title: Use of MRI to determine the in vivo position of a silicone vaginal barrier contraceptive device.
abstract: This study was performed to determine the location of a silicone rubber vaginal barrier contraceptive device, the Lea's Shield, in vivo. Two women, one parous and one nulligravid, were enrolled in the study. Surface coil, multiplanar Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed immediately following insertion of the contraceptive device, and was repeated following 35-40 min of normal ambulation by the participant.The contraceptive device was markedly hypointense to pelvic structures on both T1 and T2 weighted images. Its position within the vagina and relationship to the cervix were readily identifiable on MR images. The device was located in the upper vagina and completely covered the cervix in both patients. The valve appeared closed, and there was no apparent pressure on the urethra. The position was not altered by ambulation. In conclusion, MRI was a reproducible and rapid means for noninvasively determining the intravaginal location and orientation of a barrier contraceptive device. After insertion, the Lea's Shield occupies the upper vagina and completely covers the cervix.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA. pretoriu@rad.upenn.edu
authors.forename: E Scott
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Pretorius
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Barnhart
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Timbers
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mauck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012828:Silicones
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones