Device and method for artificial insemination

Abstract

The present invention encompasses an improved catheter comprising a plurality of tubular bodies, and methods of using the improved catheter in artificial insemination.

Description

[0001] Citation of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 725,829, filed on August 31, 2018. The entire disclosure of the patent application is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] There is a need in the pig industry to reduce the number of sperm cells used in artificial insemination (i.e., low-dose insemination). One such demand stems from the desire to use sex-sorted sperm in pigs. However, in order to use sex-sorted semen more effectively and commercially viably in pigs, the number of sperm cells used in artificial insemination must be significantly reduced relative to the number of sperm cells typically used under conventional (i.e., unsorted) sperm cells. Another demand for low-dose insemination stems from the desire to use sperm cells from core-grade or high-index boars with limited sperm cell supply. Although laparoscopic insemination techniques allow the use of small sperm cell doses, such techniques are relatively expensive and generally require the presence of a veterinarian. Additionally, such techniques may cause infection and may stress the animal. Therefore, there is a need to improve the non-invasive devices and methods for low-dose insemination in the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter comprising: a first tubular body; a cervical anchor connected to an outer surface of the first tubular body; and a second tubular body extending axially and slidably within the first tubular body, the second tubular body comprising a flexible polyether block amide and a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end comprising an orifice formed in: i) a beveled, rounded or chamfered end, or ii) an end flange comprising a beveled, rounded or chamfered edge. In another embodiment, the second tubular body has an outer diameter between 1.5 mm and 5 mm. In yet another embodiment, the second tubular body has an inner diameter between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. In another embodiment, the second tubular body has a hardness between 30 (Shore D) and 70 (Shore D). In an additional embodiment, the second tubular body has a wall thickness between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm. In another embodiment, the second tubular body has a hardness between 40 (Shore D) and 60 (Shore D), an outer diameter between 1 mm and 3 mm, and an inner diameter between 0.2 mm and 1.3 mm. In a specific embodiment, the flexible polyether block amide comprises In another embodiment, the distal end of the second tubular body includes a generally hook-shaped or u-shaped portion.

[0005] Another aspect of the invention encompasses a method of administering or collecting fluid, embryos, or gametes using a catheter, the catheter comprising: a first tubular body; a cervical anchor connected to an outer surface of the first tubular body; and a second tubular body extending axially and slidably within the first tubular body, the second tubular body comprising a flexible polyether block amide and a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end comprising an orifice formed in: i) a beveled, rounded, or chamfered end; or ii) an end flange comprising a beveled, rounded, or chamfered edge, the method comprising: inserting the first tubular body into a vagina of a sow; advancing the first tubular body into the cervical canal of the sow such that the cervical anchor is seated against the cervical canal; advancing the second tubular body axially within the first tubular body past the cervix; and applying positive or negative pressure within the second tubular body. In another embodiment, in the step of advancing the second tubular body, the second tubular body is advanced at least 600 mm in the uterine horn. In a further embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: 6 or fewer sperm cells into the uterine horns, or 150x10 6 or fewer sperm cells are deposited into the uterine horns. In a specific embodiment, the deposited sperm are sex-sorted sperm. In another embodiment of the method, the flexible polyether block amide comprises In yet another embodiment, the sperm cells released are from high index boars. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of freezing and thawing the sperm cells prior to the step of releasing the sperm cells.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter comprising: a first tubular body, a second tubular body and a third tubular body, the third tubular body extending axially and slidably within the first tubular body, and the second tubular body extending axially and slidably within the third tubular body, the third tubular body including a proximal end, a distal end and a deflection element at the distal end. In another embodiment, the catheter also includes a cervical anchor connected to the outer surface of the first tubular body. In a further embodiment, the second tubular body includes a polyether block amide. In a specific embodiment, the second tubular body has a hardness between 30 (Shore D) and 60 (Shore D), an outer diameter between 1 mm and 3 mm, and an inner diameter between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm. In a specific embodiment, the polyether block amide includes In another embodiment, the distal end of the second tubular body includes a generally hook-shaped or u-shaped portion.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter comprising: a first tubular body, a second tubular body, a third tubular body and a fourth tubular body, the third tubular body extending axially and slidably within the fourth tubular body, the fourth tubular body extending axially and slidably within the first tubular body, and the second tubular body extending axially and slidably within the third tubular body, the third tubular body including a proximal end, a distal end and a deflection element at the distal end. In another embodiment, the first tubular body includes a cervical anchor connected to the outer surface of the first tubular body. In yet another embodiment, the second tubular body includes a polyether block amide. In a specific embodiment, the second tubular body has a hardness between 30 (Shore D) and 60 (Shore D), an outer diameter between 1 mm and 3 mm, and an inner diameter between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm. In a more specific embodiment, the polyether block amide includes In another embodiment, the distal end of the second tubular body includes a generally hook-shaped or u-shaped portion.

[0008] Any of the various embodiments of the present invention described above and below may be applied to or include species of individuals or non-human mammals, and the present invention should be understood as not being limited to the species of non-human mammals described by specific examples in this application. Rather, the specific examples in this application are intended to illustrate the various species of non-human mammals to which the apparatus and method of the present invention can be applied. Embodiments of the present invention, for example, encompass and may be applicable to animals of commercial value for meat or dairy production, such as pigs, sheep, cattle, horses, deer, elk, buffalo, etc. (naturally, mammals used for meat or dairy production may vary from culture to culture). The embodiments also encompass various domesticated non-human mammal species, such as canines and felines, and primates, including but not limited to: chimpanzees and gorillas, as well as whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. In a specific embodiment of any one of the embodiments disclosed above, non-human mammal species include pigs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 An embodiment of the invention is shown comprising a catheter having two tubular bodies.

[0010] Figure 2A An embodiment of the invention is shown comprising a catheter having four tubular bodies and a deflection element.

[0011] Figure 2B A side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising four tubular bodies and a deflection element is shown.

[0012] Figure 2C An embodiment of a deflection element is shown.

[0013] Figure 3A A side cross-sectional view of the distal end of a tubular body having a rounded tip is shown.

[0014] Figure 3B A side cross-sectional view of the distal end of a tubular body having an end flange with a chamfered edge is shown.

[0015] Figure 4A A side cross-sectional view of a deflector element having a contoured recess is shown.

[0016] Figure 4B A side view of an embodiment of a deflector element having a contoured recess is shown.

[0017] Figure 4C A perspective view of an embodiment of a deflector element having a contoured recess is shown.

[0018] Figure 5A An embodiment of a tubular body having a generally hook-shaped or u-shaped portion that conforms to the outer contour of the deflection element is shown.

[0019] Figure 5B An embodiment of a tubular body is shown having a generally hook-shaped or u-shaped portion that follows the outer contour of the deflector element and wherein the hook-shaped or u-shaped portion has been advanced axially away from the deflector element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present invention encompasses a catheter and a method of using a catheter to deliver or collect fluids, embryos, or gametes. Figure 1 Various embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figures 5 to 5 and are described below.

[0021] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the two embodiments shown respectively, the device comprises at least a first tubular body 12 and a second tubular body 14. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In FIG. 1 , the device is shown to also include a third tubular body 37 and a fourth tubular body 57. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn each of the embodiments shown, the second tubular body 14 is used to transfer fluid, gametes (e.g., sperm cells), or embryos within its lumen to or from an intrauterine (i.e., postcervical) location. In contrast, the first tubular body 12, the third tubular body 37, and the fourth tubular body 57 are used to guide the second tubular body 14 within the reproductive tract of a sow (as used herein, the term "sow" is equivalent to a female pig, including a gilt), including the vagina, cervix, and uterine body, and do not directly contact the fluid, gametes, or embryos transferred by the second tubular body 14. Figure 1 2, the second tubular body 14 has a smaller diameter than the first tubular body 12 ( Figure 1 ) and the third tubular body 37 and the fourth tubular body 57 ( Figure 2A and Figure 2B )'s inner diameter so that the second tubular body 14 can slide axially within the first tubular body 12 or the third tubular body 37, depending on the situation.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second tubular body 14 comprises a flexible polyether block amide, which allows the second tubular body 14 to be advanced deep within the uterine horns of the sow without kinking and without risk of damaging the uterus or uterine horns of the sow. In a specific embodiment, the polyether block amide comprises (Arkema Specialty Polyamides, Colombes, France), including selected from In a more specific embodiment, the second tubular body 14 comprises 4033 SA 01 material, the material has the following properties:

[0023] Table 1.

[0024]

[0025] 4033 SA 01 MED is processed under the following conditions:

[0026] Table 2.

[0027]

[0028] Reference Figure 3A In this embodiment, the distal end 41 of the second tubular body 14 includes an orifice formed in the rounded end 18. In other embodiments not shown, the second tubular body 14 may include an orifice formed in a chamfered end or a beveled end. Figure 3BIn the alternative embodiment shown, the second tubular body 14 includes an orifice formed in a terminal flange 44 that includes a chamfered edge 27. In another embodiment not shown, the terminal flange 44 may include a beveled edge. Figure 5B As shown, the second tubular body 14 may include an elliptical aperture 19 formed by a cutting plane that is angled / inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the second tubular body 14 .

[0029] In certain embodiments, the second tubular body 14 has an outer diameter between 1.5mm and 5mm. The diameter must be small enough to allow the second tubular body 14 to pass through the cervix. Other variables affecting the size of the second tubular body 14 include the type of material to be transmitted and the target position for placing or retrieving the material. For example, viscous liquids may require the second tubular body 14 to have a relatively large lumen. In order to transmit fluid, gametes or embryos, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the second tubular body 14 has an inner diameter between 0.2mm and 1.5mm, and in a more specific embodiment, between 0.5mm and 1.3mm. For a given outer diameter, the target position for placing or retrieving can affect the length, hardness and wall thickness of the second tubular body 14. For example, in order to reach the uterus-fallopian tube junction, the length of the second tubular body 14 should be at least 100cm to 300cm. In some embodiments, the length of the second tubular body 14 is at least 110 cm, at least 120 cm, at least 130 cm, at least 140 cm, at least 150 cm, at least 160 cm, at least 170 cm, at least 180 cm, at least 190 cm, at least 200 cm, at least 210 cm, at least 220 cm, at least 230 cm, at least 240 cm, or at least 250 cm. Additionally, in order to reach the uterine-tubal junction or any other distal anatomical target, the second tubular body 14 must be flexible enough to traverse the extremely curved uterine horns without damaging them, and must also be sufficiently elastic to resist kinking, which would compromise the ability of the second tubular body 14 to deliver the desired material. Thus, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the second tubular body 14 has a hardness between 30 (Shore D) and 70 (Shore D), and in more specific embodiments between 40 (Shore D) and 60 (Shore D), and a wall thickness between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm. In very specific embodiments, the second tubular body 14 has a hardness between 30 and 50 (Shore D), an outer diameter between 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm, and an inner diameter between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm. Figure 1As shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1 , the second tubular body 14 further includes a connector 24 at its proximal end, the connector 24 being used to couple a fluid delivery device such as a syringe to the second tubular body 14 .

[0030] The first tubular body 12, the third tubular body 37 and the fourth tubular body 57 include any suitable polymer material and are relatively more rigid than the second tubular body 14 in certain embodiments. Due to sufficient rigidity, the first tubular body 12, the third tubular body 37 and the fourth tubular body 57 can be independently advanced into the cervix of the sow and pass through the cervix of the sow, which usually brings great resistance to the catheter. In some embodiments, the length of the first tubular body 12 is 40cm to 60cm, and the outer diameter is between 10cm and 20mm. In some embodiments of the present invention, the length of the third tubular body 37 and the fourth tubular body is 60cm to 75cm. In some embodiments, the third tubular body 37 has an outer diameter of 4mm and an inner diameter of 3.5mm. In other embodiments, the third tubular body 37 has an outer diameter of 3mm to 5mm and an inner diameter of 2.5mm to 4.5mm. In some embodiments, the fourth tubular body 57 has an outer diameter of 4.58mm and an inner diameter of 4.15mm. In other embodiments, the fourth tubular body 57 has an outer diameter of 3.5 mm to 5.5 mm and an inner diameter of 3.15 mm to 5.15 mm.

[0031] In certain embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the first tubular body 12 may also include a cervical anchor 17 at its distal end. The shape and material (e.g., soft foam polymer) of the cervical anchor 17 substantially conform to the inner wall of the distal portion of the cervical canal so as to stably and reversibly anchor or "lock" the first tubular body 12 in the cervical canal. The use of the cervical anchor 17 also minimizes the risk of backflow of fluid introduced into the uterus via the second tubular body 14, and minimizes the risk of inadvertent entry into the urethra when the distal end of the first tubular body 12 is advanced into the reproductive tract. The cervical anchor 17 may be bonded to the outer surface of the first tubular body 12 using an adhesive or a suitable bonding method. Alternatively, in some embodiments (not shown), the cervical anchor 17 may be formed as a part of the first tubular body 12.

[0032] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the third tubular body 37 includes a deflection element 33 at its distal end. As used herein, the term "deflection element" includes a surface that is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the third tubular body 37 as a part thereof. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2CThe deflection element 33 shown comprises an inclined surface 77. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C As shown, the deflection element 33 also includes an aperture 88 through which the second tubular body 14 passes when the second tubular body is axially advanced within the third tubular body 37. Figure 2B As shown, the surface 16 of the ramp 77 forms an angle 53 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the third tubular body 37. Figure 2B In the embodiment shown, angle 53 is about 19 degrees. In other embodiments (not shown), angle 53 may be between 10 and 30 degrees, between 15 and 25 degrees, or between 17 and 23 degrees. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C A further embodiment of the invention is shown in , in which the deflection element 33 comprises a contoured recess 98 .

[0033] like Figure 2A As shown, as the second tubular body 14 is axially advanced within the third tubular body 37, the deflection element 33 causes the second tubular body 14 to exit the third tubular body 37 at an angle that matches, or is approximately equal to, the angle 53. By deflecting the second tubular body 14 relative to the longitudinal axis of the third tubular body 37, the user can accurately guide the second tubular body 14 into the left or right uterine horn, which has several advantages. Specifically, for low-dose artificial insemination applications (such as when using sex-sorted sperm or sperm from high-index boars), the user can now reliably perform bilateral insemination (i.e., placing sperm in both uterine horns). In certain embodiments (not shown), at their proximal ends, the first tubular body 12, the third tubular body 37, or the fourth tubular body 57 has one or more index marks that can be used to determine the deflection direction when the third tubular body 37 is rotated about its longitudinal axis by the user.

[0034] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In another embodiment of the present invention shown, the distal end of the second tubular body 14 includes a generally hook-shaped or U-shaped portion 101, which is used to bend the distal end of the lumen of the second tubular body 14 backward in the direction of the proximal end of the second tubular body 14. Figure 5AAs shown, in a certain embodiment of the present invention, the generally hook-shaped or U-shaped portion 101 substantially conforms to the distal end of the deflection element 33 (the distal end of the deflection element may also optionally include a contoured notch 98, in which the curved portion of the generally hook-shaped or U-shaped portion 101 of the second tubular body 14 may rest). In certain embodiments, the overall width of the generally hook-shaped or U-shaped portion 101 at its widest dimension is between 2 mm and 10 mm, 2 mm and 8 mm, 2 mm and 7 mm, 2 mm and 5 mm, 3 mm and 10 mm, 3 mm and 8 mm, 3 mm and 7 mm, or 3 mm and 5 mm. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention not shown, the distal end of the second tubular body 14 includes an inflatable balloon instead of the hook-shaped or U-shaped portion 101, which can be inflated by the user once the second tubular body 14 has passed through the cervix and into the uterine body.

[0035] In some embodiments, the deflection element 33 can be bonded to the third tubular body 37 or attached to the third tubular body 37 using a coupling member 109 that fits within the lumens of the third tubular body 37 and the lumens of the deflection element 33 (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 5B )—the coupling member 109 itself includes a lumen through which the second tubular body 14 can pass, or alternatively, the deflection element 33 can be formed as part of the third tubular body 37. Additionally, in certain embodiments, such as FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C As shown, the deflection element 33 may include a distal structure 48 that is rounded to prevent damage to the cervix or uterus. The deflection element 33 may be formed of a polymer material. The surface 16 of the ramp 77 of the deflection element 33 is at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the third tubular body 37, and in various embodiments, when viewed in longitudinal cross-section (e.g., Figure 2B ) along the longitudinal axis of the deflection element 33 may be flat (e.g. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C In some embodiments, the surface 16 is scalloped to form a rounded groove so that the end 18 of the second tubular body 14 can be smoothly advanced as it transitions across the deflection element 33 and so that the deflection element 33 can impart greater directional accuracy to the second tubular body 14 as it is axially advanced within the third tubular body 37.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 , one embodiment of the present invention encompasses a catheter 10 that includes a first tubular body 12 and a second tubular body 14. The second tubular body 14 may also include a connector 24 as shown in this particular embodiment.

[0037] Another aspect of the present invention encompasses a method of using Figure 1 The catheter 10 shown in the figure is a method for delivering or collecting fluid, embryos or gametes. The method includes: inserting the first tubular body 12 into the vagina of a sow; advancing the first tubular body 12 into the cervical canal of the sow so that the cervical anchor 17 is placed against the cervical canal; advancing the second tubular body 14 axially through the cervix in the first tubular body 12; and applying positive or negative pressure (such as via a syringe or other suction device) in the second tubular body 14 to deliver or collect fluid, embryos or gametes as appropriate. In some embodiments, the second tubular body 14 is advanced at least 600mm in the uterine horn. In a certain embodiment, it is expected that the 300x10 6 or fewer sperm cells into the uterine horns, and in more specific embodiments, it is contemplated that 150 x 10 6 or fewer sperm cells are deposited into the uterine horns.

[0038] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B One embodiment of the present invention encompasses a catheter 19 comprising a first tubular body 12 , a second tubular body 14 , a third tubular body 37 and a fourth tubular body 57 . Figure 2B yes Figure 2A 1 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter 19 shown. In this embodiment, the third tubular body 37 includes the deflection element 33. The second tubular body 14 fits within the lumen of the third tubular body 37; the third tubular body 37 in turn fits within the lumen of the fourth tubular body 57; and the fourth tubular body 57 in turn fits within the first tubular body 12. Thus, the second tubular body 14, the third tubular body 37, and the fourth tubular body 57 are each capable of being axially advanced within the tubular body in which they are seated immediately.

[0039] One aspect of the present invention is a method of using Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe catheter 19 shown is a method for delivering or collecting fluid, embryos or gametes. The method includes: inserting the first tubular body 12 into the vagina of a sow; advancing the first tubular body 12 into the cervical canal of the sow so that the cervical anchor 17 is seated against the cervical canal; axially advancing the fourth tubular body 57 through the cervix within the first tubular body 12; axially advancing the third tubular body 37 within the fourth tubular body 57 sufficiently to expose the orifice 88 of the third tubular body 37 to the interior of the uterine body; axially advancing the second tubular body 14 within the third tubular body 37 away from the orifice 88 and into the uterine horn; and applying positive or negative pressure within the second tubular body 14. Another embodiment of the method includes the following additional steps: withdrawing the second tubular body 14 from the uterine horn; rotating the third tubular body 37 about its longitudinal axis, and then advancing the second tubular body 14 into the opposite uterine horn to deliver or collect fluid, embryos or gametes in the opposite uterine horn. In certain embodiments, the second tubular body 14 is advanced at least 600 mm into the uterine horn. Another embodiment contemplates inserting a 300 x 10 6 or fewer sperm cells into each uterine horn, or 150x10 6 or fewer sperm cells are deposited into each uterine horn.

[0040] Another aspect of the present invention encompasses another embodiment of the method described above, wherein the second tubular body 14 includes a distal end having a generally hook-shaped or u-shaped portion 101. In this particular embodiment, the generally hook-shaped or u-shaped portion 101 of the second tubular body 14 rests on the deflector tip 33 of the third tubular body 37 as the third tubular body 37 is advanced into the cervix.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] The objectives of this example were to 1) test the effect of semen delivery site (uterine body vs. uterine horns); 2) test the effect of a stepwise reduction in sperm dose; and 3) test the effect of the insemination to ovulation interval (for 1 fixed-time artificial insemination ("AI"), using transrectal ultrasound to monitor follicular disappearance and 6000 (pregnant mare serum gonadotropin / equine chorionic gonadotropin (“PMSG / eCG”)) and (GnRH agonist) to synchronize ovulation).

[0043] Semen was collected from three boars and pooled. 635 sows were divided into 8 treatment groups based on the location of delivery of the AI ​​sperm dose (ie, uterine body vs. uterine horns) and the number of sperm cells in the AI ​​dose (ranging from 1.2 billion to 75 million sperm cells per dose).

[0044] Sows receive 600 IU of eCG approximately 0.5" outside the vulva ( 6000, Vetoquinol-Calier, Lavaltrie, Quebec) or sterile saline vehicle alone was injected 2 mL IM (18 gauge, 1.5" needle). On day 3 post-weaning, between 3:00 and 5:00 PM (Thursday and Sunday), the ovaries of the sows were scanned by transrectal ultrasound (Aloka 500+UST-5561 7.5 MHz transducer fixed on a custom PVC handle) to estimate the mean follicle diameter. Detection of estrus by back pressure test (BPT) during controlled boar exposure via boar cart was also performed at this time. At 5:00 PM (80 hours post-weaning), all sows received 2 mL of An additional BPT was performed on day 4 post-weaning between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. (Friday and Monday) and sows were scanned at that time and every 8 hours (12:00 midnight; 8:00 a.m.; 4:00 p.m.) to record the time of ovulation. All sows were ovulated between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. (during the infusion) according to one of the 8 treatment groups, regardless of estrus. The egg is inseminated once around 24 to 26 hours after insemination.

[0045] Insemination in the uterine body is accomplished using a conventional retrocervical AI catheter. In contrast, insemination in the uterine horns is accomplished using the catheter of the present invention (the catheter comprises two tubular bodies, wherein the first tubular body has a cervical anchor and the second tubular body comprises 4033 SA 01MED (hardness 40 (Shore D)) and having a length of 254 cm, an inner diameter of 1.27 mm and an outer diameter of 2.794 mm). Insemination in the uterine horns was accomplished by advancing the first tubular body into the cervix and once properly seated, advancing the second tubular body until the second tubular body could not be advanced further in the reproductive tract. Table 3 below shows the results for each treatment group in terms of pregnancy rate and the average number of viable and non-viable embryos per sow.

[0046] Table 3.

[0047]

[0048] Table 4 below shows the results for each ovulation group ( Ovulation occurs between 18.5 and 34.5 hours after treatment; Ovulation occurs 38.5 to 42.5 hours after treatment; Ovulation occurs 46.5 to 54.0 hours after treatment; or Pregnancy rates achieved with sperm dose (ovulation 55 hours or more after treatment) vary.

[0049] Table 4.

[0050]

[0051] Table 5 below shows the average number of embryos obtained from sows within each ovulation group as a function of sperm dose.

[0052] Table 5.

[0053]

[0054] Example 2

[0055] The purpose of this example was to determine how far a catheter of the present invention could be advanced in the reproductive tract of a sow in comparison to a catheter comprising metal and polymer (DeepBlue porcine AI catheter, reference 17113 / 0100, Minitüb GmbH, Tiefenbach, Germany ("Catheter A")). The catheter of the present invention comprises two tubular bodies, wherein the first tubular body has a cervical anchor and the second tubular body comprises 4033SA 01MED (durometer 40 (Shore D)) and has a length of 254 cm, an inner diameter of 1.27 mm, and an outer diameter of 2.794 mm. Catheter A has a length of 182.88 cm.

[0056] Seven sows in estrus were used in this example. "Catheter 1" was advanced in the reproductive tract of the sow until significant resistance was met, and then the catheter was withdrawn. After 40 minutes, "Catheter 2" was advanced in the reproductive tract of the same sow until significant resistance was met. A summary of the order in which each sow received Catheter A and the catheter of the present invention is provided in Table 6 below.

[0057] Table 6.

[0058] sow Catheter 1 Catheter 2 1 Catheter A The present invention 2 The present invention Catheter A 3 Catheter A The present invention 4 The present invention Catheter A 5 Catheter A The present invention 6 The present invention Catheter A 7 Catheter A The present invention

[0059] The results are provided in Table 7 below. In Table 7, the improvement in distance achieved by the catheter of the present invention in each sow is normalized to 182.88 cm, the length of catheter A, to allow for a more accurate comparison. Additionally, Table 7 provides a "% Corrected Improvement," where the percentage of improvement is corrected by excluding the results achieved for sows 4 and 7, since for each of these sows, the entire length of catheter A was able to be advanced into the reproductive tract of the sow.

[0060] Table 7.

[0061]

[0062] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain changes and modifications could be practiced within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A catheter for artificial insemination, the catheter comprising: a first tubular body, a second tubular body and a third tubular body, The third tubular body extends axially and slidably within the first tubular body, and The second tubular body extends axially and slidably within the third tubular body, the third tubular body including a proximal end, a distal end and a deflection element at the distal end, the deflection element including a surface that is an angle with the longitudinal axis of the third tubular body and is a part thereof, wherein the second tubular body includes a hook-shaped or U-shaped portion that fits the outer contour of the deflection element.

2. The catheter of claim 1, further comprising a cervical anchor connected to an outer surface of the first tubular body.

3. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the second tubular body comprises a polyether block amide.

4. The catheter of claim 3, wherein the second tubular body has a hardness between 30 Shore D and 60 Shore D, an outer diameter between 1 mm and 3 mm, and an inner diameter between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm.

5. The catheter of claim 3, wherein the polyether block amide comprises PEBAX®.

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