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of the same material forming the device, a metal, a polymer and an organic compound.  
   
   
       9 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 7  in which a plurality of structures are arrayed on the thin film in a pattern which is sufficient to control cell migration.  
   
   
       10 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 7  in which a plurality of structures are arrayed on the thin film in a pattern which is sufficient to control cell growth.  
   
   
       11 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 7  in which a plurality of structures are arrayed on the thin film in a pattern which is sufficient to bind with specific proteins.  
   
   
       12 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 7  in which a plurality of structures are arrayed on the thin film in a pattern which is sufficient to chemically modify the environment of the uterus.  
   
   
       13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . (canceled)  
   
   
       15 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 3  in which at least one surface portion of the thin film has an attachment selected from the group consisting of copper, a hormone and a compound that enhances conception.  
   
   
       16 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 3  in which the material comprises a ternary alloy having an element selected from the group consisting of palladium, hafnium, platinum, aluminum, copper and nitrogen.  
   
   
       17 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 3  in which thin film comprises a portion which deliver a chemical selected from the group consisting of a chemical, a drug and a medication.  
   
   
       18 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 17  in which the chemical is delivered to a body part selected from the group consisting of the uterus, the cervix, the vagina and the fallopian tubes.  
   
   
       19 . An intrauterine device as in  claim 3  in which the device comprises a portion having changable properties selected from the group consisting of degradable, erodible and re-absorbable.