A copper-based intrauterine device with gold or platinum core: in vitro and in vivo studies

The use of copper intrauterine contraceptive devices is currently limited to 2-3 years, mainly due to wire fragmentation, which was observed as early as after 8 months of use. In the resulting search for a long-lasting device, two new systems of duplex wire, with gold and platinum cores electrolytically coated with copper, were devised and studied. Initially, duplex wires and controls were exposed to physiological solution. Copper dissolution rate, and corrosion morphology were studied by weight-loss measurements and optical metallography. Similar systems were then surgically implanted in rat uteri for varying periods up to 26 weeks. Electron microanalysis of corrosion products in addition to weight-loss measurements and metallography was performed. The results showed that a uniform and ductile copper coating is obtainable by electroplating on gold and platinum wires. The rate of copper dissolution is similar to that of solid copper wire. No dissolution of gold and platinum in the controls or coated wires was detected by weight loss, metallography or atomic absorption measurements. Microanalysis of the deposits and corrosion products on the wires in the uterine environment showed the presence of compounds containing sulphur, chlorine, calcium and copper. The results of this study suggest that supplementing IUDs with copper-coated gold or platinum wires may result in significant prolongation of the life-span of the device by preventing uncontrolled loss of copper caused by wire fragmentation.