Embryo transfer tube
By designing a first tube segment with an adapted inner diameter, and incorporating a degreased cotton block and a ring-shaped limiting seat, the problem of embryos being easily damaged or lost in existing Pasteur pipettes has been solved, achieving precise operation and efficient transfer.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SICHUAN ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCI SICHUAN PROVINCIAL PEOPLES HOSPITAL
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
When using existing Pasteur pipettes to extract embryos on-site, the embryos can easily pass through the narrow suction section into the thicker connecting section, leading to embryo damage or loss.
Design an embryo transfer tube, including a first tube segment and a second tube segment that are connected to each other. The second tube segment is equipped with a degreased cotton block and an annular limiting seat. The annular limiting seat reduces the air intake cross-sectional area and increases airflow resistance. The inner diameter of the first tube segment is adapted to the embryo. The transition section has a conical structure to facilitate embryo reflux.
By precisely controlling the location of embryo aspiration, the probability of accidental aspiration into the second tubing segment is reduced, the embryo is protected, fluid flow is prevented, the success rate of the procedure is improved, and the adverse effects of alcohol-induced embryonic contraction are avoided.
Smart Images
Figure CN224450678U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of assisted reproductive technology, and in particular to an embryo transfer tube. Background Technology
[0002] In assisted reproductive technology and related research, there is a significant demand for glass tubes with an inner diameter of 120-280 μm. Their main purpose is to transfer germ cells, such as embryonic cells and eggs, to new culture dishes during medium exchange. The transfer tubes used daily are typically made by laboratory researchers themselves using commercially available Pasteur pipettes, which are then stretched under high temperatures using an alcohol lamp.
[0003] The drawn glass consists of a suction section and a connecting section. The inner diameter of the suction section is usually 120-280um, and the inner diameter of the connecting section is 0.4cm. The connecting section is connected to the suction bulb, and the negative pressure generated by the suction bulb is used to suction the embryo. Due to the sudden increase in the inner diameter of the connecting section, the negative pressure is not accurately controlled during operation, which can easily lead to the excessive suction of the embryo into the connecting section, causing embryo damage or loss.
[0004] Therefore, a technical solution is needed to address the problem that when embryos are drawn and aspirated on-site using a Pasteur pipette, the embryos can easily pass through the narrow aspiration section and enter the thicker connecting section, resulting in embryo loss. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the technical problem in the prior art where the embryo is easily lost when the Pasteur pipette is used to extract the embryo on-site, causing the embryo to easily enter the coarse connecting section through the narrow suction section. This invention provides an embryo transfer tube.
[0006] This utility model provides an embryo transfer tube, including a first tube segment and a second tube segment that are interconnected. The inner diameter of the second tube segment is larger than that of the first tube segment. A piece of degreased cotton is provided inside the second tube segment. An annular limiting seat is provided on the inner wall of the second tube segment away from the first tube segment. The inner diameter of the annular limiting seat is smaller than that of the second tube segment.
[0007] This invention relates to an embryo transfer tube. In use, the end of the second tube segment furthest from the first tube segment is connected to a suction bulb or other negative pressure mechanism. The suction bulb generates negative pressure, drawing the embryo into the first tube segment. Because an annular limiting seat is provided at the end of the second tube segment, the air intake cross-sectional area can be reduced, increasing airflow resistance and making the negative pressure generated by the suction bulb smoother. This allows the operator to accurately control the embryo's suction position, thereby reducing the chance of the embryo being accidentally drawn into the second tube segment. A piece of absorbent cotton is also placed inside the second tube segment to further intercept any embryos and liquids that may be accidentally drawn in. At the same time, it has an absorption effect on the liquid, preventing the liquid from continuing to flow into the suction bulb. The annular limiting seat at the end of the second tube segment also limits the absorbent cotton, preventing it from being accidentally drawn into the suction bulb.
[0008] Preferably, the inner diameter of the first pipe section is d, where 120um ≤ d ≤ 280um.
[0009] The inner diameter of the first tube segment is directly matched with the embryo to be transferred, allowing the embryo to enter the first tube segment smoothly. At the same time, the embryos are prevented from overlapping at the cross-section of the first tube segment, reducing the mutual compression between the embryos.
[0010] Preferably, the inner diameter of the second pipe section is D, 0.5cm≤D≤0.8cm, and the thickness is s, 0.1cm≤s≤0.3cm.
[0011] The second tube section is made to have the same diameter as the traditional Pasteur straw, making it easy for the operator to handle and connect it to the suction bulb without changing the existing operating habits.
[0012] Preferably, the length of the annular limiting seat is c, where 0.8cm ≤ c ≤ 1.2cm.
[0013] By limiting the length c of the annular limiting seat to the range of 0.8cm to 1.2cm, the airflow damping effect can be optimized, making the negative pressure transmission more stable. When c < 0.8cm, the limiting seat is too short, the airflow resistance is insufficient, and the probability of the embryo being aspirated into the second tube segment increases. When c > 1.2cm, the limiting seat is too long, the airflow resistance is too large, affecting the smoothness of operation and increasing the aspiration time. This solution ensures effective flow control while taking into account the convenience of operation, making it easier to stabilize the embryo in the first tube segment and reducing aspiration.
[0014] Preferably, the inner diameter of the annular limiting seat is d1, where 0.08cm≤d1≤0.12cm.
[0015] By limiting the inner diameter d1 of the annular limiting seat to the range of 0.08cm to 0.12cm, the air inlet cross-sectional area can be precisely controlled, so that the negative pressure gradient is concentrated in the first tube section. When d1 < 0.08cm, the air inlet is too small, the negative pressure is built up slowly, and the operating efficiency is affected. When d1 > 0.12cm, the air inlet is too large, the airflow speed is reduced, and the chance of embryo aspiration may be increased. This solution optimizes the inner diameter of the limiting seat to achieve a better balance between airflow resistance and aspiration efficiency, making it easier for the embryo to stay in the first tube section and improving the success rate of the operation.
[0016] Preferably, it further includes a transition section, which is configured as a tapered structure, with its small end connected to the first pipe section and its large end connected to the second pipe section.
[0017] The first and second tube segments are connected by a tapered transition section. If the embryo is accidentally aspirated into the second tube segment, squeezing the suction bulb can more easily push the embryo back into the first tube segment from the second tube segment.
[0018] Preferably, the first pipe section, the second pipe section, and the transition section are all structural components made of transparent glass.
[0019] The operator can directly observe the flow of the embryo in the first, transition, or second tube segment, which facilitates accurate manipulation of the suction bulb and control of the embryo's position.
[0020] Preferably, the annular limiting seat is detachably connected to the second pipe segment.
[0021] The inner diameter of the annular limiting seat is smaller than that of the second pipe section, and the degreased cotton block needs to be filled in the second pipe section. Therefore, the annular limiting seat and the second pipe section are designed to be detachable so that the degreased cotton block can be installed and removed in the second pipe section.
[0022] Preferably, the annular limiting seat is provided with an annular sealing ring, which surrounds the outer wall of the annular limiting seat.
[0023] The outer wall of the annular limiting seat abuts against the inner wall of the second pipe section through an annular sealing ring, thereby realizing a detachable connection between the annular limiting seat and the second pipe section. The annular sealing ring can enhance the airtightness between the annular limiting seat and the inner wall of the second pipe section, ensuring that the airflow passes normally through the inner ring of the annular limiting seat.
[0024] Preferably, the annular limiting seat is provided with a threaded section, which is located on one side of the annular sealing ring, and the annular limiting seat is threadedly connected to the second pipe section through the threaded section.
[0025] By adding a threaded section to the outer wall of the annular limiting seat and connecting the threaded section to the end of the second pipe section, the stability of the annular limiting seat installed on the second pipe section can be improved, and the annular limiting seat can be prevented from accidentally falling off.
[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0027] 1. The embryo transfer tube provided by this utility model can reduce the air intake cross-sectional area and increase the airflow resistance by setting an annular limiting seat at the end of the second tube section with a large diameter, so that the negative pressure generated by the suction bulb is more gentle, making it easier for the operator to accurately control the position of the embryo suction, thereby reducing the embryo being accidentally sucked into the second tube section;
[0028] 2. The embryo transfer tube provided by this utility model further intercepts embryos that may be aspirated by placing degreased cotton in the second section of the tube with a large diameter, thus protecting the embryos that may be aspirated. At the same time, it has an absorption effect on liquids without affecting gas flow and preventing liquids from continuing to flow into the suction bulb.
[0029] 3. The embryo transfer tube provided by this utility model has an annular limiting seat at the end of the second tube segment that can also limit the defatted cotton block, preventing the defatted cotton block from being accidentally sucked into the suction bulb;
[0030] 4. The embryo transfer tube provided by this utility model, by setting a first tube segment adapted to the diameter of the embryo, eliminates the need for pulling operations during use and avoids the adverse effects of alcohol on the embryo. Attached Figure Description
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embryo transfer tube (the annular limiting seat and the second tube segment are integrated) according to this utility model;
[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embryo transfer tube (the annular limiting seat and the second tube segment are detachable) according to this utility model;
[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of area A in the middle;
[0034] Marked in the image:
[0035] 1-First pipe section, 2-Second pipe section, 3-Degreased cotton block, 4-Annular limiting seat, 41-Annular sealing ring, 42-Threaded section, 5-Transition section. Detailed Implementation
[0036] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments; all technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0037] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" used in the description of specific embodiments of this utility model to indicate orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product / equipment / device is usually placed during use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the utility model solution or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, and for enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution, and do not indicate or imply that a specific device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0038] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," "parallel," and "coaxial" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, parallel, or coaxial. Slight tilt or deviation is permissible, as long as it does not affect the normal function of the relevant component. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be perfectly horizontal; a slight tilt is acceptable. "Coaxial" means that two components are arranged as coaxially as possible, allowing them to move coaxially or approximately coaxially when their relative positions change. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when arranged in "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," "parallel," or "coaxial" directions, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. For example, the deviation in the "coaxial" direction is controlled within 0.2-1mm, preferably within 0.2-0.5mm. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.
[0039] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in terminology is merely for distinguishing descriptions of identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of a particular component.
[0040] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "several", "multiple", and "several" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine, and can even exceed nine.
[0041] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "provided with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.
[0042] Example 1
[0043] like Figure 1As shown, an embryo transfer tube includes a first tube segment 1 and a second tube segment 2 that are interconnected. The inner diameter of the second tube segment 2 is larger than the inner diameter of the first tube segment 1. The first tube segment 1 and the second tube segment 2 are connected by a transition section 5. The first tube segment 1, the second tube segment 2, and the transition section 5 are integrally formed and are all made of transparent glass to facilitate observation of embryo aspiration. The transition section 5 is tapered, with its large end connected to the second tube segment 2 and its small end connected to the first tube segment 1. If an embryo is accidentally aspirated into the second tube segment 2, squeezing the suction bulb can more easily push the embryo back from the second tube segment 2 to the first tube segment 1. The second tube segment 2 is provided with a degreased cotton block 3. The inner wall of the second tube segment 2 away from the first tube segment 1 is provided with an annular limiting seat 4. The inner diameter of the annular limiting seat 4 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second tube segment 2.
[0044] In use, the end of the second tube section 2 furthest from the first tube section 1 is connected to the suction bulb or other negative pressure mechanism. The suction bulb generates negative pressure to draw the embryo into the first tube section 1. Because the second tube section 2 is equipped with an annular limiting seat 4, the air intake cross-sectional area can be reduced, increasing airflow resistance and making the negative pressure generated by the suction bulb smoother. This makes it easier for the operator to accurately control the position of the embryo being drawn in, thereby reducing the chance of the embryo being accidentally drawn into the second tube section 2. A degreased cotton block 3 is also placed in the second tube section 2 to further intercept any embryos that may be accidentally drawn in. At the same time, it has an absorption effect on liquids, preventing liquids from continuing to flow into the suction bulb. The annular limiting seat 4 at the end of the second tube section 2 can also limit the degreased cotton block 3, preventing it from being accidentally drawn into the suction bulb.
[0045] First tube segment 1: inner diameter is d, 120um≤d≤280um. The inner diameter of the first tube segment 1 is directly compatible with the embryo to be transferred, so that the embryo can enter the first tube segment 1 smoothly. At the same time, the embryos are avoided from overlapping at the cross-section of the first tube segment 1, reducing the mutual compression between the embryos.
[0046] Second tube section 2: The inner diameter of the second tube section 2 is D, 0.5cm≤D≤0.8cm, and the thickness is s, 0.1cm≤s≤0.3cm. The second tube section 2 has the same diameter as the traditional Pasteur straw, which makes it easy for the operator to pick up and connect it with the suction ball without changing the existing operating habits.
[0047] Annular limiting seat 4: The annular limiting seat 4 is made of transparent glass and is an integral structure with the second tube segment 2. Its length is c. By limiting the length c of the annular limiting seat 4 to the range of 0.8cm to 1.2cm, the airflow damping effect can be optimized, making the negative pressure transmission more stable. When c < 0.8cm, the limiting seat is too short, resulting in insufficient airflow resistance and increasing the probability of the embryo being aspirated into the second tube segment 2. When c > 1.2cm, the limiting seat is too long, resulting in excessive airflow resistance, affecting the smoothness of operation and increasing the aspiration time. This solution ensures effective flow control while also considering ease of operation, making it easier for the embryo to stabilize in the first tube segment 2. Within tube segment 1, aspiration is reduced. The inner diameter of the annular limiting seat 4 is d1. By limiting the inner diameter d1 of the annular limiting seat 4 to the range of 0.08cm to 0.12cm, the air inlet cross-sectional area can be precisely controlled, so that the negative pressure gradient is concentrated in the first tube segment 1. When d1 < 0.08cm, the air inlet is too small, the negative pressure is built up slowly, and the operating efficiency is affected. When d1 > 0.12cm, the air inlet is too large, the airflow speed is reduced, and the probability of embryo aspiration may increase. This solution optimizes the inner diameter of the limiting seat to achieve a better balance between airflow resistance and aspiration efficiency, making it easier for the embryo to stay in the first tube segment 1 and improving the success rate of the operation.
[0048] Example 2
[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the annular limiting seat 4 is detachably connected to the second pipe segment 2, wherein the annular limiting seat 4 can be made of materials such as plastic or metal.
[0050] Since the inner diameter of the annular limiting seat 4 is smaller than that of the second pipe section 2, and the degreased cotton block 3 needs to be filled in the second pipe section 2, in this embodiment, the annular limiting seat 4 and the second pipe section 2 are configured to be detachable so that the degreased block can be disassembled and assembled in the second pipe section 2.
[0051] Specifically, the annular limiting seat 4 is provided with an annular sealing ring 41, which is made of an elastic material, such as rubber or silicone. The annular sealing ring 41 is arranged around the outer wall of the annular limiting seat 4, and the outer wall of the annular limiting seat 4 abuts against the inner wall of the second pipe section 2 through the annular sealing ring 41, thereby realizing the detachable connection between the annular limiting seat 4 and the second pipe section 2. The annular sealing ring 41 can enhance the airtightness between the annular limiting seat 4 and the inner wall of the second pipe section 2, ensuring that the airflow passes normally through the inner ring of the annular limiting seat 4.
[0052] Furthermore, the annular limiting seat 4 is provided with a threaded section 42, which is located on one side of the annular sealing ring 41. The annular limiting seat 4 is threadedly connected to the second pipe section 2 through the threaded section 42, which can improve the stability of the annular limiting seat 4 installed on the second pipe section 2 and prevent the annular limiting seat 4 from accidentally falling off.
[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An embryo transfer tube, characterized in that, It includes a first pipe section (1) and a second pipe section (2) that are interconnected. The inner diameter of the second pipe section (2) is larger than the inner diameter of the first pipe section (1). The second pipe section (2) is provided with a degreased cotton block (3). The inner wall of the second pipe section (2) away from the first pipe section (1) is provided with an annular limiting seat (4). The inner diameter of the annular limiting seat (4) is smaller than the inner diameter of the second pipe section (2).
2. An embryo transfer tube according to claim 1, wherein The inner diameter of the first pipe section (1) is d, 120um≤d≤280um.
3. An embryo transfer tube according to claim 1, wherein The inner diameter of the second pipe section (2) is D, 0.5cm≤D≤0.8cm, and the thickness is s, 0.1cm≤s≤0.3cm.
4. The embryo transfer tube of claim 1, wherein, The length of the annular limiting seat (4) is c, 0.8cm≤c≤1.2cm.
5. The embryo transfer tube of claim 1, wherein, The inner diameter of the annular limiting seat (4) is d1, 0.08cm≤d1≤0.12cm.
6. An embryo transfer tube according to claim 1, wherein It also includes a transition section (5), which is configured as a tapered structure, with its small end connected to the first pipe section (1) and its large end connected to the second pipe section (2).
7. The embryo transfer tube of claim 1, wherein, The first pipe section (1), the second pipe section (2) and the transition section (5) are all transparent glass structural components.
8. An embryo transfer tube according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The annular limiting seat (4) is detachably connected to the second pipe section (2).
9. An embryo transfer tube according to claim 8, wherein, The annular limiting seat (4) is provided with an annular sealing ring (41), which surrounds the outer wall of the annular limiting seat (4).
10. An embryo transfer tube according to claim 9, characterized in that, The annular limiting seat (4) is provided with a threaded section (42), which is located on one side of the annular sealing ring (41). The annular limiting seat (4) is threadedly connected to the second pipe section (2) through the threaded section (42).