Abstract
Objective
To assess the site-specific corrosive behavior of the frameless intrauterine device
(IUD) following long-term exposure to the uterine environment.
Study design
A qualitative and morphological study using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM).
Results
Three GyneFix® IUDs that were in site up to 150 months were examined. In utero corroded copper sleeves were divided into 10 different
groups based on their shape (U or O), orientation (inside or outside) and in utero
residence time. XRD indicated the presence of solely cuprite (Cu2O) as corrosion product on both the inside and the outside of the copper sleeves,
regardless of their shape. These results were confirmed by backscattered electron
micrographs recorded on the inside, the outside and the cross-section of the IUD sleeve.
SEM results suggest that shape and orientation slightly affect the corrosion rate.
Conclusion
The apparent copper loss from both sides of GyneFix copper tubes proves that both
sides are a potential copper source and therefore justifies the design of GyneFix
IUD. This could be beneficial for women as the IUD could be reduced in size and therefore
better tolerated. The impact on bleeding could also be minimized.
Implication statement
Release of copper ions from both sides of the copper tubes of the frameless GyneFix®
IUD allows the IUD to be reduced in size, contributing to better toleration. The impact
on menstrual bleeding is also minimized by a smaller size of the foreign body.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 23, 2014
Accepted:
May 21,
2014
Received in revised form:
May 19,
2014
Received:
January 22,
2014
Footnotes
☆P.J.S. acknowledges Ghent University for funding. V.F. acknowledges a Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship. XMaS is a beamline funded by the British Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.
☆☆Conflict of interest: Pieter-Jan Sabbe, Mark G. Dowsett, Victoria Flexer, Paul Thompson, David Walker, Pam A. Thomas, Annemie Adriaens: nil. Dirk Wildemeersch has been involved in the optimization of new, innovative, drug delivery systems for use in the uterus. He is currently advisor in devising new concepts in controlled release for contraception, gynecological treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
