A piston type embryo transfer tube

Abstract

The invention relates to a piston type embryo transfer tube, which comprises a lead-in tube part, a catheter part and a push-in part. The right end of the lead-in tube part can be pre-bent to a certain angle. The catheter part contains a catheter and a supporting tube sleeved on the left side of the catheter, and the right end of the catheter extends outwards relative to the supporting tube. The push-in part comprises a push rod, a piston body and a handle end respectively arranged at the two ends of the push rod. The piston body extends into the catheter cavity of the catheter, and the outer wall of the piston body is in contact with the inner wall of the catheter cavity. The piston body can be pushed by the push rod to approach the right end port of the catheter cavity. The push rod is formed with an elastic deformation section, so that the piston body can be bent relative to the push rod. The patent can ensure that the embryo is fully pushed into the uterus during embryo transfer, and it is not necessary to check whether the embryo is retained in the catheter in subsequent inspection. The time of the lead-in tube staying in the uterus can be shortened, which helps to reduce the stimulation of the uterus during embryo transfer and helps to improve the pregnancy rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of embryo transfer technology, and more specifically to an embryo transfer tube. 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 problem that existing embryo transfer catheters cause significant uterine irritation due to the relatively long time the catheter remains in the uterus, this invention provides a piston-type embryo transfer catheter. This catheter ensures that the embryo is fully pushed into the uterus during embryo transfer, eliminating the need for subsequent checks to check for any embryo retention in the catheter. It shortens the time the catheter remains in the uterus, helps reduce uterine irritation during embryo transfer, and contributes to improving pregnancy rates.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: a piston-type embryo transfer tube, including an inlet tube, a catheter, and an injection tube.

[0005] The right end of the inlet tube in the inlet section can be pre-bent at a certain angle. The catheter section includes a catheter and a support tube sleeved on the left side of the catheter, with the right end of the catheter extending outward relative to the support tube. This allows the right end of the catheter to bend when it enters the pre-bent portion of the inlet tube lumen to adapt to the bending portion of the inlet tube. The section of the catheter extending outside the support tube relative to the support tube can bend naturally when the catheter is inserted into the inlet tube lumen and reaches the pre-bent section of the inlet tube, so that the right end port of the catheter lumen is close to the right end port of the inlet tube lumen.

[0006] The injection unit includes a push rod, a piston body and a handle end respectively located at both ends of the push rod.

[0007] After the piston body extends into the lumen of the catheter, its outer wall contacts the inner wall of the lumen. The piston body can be pushed by the push rod towards the right end of the lumen. Thus, the push rod, piston body, and catheter form a structure similar to a syringe. The difference from a syringe is that the push rod has an elastic deformation section with a certain axial length at the end near the piston body. This elastic deformation section allows the push rod to smoothly push and pull the piston body within the lumen of the catheter, and also allows the piston body to bend relative to the push rod when it reaches the pre-bending section where the catheter enters the inlet tube, thus moving the piston body towards the right end of the inlet tube lumen.

[0008] The elastic deformation section has axial rigidity and radial toughness. The elastic deformation section bends to allow the piston body to extend into the pre-bent portion of the catheter entry tube and to bring the piston body close enough to the right end port of the catheter lumen to push all the embryo and culture medium aspirated into the catheter lumen into the uterus through the right end port of the entry tube.

[0009] After the elastic deformation section is removed from the pre-bent section of the inlet tube, it can return to its original shape, thus restoring the push rod to a straight rod.

[0010] Optionally, the elastic deformation section is a metal rod or fiber rod with an outer diameter smaller than that of the push rod, such that the outer diameter of the metal rod or fiber rod is 1 / 3 to 1 / 5 of the outer diameter of the push rod.

[0011] Optionally, the elastic deformation segment includes at least one elastic deformation connecting plate made of metal or fiber material. Spherical surfaces are provided at both ends of the elastic deformation connecting plate. Grooves matching the spherical surfaces are formed on the push rod, allowing the elastic deformation segment to rotate about an axis relative to the push rod.

[0012] Optionally, the elastically deformable segment is a cystic tube, which includes an outer tube and a plurality of interconnected vesicles formed within the lumen of the outer tube, the vesicles being bead-shaped. The push rod is provided with an axially extending gas delivery lumen communicating with the vesicles.

[0013] The handle end has an air bladder and a one-way valve located at the port of the air delivery tube. Pressing the air bladder allows air to be continuously supplied into the bladder through the air delivery tube, causing the bladder to inflate.

[0014] The outer tube wall is made of an elastic material.

[0015] Optionally, the right end of the catheter is provided with a contrast ring to help determine the position of the transplant tube inside the uterus.

[0016] Optionally, a cap is formed at the right end of the inlet tube.

[0017] Optionally, the inlet tube is provided with a retaining ring for fixing the inlet tube at the cervix.

[0018] Optionally, the outer wall of the inlet tube is provided with a marking line a for indicating the length position; the guide tube portion is provided with a marking line b for indicating the distance length at the guide tube portion corresponding to the support tube near the left end.

[0019] The marking lines a and b help determine the length of the transplant tube inside the uterus.

[0020] 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, thus keeping the core tube in a branch tube state.

[0021] 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.

[0022] When using it, bend the right end of the introductory tube to a suitable angle beforehand. If the cervical condition is poor and it is difficult for the introductory tube to enter the cervix, first insert the core tube into the introductory tube. 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-bending angle of the front end of the introductory tube.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This patent helps to reduce the degree of stimulation to the uterus during embryo transfer. The provided piston-type embryo transfer tube can fully push the embryo (including culture medium) into the uterus during the embryo transfer process, without the need for subsequent checks to confirm whether there is an embryo stuck in the tube. Therefore, it can shorten the length of time the tube needs to stay in the uterus during use, which helps to reduce the stimulation to the uterus during embryo transfer. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of Embodiment 1 of this patent.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of Embodiment 1 of this patent.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the transverse cross-sectional structure of the push rod in Embodiment 1 of this patent.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transverse cross-sectional structure of the push rod in Embodiment 2 of this patent.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the assembly structure of Embodiment 3 of this patent.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of Embodiment 3 of this patent.

[0030] In the diagram: 10 Inlet tube section, 11 Inlet tube, 11a Inlet tube lumen, 12 First seat, 13 Fixing ring, 14 Identification line a, 15 Head cover; 20 Catheter section, 21 Catheter, 21a Catheter lumen, 22 Support tube, 23 Identification line b, 24 Second seat, 25 Imaging ring; 30 Injection section, 31 Push rod, 31a Gas delivery lumen, 32 Piston body, 33 Elastic deformation section, 33a Elastic deformation connecting plate, 33b Spherical body, 34 Handle end, 34a Airbag, 34b One-way valve; Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 6 The piston-type embryo transfer tube shown includes an inlet tube 10, a catheter section 20, and an injection section 30.

[0033] The insertion tube 10 includes an insertion tube 11, a first seat 12 located at the left end of the insertion tube 11, a fixing ring 13 located on the insertion tube 11, a marking line a located on the insertion tube 11, and a capping body 15 located at the right end of the insertion tube 11. The capping body 15 is shaped like a mushroom head, which serves to dilate the cervix, facilitating the insertion of the insertion tube 11 into the uterus, and its rounded design at the narrow end reduces damage to the endometrium during insertion. The marking line a is located in the middle of the outer wall of the insertion tube 11 and is used to indicate the length position. The marking lines a are distributed along the axial direction of the insertion tube 11 at a certain length. The right end of the insertion tube 11 can be pre-bent at a certain angle to conform to the human physiological structure, facilitating the insertion of the insertion tube 11 into the uterus. The pre-bending angle is generally between 5 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0034] The conduit portion 20 includes a conduit 21, a support tube 22 fitted on the left side of the conduit 21, a marking line b23 for indicating length position on the outer wall of the support tube 22 near its left end, a second seat 24 at the left end of the support tube 22, and a radiopaque ring 25 at the right end of the conduit 21. The right end of the conduit 21 extends beyond the support tube 22 and has a certain length. It should be noted that when the support tube 22 is placed inside the conduit 21, the marking line b23 is located on the outer wall of the conduit 21. Therefore, in both configurations of the support tube 22 and the conduit 21, the marking line b23 can be described as follows: the conduit portion 20 has a marking line b23 for indicating distance length on the conduit 21 segment corresponding to the support tube 22, near its left end.

[0035] The fixing ring 13 is used to fix the insertion tube 11 at the cervix. The marking lines a14 and b23 help determine the length of the transplant tube inside the uterus. The imaging ring 25 helps determine the position of the transplant tube inside the uterus.

[0036] The portion of the catheter 21 extending outside the support tube 22 relative to the support tube 22 can be bent when the catheter 21 is inserted into the inlet lumen 11a of the inlet tube 11 and extends into the pre-bent section of the inlet tube 11, so that the right end port of the catheter lumen 21a is close to the right end port of the inlet lumen 11a.

[0037] The injection unit 30 includes a push rod 31, a piston body 32 and a handle end 34 respectively disposed at both ends of the push rod 31.

[0038] After the piston body 32 extends into the conduit cavity 21a of the conduit 21, its outer wall contacts the inner wall of the conduit cavity 21a, and the piston body 32 can be pushed by the push rod 31 towards the right end port of the conduit cavity 21a. At this point, the push rod 31, piston body 32 and conduit 21 form a structure similar to a syringe. The difference from a syringe is that the end of the push rod 31 near the piston body 32 has an elastic deformation section 33 with a certain axial length. This elastic deformation section 33 can not only allow the push rod 31 to smoothly push and pull the piston body 32 to move within the conduit cavity 21a of the conduit 21, but also bend the piston body 32 relative to the push rod 31 when the piston body 32 moves to the pre-bent section of the conduit 21 entering the inlet tube 11, so that the piston body 32 can move and move towards the right end port of the inlet tube cavity 11a.

[0039] The elastic deformation section 33 has axial rigidity and radial toughness. The elastic deformation section 33 bends to allow the piston body 32 to extend into the pre-bent portion of the catheter 21 and the inlet tube 11, and to allow the piston body 32 to be close enough to the right end port of the catheter lumen 21a of the catheter 21, so that all the embryo and culture medium aspirated into the catheter lumen 21a are pushed into the uterus through the right end port of the inlet tube 11a.

[0040] After the elastic deformation section 33 is removed from the pre-bent section of the inlet pipe 11, it can return to its original shape, so that the push rod 31 can return to a straight rod.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the elastic deformation section 33 is a metal rod or fiber rod with an outer diameter smaller than that of the push rod 31, so that the outer diameter of the metal rod or fiber rod is 1 / 3 to 1 / 5 of the outer diameter of the push rod 31.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the elastic deformation segment 33 includes three elastic deformation connecting plates 33a made of metal or fiber material. Spherical bodies 33b are provided at both ends of the elastic deformation connecting plates 33a. Grooves matching the spherical bodies 33b are formed on the push rod 31, allowing the elastic deformation segment 33 to rotate relative to the push rod 31 about its axis.

[0043] The above-described structure of the elastic deformation section 33 being able to rotate relative to the push rod 31 around the axis of the push rod 31 helps to adjust the direction of the surface of the elastic deformation connecting plate 33a by means of the rotation of the elastic deformation connecting plate 33a when the piston body 32 moves to the pre-bending section, causing the plate surface to bend, so that the piston body 32 can smoothly move towards the right port of the inlet cavity 11a of the inlet pipe 11.

[0044] The elastic deformation connecting plate 33a is a relatively thin plate. If multiple elastic deformation connecting plates 33a are provided, the plate thickness can be relatively thinner. If only one elastic deformation connecting plate 33a is provided, the plate thickness can be relatively larger.

[0045] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the elastic deformation section 33 is a cystic tube, which includes an outer tube and multiple interconnected vesicles formed within the lumen of the outer tube. The vesicles are bead-shaped. The push rod 31 has an axially extending gas delivery lumen 31a communicating with the vesicles. The handle end 34 has an air bladder 34a and a one-way valve 34b located at the port of the gas delivery lumen 31a. Pressing the air bladder 34a continuously supplies air into the vesicles through the gas delivery lumen 31a, causing the vesicles to inflate. The wall of the outer tube is made of an elastic material.

[0046] The first and second seats are mainly used for handheld operation or connection. During use, the right end of the inlet tube 11 is pre-bent to a suitable angle. If the cervix is ​​unfavorable, making it difficult for the inlet tube 11 to enter the cervix, the core tube is first inserted into the inlet tube 21. Since the core tube has no support wire at its front end, its insertion will not change the pre-bent angle of the inlet tube 11. Next, the cervix is ​​cleaned with culture medium before inserting the inlet tube 11. The injection part 30 is integrated with the catheter 21. The push rod 31 extends fully into the catheter lumen 21a of the catheter 21. The piston body 32 is located near the right port of the catheter lumen 21a, through which the embryo (culture medium) is aspirated. The core tube is removed from the inlet tube 11, and the catheter 21 is inserted into the inlet tube 11 until the implantation site. The (indicator) markings on the inlet tube 11 and catheter 21 help determine the length of the implantation tube / catheter entering the uterine cavity, and the (B-ultrasound) imaging ring at the front end of the catheter 21 helps determine the position of the implantation tube within the uterine cavity. Finally, after removing the catheter 21 from the infeed tube 11, the infeed tube 11 can be removed from the uterus, and the transplantation operation is completed.

[0047] 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. A piston-type embryo transfer tube, comprising an inlet tube portion and a conduit portion; the right end of the inlet tube portion can be pre-bent at a certain angle; the conduit portion includes a conduit, a support tube sleeved on the left side of the conduit, and the right end of the conduit extends outward relative to the support tube; characterized in that: It also includes a pusher, which includes a pusher rod, a piston body and a handle end respectively disposed at both ends of the pusher rod; after the piston body extends into the catheter lumen, its outer wall contacts the inner wall of the catheter lumen, and the piston body can be pushed by the pusher rod towards the right end port of the catheter lumen; the pusher rod has an elastic deformation section with a certain axial length, which allows the pusher rod to smoothly push and pull the piston body to move in the catheter lumen, and can cause the piston body to bend relative to the pusher rod when the piston body moves to the pre-bending section of the catheter entering the inlet tube; The elastic deformation segment includes at least one elastic deformation connecting plate; spherical bodies are provided at both ends of the elastic deformation connecting plate; a groove matching the spherical body is formed on the push rod, so that the elastic deformation segment can rotate relative to the push rod about the axis.

2. The piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The right end of the catheter is provided with a radiopaque ring.

3. The piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inlet tube is provided with a fixing ring for securing the inlet tube at the cervix.

4. A piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer wall of the inlet tube is provided with a marking line a for indicating distance length; the conduit section is provided with a marking line b for indicating distance length at the conduit segment corresponding to the support tube and near the left end.

5. A piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cap is formed at the right end of the inlet tube.

6. A piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet tube is provided with a fixing ring for securing the inlet tube at the cervix.

7. A piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the inlet tube is provided with a marking line a for indicating distance length; the conduit section is provided with a marking line b for indicating distance length at the conduit segment corresponding to the support tube and near the left end.

8. A piston-type embryo transfer tube, comprising an inlet tube portion and a conduit portion; the right end of the inlet tube portion can be pre-bent at a certain angle; the conduit portion includes a conduit, a support tube sleeved on the left side of the conduit, and the right end of the conduit extends outward relative to the support tube; characterized in that: It also includes a pusher, which includes a pusher rod, a piston body and a handle end respectively disposed at both ends of the pusher rod; after the piston body extends into the catheter lumen, its outer wall contacts the inner wall of the catheter lumen, and the piston body can be pushed by the pusher rod towards the right end port of the catheter lumen; the pusher rod has an elastic deformation section with a certain axial length, which allows the pusher rod to smoothly push and pull the piston body to move in the catheter lumen, and can cause the piston body to bend relative to the pusher rod when the piston body moves to the pre-bending section of the catheter entering the inlet tube; The elastic deformation section is a cystic tube, which includes an outer tube and multiple interconnected vesicles formed within the lumen of the outer tube. The vesicles are spherical. The push rod is provided with an axially extending air delivery lumen that communicates with the vesicles. The handle end is formed with an air bladder and a one-way valve located at the port of the air delivery lumen. Pressing the air bladder allows air to be continuously supplied into the vesicles through the air delivery lumen, causing the vesicles to inflate. The wall of the outer tube is made of an elastic material.

9. A piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 8, characterized in that: The right end of the catheter is provided with a radiopaque ring.

10. A piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 9, characterized in that: The inlet tube is provided with a fixing ring for securing the inlet tube at the cervix.

11. A piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 9, characterized in that: The outer wall of the inlet tube is provided with a marking line a for indicating distance length; the conduit section is provided with a marking line b for indicating distance length at the conduit segment corresponding to the support tube and near the left end.

12. A piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 8, characterized in that: A cap is formed at the right end of the inlet tube.

13. A piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inlet tube is provided with a fixing ring for securing the inlet tube at the cervix.

14. A piston-type embryo transfer tube according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer wall of the inlet tube is provided with a marking line a for indicating distance length; the conduit section is provided with a marking line b for indicating distance length at the conduit segment corresponding to the support tube and near the left end.

Images