INTRAUTERINE EXPANDER DEVICE

Abstract

The invention consists of an expansion catheter for intrauterine placement, featuring anatomical characteristics adaptable to the different morphologies of the uterine organ in its internal cavities, and which efficiently enables the dilatation and separation of the internal walls of the cavity subsequent to their reduction in the surgical process of endometrial scraping in the different surgical techniques of the procedure, in order to serve as a separator and isolator in the prevention of intrauterine adhesions, facilitating drainage both internally through the device and perimetrally. The device, containing an expansion device in a collapsed state, is placed in the uterus by means of an insertion device with the aid of a pusher, which is discarded together with the insertion device once the unit is in place.

Claims

1. An intrauterine expander device comprising: an inflatable main body (1) having a configuration in the form of an inverted spear tip with rounded edges, in which a central drainage channel (2) having a blunt tip (4) is defined above said inverted spear tip towards a central tube (3), so that said inflatable main body (1) is formed from individual inflation chambers that define two flexible lateral flaps (5) with rounded edges, said inflatable main body (1) having, when inflated, a contour section curved both on major faces and on minor faces of said inflatable main body (1), wherein a plurality of drainage conduits or channels (8) are defined between said major faces, said minor faces and walls of a uterus, said individual inflation chambers being assisted by inflation tubes (7) that pass inside the central drainage tube (3), wherein a plurality of cervix fixing balloons (9) provided with discontinuous rings (10) are provided below said inflatable main body (1) to facilitate perimeter drainage.

2. The intrauterine expander device according to claim 1, further comprising an inserter device (6) of tubular and open configuration in which the inflatable main body (1) is initially inserted and folded, wherein said inserter device (6) is configured to insert the device through a cervix and to be, axially removable with respect to the device once inserted with the help of an internal pushing element (11).

3. The intrauterine expander device according to claim 1, wherein the inflation tubes (7) have a spiral configuration at a lower end so that said inflation tubes (7) are retractable from said central drainage tube (3).

4. The intrauterine expander device according to claim 1, wherein a central double inflation chamber and a lateral quadruple inflation chamber are provided on said inflatable main body (1).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] To complete the description that is going to be made and to assist a better understanding of the invention's characteristics, according to a preferred practical embodiment thereof, accompanying as an integral part of said description, is a set of drawings, where in an illustrative and non-limiting way, the following is represented:

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a top side perspective view of an intrauterine expander device made in accordance with the object of the present invention, deployed but not fully inflated.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a detail in a different perspective from the whole of the previous figure.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows the device of FIG. 1 according to another perspective.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the device of the preceding figures, duly inflated.

[0021] FIG. 5 finally shows a sectional view of the device, introduced into an applicator sheath for the introduction of the assembly into the uterus.

PREFERRED MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] In view of the aforementioned figures, it can be seen that the proposed intrauterine expander device is constituted from an inflatable main body (1), which has a configuration in the form of an inverted spear tip, with rounded edges, in which a central drainage channel (2) towards a central tube (3) is defined above, which central channel (2) has a blunt tip (4), such that said inflatable main body (1) is constituted from several individual inflation chambers, which determine two flexible lateral flaps (5) with rounded edges that initially fold occupying a minimum volume within an inserter device (6), the one shown in FIG. 5, of tubular configuration with rounded and open tip (11), like a sheath, which significantly facilitates the implantation of the device and its passage through the cervix.

[0023] This inserter device (6) can be easily coaxially removed from the main device by pulling it, once arranged in the work area, next to the internal pusher element (11).

[0024] In this way, the device can be easily deployed by inflating its chambers, for which they are associated with small inflation tubes (7) that pass internally to the central drainage tube (3), presenting a greater length than the latter, so that in their lower extremity, not shown in the figures, they adopt a spiral configuration, which allows their retraction once the device is adapted to the physiognomy of the patient, ending at these extremities in the corresponding non-return valves, not represented in the figures.

[0025] The main body (1) presents an inflatable and ergonomic configuration adaptable to the different morphologies of the organ, with the particularity that, when inflate, it defines a contour section curved both in its two major faces and its two minor faces, which determine, in its support on the uterine wall, a plurality of drainage conduits or channels (8) additional to the central drainage channel.

[0026] In this sense, and as noted above, a double centre and lateral inflation quadruple chamber is involved in the main body to create a greater number of drainage channels (8).

[0027] Lower down the main body (1) a triple balloon for attaching to the cervix (9), with discontinuous lateral attachment rings and drainage canalisation to prevent its dislodgement and possible withdrawals during the phases of muscle contraction, is arranged.

[0028] From this structuring, the following structural advantages are derived: [0029] Device with its own inserter, which significantly facilitates its placement and reduces the discomfort of said operation. [0030] The multi-chamber configuration allows for greater expansion along the lateral edges. [0031] Anatomical shape that adapts to the uterine cavity. [0032] Wide distension capacity, which increases the separation of the walls exerting hemostatic action by compression. [0033] Increased perimeter drainage capacity of accumulated secretions.