Essure is a permanent birth control device. It consists of a tiny coil on the end of a catheter and a deployment handle. The device works by blocking your fallopian tubes.

This flexible device is made from two kinds of metal — nickel-titanium and stainless steel — and polyester fibers. Once in place, the device uncoils to conform to the shape of your fallopian tube. The polyester fibers promote the growth of new tissue into and around the metal device. Eventually, this leads to scar tissue, which blocks the patients fallopian tubes.

A potential advantage of this procedure is that, unlike tubal ligation, it doesn't require an incision. Placement of the device involves guiding an instrument through the patients natural passages. General anesthesia isn't usually needed.

The device deployment handle had to be easy to hold and position, while allowing good tactile feel for the surgeon to manipulate the controls for releasing the device from the end of the catheter.