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Fifteen multifilament strings on Dalkon Shield IUDs removed from patients were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. All fifteen showed deterioration of the sheath which encloses the smaller inner filaments. The greatest area of deterioration was at the attachment knot which is usually intrauterine. Deterioration of the sheath also occurs when the device is within the uterine wall or intraperitoneal. The risk of pelvic infection may be attributed to this deterioration of the sheath and contamination from that site.
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