CATHETER FOR THE TRANSFER OF HUMAN EMBRYOS WITH SECTION OF TRANSVERSE FOLDS AND ERGONOMIC HANDLE

Abstract

A Catheter for the transfer of human embryos including an outer catheter characterized by an integrated element of transverse folds in the shape of an “accordion” at a specific distance from its tip. When being compact, the element of transverse folds is 1 cm long while the distance of its center from the tip of the catheter is 5.5 cm but can vary +/−1 cm. The element of transverse folds has the ability to bend, expand, compress and generally be configured in the desired shape and angle by the operating clinician in order to facilitate its passage through the cervical channel. The shape and angle are capable of being re-configured by the operating clinician if deemed necessary. The element of transverse folds is also capable of automatically adjusting in shape and angle during its passage through the cervix, following the anatomy of the cervical channel.

Claims

1. A catheter for the transfer of human embryos comprising an outer catheter characterized by an integrated element of transverse folds in the shape of an “accordion” at a specific distance from its tip; whereby, when being compact, the element of transverse folds is lcm long while the distance of its center from the tip of the catheter is 5.5 cm but can vary +/−1 cm in variations of the same design; whereby the element of transverse folds has the ability to bend, expand, compress and generally be configured in the desired shape and angle by the operating clinician in order to facilitate its passage through the cervical channel; whereby the shape and angle are capable of being re-configured by the operating clinician if deemed necessary; whereby the element of transverse folds is also capable of automatically adjusting in shape and angle during its passage through the cervix, following the anatomy of the cervical channel; and whereby the configuration of shape and angle is achieved without narrowing the lumen of the outer catheter as to affect the functionality of an inner catheter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1-3. The proposed embryo-transfer catheter, when catheters (α) and (β) are assembled. More specifically:

[0011] FIG. 1. Front View.

[0012] FIG. 2. Side View.

[0013] FIG. 3. Section.

[0014] FIG. 4-6. Detail of the section of transverse folds (1) of catheter (α). More specifically:

[0015] FIG. 4. The section of transverse folds in expansion.

[0016] FIG. 5. The section of transverse folds in compression.

[0017] FIG. 6. The transverse folds in section.

[0018] FIG. 7-9. Detail of the ergonomic handle of the catheter, comprised of handles (3,4) of the respective catheters (α) and (β) when in assembly. More specifically:

[0019] FIG. 7. Front View.

[0020] FIG. 8. Side View.

[0021] FIG. 9. Section.

[0022] FIG. 10-12. The outer catheter (α). More specifically:

[0023] FIG. 10. Front View.

[0024] FIG. 11. Side View.

[0025] FIG. 12. Section.

[0026] FIG. 13-15. The inner catheter (β). More specifically:

[0027] FIG. 13. Front View.

[0028] FIG. 14. Side View.

[0029] FIG. 15. Section.

LEGEND

[0030] 1. The transverse folds of the outer catheter (α) as described in the claim. [0031] 2. Indicative dots at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 cm from the tip of the catheter (α). [0032] 3. The handle of outer catheter (α), inside which catheter (β) enters. [0033] 4. The handle of inner catheter (β), which connects firmly to the handle of outer catheter (a), thus forming the ergonomic handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1-6 and 10-15, the proposed catheter consists of an outer, harder catheter 18.5 cm long (α) and an inner soft catheter 24.5 cm long (β). At a distance between 5 and 6 cm from its tip, catheter (α) has an element of transverse folds (1) in the shape of an “accordion”. The distance of the center of the folds is proposed at 5.5 cm and it can vary +/−1 cm in variations of the same proposal. These folds can expand, or compress, bend and finally be configured in the desired angle without narrowing the lumen of catheter (α) and affecting the functionality of catheter (β). At a distance of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 cm from the tip of catheter (α) there are indicative dots (2) that can assist the clinician know, how far has the catheter been inserted inside the cervical channel. The catheter (β) is consistent in configuration, soft, flexible and with a diameter that allows it to be inserted in the lumen of catheter (α). It too has a lumen that is used for the loading, carriage and transfer of the embryos.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the base/handle of catheter (α) internally is shaped as a crucible (3), so that it facilitates the entry of catheter (β) and subsequent assembly of the bases/handles of the two catheters. The base/handle of catheter (β) is too shaped as a crucible (4) so to connect firmly with the base/handle of catheter (α) When catheters (α) and (β) are assembled, their bases externally form a handle of elliptical shape, 1.3 cm wide, 2 cm high and 1.1 cm thick. The handle presents with increased thickness perimetrically and reduced centrally thus achieving a larger and more comfortable surface for contact with the operator's hand. This characteristic permits a more accurate and steadier assembly and separation of catheters (α) and (β) by rotation of the two bases (3,4) in opposite directions.

[0036] The proposed catheter for the transfer of embryos has the following advantages: [0037] 1. It can be autonomous flexible at a certain part of its length so that it can, and on its own navigate the shape of the cervical channel while passing through it, without delays or micro-injuries. [0038] 2. It can be bent, expanded, compressed, and generally configured in the desired shape and angle by the operating clinician, in order to achieve easier, faster, and without injuries, passage through the cervical channel. [0039] 3. Makes possible a further adjustment of its angle and shape in case this is deemed necessary by the operating clinician. [0040] 4. The configuration of the catheter at the section of the transverse folds is achieved without narrowing the lumen of the outer catheter as to affect the functionality of the inner catheter.

[0041] While the invention has been described with specific embodiments, other alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it will be intended to include all such alternatives, modifications, and variations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.