APPARATUS FOR INSERTING AN INTRAUTERINE DEVICE

摘要

An intrauterine device comprising a stem and at least one arm depending therefrom, such as the "Tatum T," and apparatus for inserting it into the uterine cavity, the insertion apparatus being (1) a curved elongated inserter tube on one end of which the intrauterine device is fixedly mounted with its stem in the tube and the arms hanging outwardly from the tube and (2) a cap which fits axially and slidably over the end of the inserter tube on which the intrauterine device is mounted, the cap having (a) slots through which the arms are received, (b) axial ways on the inner surface of the inserter tube which extend from the leading ends of the slots to the leading end of the tube and (c) means of increased cross section such as a collar or flanges which prevent it from entering the cervix during insertion. By axially sliding the cap relative to the tube or vice versa the arms may be folded inwardly against the stem and into the ways.