Embryo transfer tube with visual function

Abstract

This invention relates to a visual embryo transfer catheter, comprising a catheter portion including a catheter, a support tube, a first seat, a sensing assembly, and a display screen. The support tube is disposed on one side of the catheter. The first seat is disposed at one end of the support tube. The catheter lumen communicates with a cavity on the first seat. An annular cavity is formed on the wall of the catheter. The sensing portion of the sensing assembly extends into the annular cavity and can monitor at least a section of the catheter lumen near its free end. The sensing assembly is connected to the display screen to display the monitored condition within the catheter lumen. This invention enables rapid confirmation during embryo transfer of whether the embryo has been adequately pushed into the uterus, thus helping to shorten the time the catheter remains in the uterus and reducing uterine stimulation during embryo transfer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of embryo transfer technology, and more specifically to an embryo transfer tube with a visual function. Background Technology

[0002] Embryo transfer is the process of transferring an embryo to the uterus via the vagina using an embryo transfer catheter. An embryo transfer catheter typically includes an introductory tube (outer tube), an inner tube, and a sheath. The general procedure is as follows: a speculum is inserted to expose the cervix; the packaging is opened, the introductory tube is removed, and it is inserted through the vagina into the cervix; the inner tube is removed from the packaging, and its connector is connected to a syringe; the tip of the inner tube is aligned with the culture medium in a petri dish, and the syringe is pulled to draw in the embryo containing the culture medium; the inner tube is inserted into the uterus through the lumen of the introductory tube, and the syringe plunger is pushed to propel the embryo and culture medium into the uterine wall; after removing the inner tube, it is checked for any remaining embryos. If no embryos are retained, the introductory tube is removed, and the embryo transfer is complete. Therefore, a problem with using existing embryo transfer catheters is that after removal, the catheter needs to be taken to an assisted reproductive laboratory for examination to confirm whether any embryos are retained, during which time the introductory tube must remain in the uterus. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the issue that existing embryo transfer tubes spend a relatively long time in the uterus during use, which can easily cause significant irritation to the uterus, this invention provides an embryo transfer tube with visual functionality. This allows for rapid confirmation during embryo transfer that the embryo has been fully inserted into the uterus, thereby helping to shorten the time the tube remains in the uterus and reducing irritation to the uterus during embryo transfer.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: an embryo transfer tube with visual function, including a catheter section. The catheter section includes a catheter, a support tube, a first seat, a sensing assembly, and a display screen.

[0005] The support tube is located on one side of the conduit, and the conduit extends a certain length beyond the support tube. The first seat is located at one end of the support tube. The lumen of the conduit communicates with the lumen on the first seat to form a channel.

[0006] An annular cavity is formed on the wall of the catheter.

[0007] The sensing component of the sensing assembly extends into the annular cavity of the catheter, enabling monitoring of at least a section of the catheter cavity near the free end of the catheter cavity to help promptly detect whether an embryo remains in the catheter cavity.

[0008] The sensing assembly is connected to the display screen to show the status of the monitored duct lumen, helping to observe in time whether there is an embryo stuck in the duct lumen, and guiding remedial actions to complete the embryo transfer process of injecting the embryo into the uterus in a timely manner.

[0009] Optionally, the sensing component of the sensing assembly includes a light sensor, a light source, a ring, multiple connecting rods, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is mounted on the first mount.

[0010] The light sensor is positioned opposite the light source at one end of the ring. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the other end of the ring, and multiple connecting rods are distributed alternately around the circumference. The ring extends into the annular cavity.

[0011] The other end of the connecting rod extends to the first seat and matches the drive assembly.

[0012] The drive assembly can drive the ring body to move up and down axially, so that the light sensor and light source on the ring body can move relative to the conduit along the axis of the conduit within the annular cavity.

[0013] The light sensor and the light source are located at opposite ends in a radial direction, and this radial direction passes through the centerline of the conduit.

[0014] Optionally, the other end of the connecting rod is provided with a rack portion. The rack portion includes a frame connected to the connecting rod and a rack mounted on the frame. The rack is arranged along the axial direction of the conduit and matches the drive assembly. The gear at the output end of the drive assembly meshes with the rack and can drive the rack to reciprocate axially, so that the ring body can carry the light sensor and the light source to reciprocate synchronously relative to the conduit along the axis of the conduit.

[0015] Optionally, a contrast-enhancing ring is provided on the outer wall of the catheter near the free end of the catheter lumen. This contrast-enhancing ring can help determine the location of the transplanted catheter within the uterus.

[0016] Optionally, the conduit portion has a marking line a for indicating distance length on the side of the conduit segment corresponding to the support tube and close to the first seat.

[0017] Optionally, it further includes an inlet tube portion, which includes an inlet tube, a second seat disposed at the left end of the inlet tube, and a retaining ring disposed on the inlet tube. The retaining ring is used to fix the inlet tube at the cervix.

[0018] The right end of the inlet tube can be pre-bent at a certain angle to conform to the physiological structure of the human body, making it easier to insert the inlet tube into the uterus.

[0019] The right side of the catheter extends a certain length relative to the support tube, and can bend to adapt to the curved part of the inlet tube when entering the pre-bent portion of the inlet tube.

[0020] Optionally, the outer wall of the inlet tube is provided with a marking line b for indicating the length position.

[0021] The marking lines a and b help determine the length of the transplant tube inside the uterus.

[0022] Optionally, the right end of the inlet tube has a cap. The cap is shaped like a mushroom head, which serves two purposes: firstly, it dilates the cervix, facilitating the insertion of the inlet tube into the uterus; secondly, the rounded design of the constricted end reduces the degree of damage to the endometrium during insertion.

[0023] Optionally, it also includes a core portion, which includes a core tube and a support wire, with a third seat at one end of the support wire. The support wire can be inserted into the core tube, keeping the core tube in a straight tube state.

[0024] The length of the support wire is less than the length of the core tube, such that the right end of the core tube does not contain the support wire. The core tube is made of a flexible material (e.g., polyurethane, polyethylene, or polypropylene), and the support wire is preferably made of stainless steel. In use, the right end of the insertion tube is pre-bent to a suitable angle. If cervical conditions are poor and the insertion tube has difficulty entering the cervix, the core tube is inserted into the insertion tube first. Since the front end of the core tube does not have a support wire, the insertion of the core tube will not change the pre-bent angle of the front end of the insertion tube.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This patent helps to reduce the degree of stimulation to the uterus during embryo transfer. The embryo transfer tube with identification function can quickly confirm whether the embryo has been fully pushed into the uterus during embryo transfer, and guide timely remedial actions. It helps to shorten the time the tube stays in the uterus and reduce the stimulation to the uterus during embryo transfer. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of Embodiment 1 of this patent.

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point BB.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a top view structural diagram of the transmission part in the sensing assembly of Embodiment 1 of this patent.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inlet tube section in Embodiment 2 of this patent.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower sleeve core in Embodiment 3 of this patent.

[0031] In the diagram: 10. Catheter section, 11. Catheter, 11a. Catheter lumen, 11b. Annular lumen, 12. Support tube, 13. Identifier line a, 14. First seat, 15. Rack section, 16. Drive assembly, 17. Display screen, 18. Sensor assembly, 181. Light sensor, 182. Light source, 183. Ring body, 184. Connecting rod; 20. Inlet tube section, 21. Inlet tube, 22. Second seat, 23. Fixing ring, 24. Identifier line b, 25. Head cap; 30. Core section, 31. Core tube, 32. Support wire, 33. Third seat. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The structures, proportions, and sizes illustrated in the accompanying drawings are merely for illustrative purposes and to aid those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and therefore have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, provided they do not affect the effectiveness or purpose of the invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed herein. Furthermore, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," and "middle" used in this specification are merely for clarity and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the invention's implementation.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 3 The embryo transfer tube with visual function shown includes a catheter section 10, which includes a catheter 11, a support tube 12, a marker line a13, a first seat 14, a drive assembly 16, a display screen 17, and a sensor assembly 18.

[0034] On the outer wall of the catheter 11, near the free end port of the catheter lumen 11a, there is a contrast ring. This contrast ring can be used to help determine the position of the transplant tube inside the uterus.

[0035] The marking line a13 is located on the outer wall of the support tube 12 near the first seat 14 and is used to indicate the length position. It should be noted that when the support tube 12 is fitted inside the conduit 11, the marking line a13 is located on the outer wall of the conduit 11. Therefore, in both fits between the support tube 12 and the conduit 11, the marking line a13 can be described as follows: the conduit portion 10 has a marking line a13 on the conduit 11 segment corresponding to the support tube 12 and near the first seat 14 to indicate the distance length.

[0036] The support tube 12 is disposed on one side of the conduit 11, and the conduit 11 extends out of the support tube 12 by a certain length. The first seat 14 is disposed at one end of the support tube 12. The conduit lumen 11a of the conduit 11 communicates with the lumen on the first seat 14 to form a channel. An annular cavity 11b is formed on the wall of the conduit 11, which extends along the axial direction of the conduit 11 and extends to the first seat 14 at its upper end.

[0037] The sensing part of the sensing assembly 18 extends into the annular cavity 11b on the catheter 11, and can monitor a section of the catheter lumen 11a near the free end port of the catheter lumen 11a to help to check in time whether there is an embryo remaining in the catheter lumen 11a.

[0038] The sensing assembly 18 is connected to the display screen 17 to display the status of the monitored duct lumen 11a, helping to observe in time whether there is an embryo stuck in the duct lumen 11a, and guiding remedial actions to complete the embryo transfer process of injecting the embryo into the uterus in a timely manner.

[0039] The sensing component of the sensing assembly 18 includes a light sensor 181, a light source 182, a ring 183, and three connecting rods 184 to match the drive assembly 16. The drive assembly 16 is mounted on the first base 14.

[0040] The light sensor 181 is disposed opposite to the light source 182 at one end of the ring body 183. One end of the connecting rod 184 is connected to the other end of the ring body 183, and the three connecting rods 184 are evenly distributed around the circumference. The ring body 183 extends into the annular cavity 11b.

[0041] The other end of the connecting rod 184 extends to the first seat 14 and matches the drive assembly 16.

[0042] The drive assembly 16 can drive the ring body 183 to move up and down along the axial direction, so that the light sensor 181 and the light source 182 on the ring body 183 can move relative to the conduit 11 along the axis of the conduit 11 within the annular cavity 11b.

[0043] The light sensor 181 and the light source 182 are located at opposite ends in a radial direction, and this radial direction passes through the axis of the conduit 11.

[0044] The other end of the connecting rod 184 is provided with a rack portion 15. The rack portion 15 includes a frame connected to the connecting rod 184 and a rack mounted on the frame. The rack is arranged along the axial direction of the conduit 11 and matches the drive assembly 16. The gear at the output end of the drive assembly 16 meshes with the rack and can drive the rack to reciprocate axially, so that the ring body 183 can carry the light sensor 181 and the light source 182 and reciprocate synchronously relative to the conduit 11 along the axis of the conduit 11.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the insertion tube section 20, which matches the catheter section 10, includes an insertion tube 21, a second seat 22 located at the left end of the insertion tube 21, and a fixing ring 23 on the insertion tube 21. A marking line b24 for indicating length position is provided on the outer wall of the insertion tube 21, and a cap 25 is also provided. The fixing ring 23 is used to fix the insertion tube 21 at the cervix. The marking line a13 and the marking line b24 help determine the length of the insertion tube inserted into the uterus.

[0046] The right end of the inlet tube 21 can be pre-bent at a certain angle to conform to the physiological structure of the human body, making it easier to insert the inlet tube 21 into the uterus. The pre-bent angle of the inlet tube 21 is generally between 5 degrees and 60 degrees. The length of the catheter 11 extending relative to the support tube 12 can be bent when entering the inlet lumen of the pre-bent portion of the inlet tube 21 to adapt to the curved portion of the inlet tube 21.

[0047] The cap 25 is formed at the right end of the inlet tube 21. The shape of the cap 25 is similar to a mushroom head. On the one hand, it dilates the cervix, which facilitates the insertion of the inlet tube 21 into the uterus. On the other hand, the rounded design of the constricted opening can reduce the degree of damage to the endometrium during insertion.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, it also includes a matching core part 30.

[0049] The core part 30 includes a core tube 31 and a support wire 32, with a third seat 33 at the left end of the support wire 32. The support wire 32 can be inserted into the core tube 31, keeping the core tube 31 in a straight tube state.

[0050] The length of the support wire 32 is less than the length of the core tube 31, such that the right end of the core tube 31 does not contain the support wire 32. The core tube 31 is made of a flexible material (e.g., polyurethane, polyethylene or polypropylene), and the support wire 32 is preferably made of stainless steel.

[0051] During use, the right end of the introductory tube 21 is pre-bent to a suitable angle. If the cervical condition is poor and the introductory tube 21 has difficulty entering the cervix, the core tube 31 is first inserted into the introductory tube 21. Since the front end of the core tube 31 does not have a support wire 32, the insertion of the core tube 31 will not change the pre-bent angle of the front end of the introductory tube 21. During operation, the cervix is ​​first washed with culture medium before the introductory tube 21 is inserted. After connecting the syringe to the catheter 11, the embryo (culture medium) is aspirated through the right end of the catheter 11. The core tube 31 is removed from the introductory tube 21, and the catheter 11 is inserted into the introductory tube 21 until the transplantation site. The (indicator) marking lines on the introductory tube 21 and the catheter 11 can help determine the length of the transplantation tube / catheter into the uterine cavity. A (B-ultrasound) imaging ring can be set at the front end of the catheter 11 to help determine the position of the transplantation tube in the uterine cavity. Finally, after removing the catheter 11 from the introductory tube 21, the introductory tube 21 can be removed from the uterus, and the transplantation operation is completed.

[0052] The first and second seats are mainly used for handheld operation or connection. During embryo transfer, the sensing assembly 18 allows for timely observation of whether there is any embryo (containing culture medium) remaining in the lumen 11a of the catheter 11 after embryo injection. If there is retention, remedial measures can be taken promptly, such as continuing to push the syringe to empty the embryo from the lumen 11a. Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, a light sensor 181 and a light source 182 are respectively mounted on a pair of axial arms on the annulus 183. The light sensor 181 and the light source 182 can simultaneously reciprocate axially relative to the conduit 11 as the annulus 183 moves. The light sensor 181 generates a sensing signal based on changes in the light intensity emitted by the light source 182, and analyzes this signal to determine whether an embryo is trapped within the conduit lumen 11a. The movement of the annulus 183 allows the light sensor 181 to detect the condition within 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the length of the conduit lumen 11a, towards the free end port.

[0053] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Many aspects of the present invention can be improved without departing from the overall concept. Those skilled in the art can modify or change the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An embryo transfer tube with visual function, comprising a catheter part; the catheter part comprises a catheter, a support tube and a first seat; the support tube is arranged on one side of the catheter; the first seat is arranged at one end of the support tube; the catheter cavity of the catheter communicates with the cavity on the first seat; characterized in that: The catheter part further comprises a sensing assembly and a display screen; The wall of the catheter is formed with an annular cavity; The sensing part of the sensing assembly extends into the annular cavity and can monitor at least a section of the catheter cavity near the free end port of the catheter cavity; The sensing assembly is connected to the display screen to display the monitored condition in the catheter cavity; The sensing part of the sensing assembly comprises a light sensor, a light source, a ring body, a plurality of connecting rods and a driving assembly; The driving assembly is mounted on the first seat; The light sensor is arranged on the ring body opposite to the light source; one end of the connecting rod is connected to the ring body and the connecting rods are circumferentially distributed; the ring body extends into the annular cavity; The other end of the connecting rod extends to the first seat and matches the driving assembly; the driving assembly can drive the ring body to move so that the light sensor and the light source can move in the annular cavity relative to the catheter; The other end of the connecting rod is provided with a rack part; the rack part comprises a frame connected to the connecting rod and a rack arranged on the frame; the rack is arranged along the axial direction of the catheter and matches the driving assembly; the gear on the output end of the driving assembly engages with the rack to push the rack to reciprocate along the axial direction.

2. The embryo transfer tube with visual function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the catheter is provided with a developing ring near the free end port of the catheter cavity.

3. The embryo transfer tube with visual function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The catheter part is provided with an identification line a for indicating the distance length on the side near the first seat corresponding to the catheter section of the support tube.

4. The embryo transfer tube with visual function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The catheter part is further provided with a lead-in tube part; the lead-in tube part comprises a lead-in tube, a second seat arranged at the left end of the lead-in tube and an identification line b arranged on the outer wall of the lead-in tube for indicating the length position.

5. The embryo transfer tube with visual function according to claim 1, wherein: The catheter part is further provided with a lead-in tube part; the lead-in tube part comprises a lead-in tube, a second seat arranged at the left end of the lead-in tube and a fixing ring arranged on the lead-in tube.

6. The embryo transfer tube with visual function according to claim 5, wherein: The outer wall of the lead-in tube is provided with an identification line b for indicating the length position.

7. The embryo transfer tube with visual function according to claim 5, wherein: The right end of the lead-in tube is formed with a head.

8. The embryo transfer tube with visual function according to claim 1, wherein: The catheter part is further provided with a sleeve core part; the sleeve core part comprises a sleeve core tube and a support wire; the support wire can be inserted into the sleeve core tube to keep the sleeve core tube in a straight tube state; the length of the support wire is less than the length of the sleeve core tube.

Images