Surgery – Female reproductory tract shields – supports – or birth...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-05
2001-09-11
Brown, Michael A. (Department: 3764)
Surgery
Female reproductory tract shields, supports, or birth...
C128S831000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286510
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention concerns birth control apparatus and methods and, more particularly, apparatus and methods for preventing fluid transfer between a uterine cavity and an oviduct of a female reproductive system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Most acceptable forms of birth control comprise apparatus and methods for preventing conception. While certain prescription drugs can adequately prevent conception from occurring, skilled artisans have devoted considerable attention toward less expensive mechanical devices and techniques. Nearly all mechanical birth control devices and techniques attempt to block fluid transfer between the vagina and the uterus, or the oviducts and the uterus. By preventing fluid transfer between the vagina and the uterus and/or the oviducts and the uterus, conception is prevented or at least minimized. Although existing mechanical devices and techniques prove adequate, they can be difficult to construct, challenging to install and unreliable. Given these and other deficiencies in the art, the need for certain new and useful improvements is evident.
Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide improved apparatus and methods for preventing fluid transfer between an oviduct and a uterine cavity of a female productive system.
It is a purpose of the invention to provide new and improved apparatus that are easy to construct.
It is another purpose of the invention to provide new and improved apparatus that are easy to use.
It is still another purpose of the invention to provide new and improved apparatus that are inexpensive.
It is a further provision of the invention to provide new and improved apparatus that may be installed in minimally invasive surgical technique.
It is still a further provision of the invention to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
It is yet still a further purpose of the invention to provide new and improved apparatus that are easy to install.
It is yet a further purpose of the invention to provide new and improved apparatus that are not damaging to the female reproductive system.
It is another purpose of the invention to provide new and improved apparatus that are highly reliable for preventing fluid transfer between an oviduct and a uterine cavity of a female reproductive system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above problems and others are at least partially solved and the above purposes and others realized in new and improved apparatus for preventing fluid transfer through an opening connecting an oviduct to a uterine cavity. The apparatus is comprised of an insert for insertion into the oviduct through the opening leading from the uterine cavity to the oviduct, a seal carried by the insert for engaging uterine tissue leading to the opening and receiving fibroblast ingrowth to create a hermetic seal between the oviduct and the uterine cavity, and an engagement element supported by the insert for securing the insert to the oviduct. The engagement element may comprise an enlargement or a toothed, furrowed or rigged surface. The engagement element allows for the insertion of the insert into the opening and the oviduct, and inhibits the insert from falling away from the oviduct through the opening after installation. The insert supports a ball joint that may be grasp by a tool and which allows the apparatus to deflect during installation. The ball joint is carried by a cap supported by an extension of the insert. The cap defines a continuous bead that extends into and displaces the seal forming a sealing engagement between the cap and the extension.
Consistent with the foregoing, associated methods of preventing fluid transfer through an opening connecting an oviduct to a uterine cavity may also be provided.
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Ray Terry L.
Zeluff James W.
Brown Michael A.
Goltry Michael W.
Parsons Robert A.
Parsons & Goltry
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