Visualizing embryo transfer catheter

Abstract

The present application relates to a visualized embryo transfer tube, comprising a catheter part. The catheter part comprises a catheter, a support tube, a first seat, an ultrasonic imaging assembly and an ultrasonic imaging screen. The support tube is arranged on the left side of the catheter. The first seat is connected to the left end of the support tube. The catheter cavity of the catheter is in communication with the cavity on the first seat. The imaging monitoring part of the ultrasonic imaging assembly is arranged on the tube wall of the catheter, and can monitor the catheter cavity. The ultrasonic imaging assembly is connected to the ultrasonic imaging screen, and the condition in the monitored catheter cavity is displayed. The present application can confirm whether the embryo has been fully pushed into the uterus in embryo transfer, shorten the residence time of the introduction tube in the uterus, and help to reduce the stimulation to the uterus in embryo transfer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of embryo transfer technology, in particular to a visual embryo transfer tube. BACKGROUND

[0002] Embryo transfer is a process of transferring embryos into the uterus through a vaginal embryo transfer tube. The embryo transfer tube generally includes an introduction tube (i.e. an outer tube), a catheter (i.e. an inner tube), and a sheath. The embryo transfer process is roughly as follows: insert a speculum to expose the cervix, open the introduction tube package, extend the introduction tube into the uterine orifice through the woman's vagina; open the catheter package, connect the catheter joint end to the syringe; aim the catheter tip at the culture solution in the culture dish, pull the syringe to draw a section of liquid into the catheter lumen; aim the catheter tip at the selected embryo in the culture dish, pull the syringe to draw the embryo into the catheter lumen; extend the catheter into the uterus through the introduction tube lumen of the introduction tube, push the syringe plunger to push the embryo and culture solution into the uterus, allowing it to adhere to the uterine wall; after removing the catheter, check the catheter for embryo retention, if there is no embryo retention, remove the introduction tube, and the embryo transfer is complete. Therefore, the existing embryo transfer tube has the problem that after the catheter is removed, the catheter needs to be taken to the assisted reproductive laboratory for inspection to confirm whether the embryo is retained, and during this period the introduction tube needs to be left in the uterus. SUMMARY

[0003] In view of the problem that the existing embryo transfer tube needs to stay in the uterus for a long time during use, which can cause great stimulation to the uterus, the present application provides a visual embryo transfer tube which can timely confirm whether the embryo has been fully pushed into the uterus during embryo transfer, shorten the time length of the introduction tube staying in the uterus, and help reduce the stimulation to the uterus during embryo transfer.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present application to solve the technical problem is: a visual embryo transfer tube, comprising a catheter part. The catheter part includes a catheter, a support tube, a first seat, an ultrasonic imaging assembly, and an ultrasonic imaging screen. The support tube is arranged on the left side of the catheter, and generally the catheter will extend to the right relative to the support tube by a length. The first seat is connected to the left end of the support tube. The catheter lumen of the catheter is in communication with the cavity on the first seat and forms a straight channel.

[0005] The imaging monitoring part in the ultrasonic imaging assembly is arranged on the wall of the catheter, which can monitor the situation in the catheter lumen and timely check whether there is embryo retention in the catheter lumen. The ultrasonic imaging assembly is connected to the ultrasonic imaging screen to display the monitored situation in the catheter lumen, helping to timely observe whether there is embryo retention in the catheter lumen, and guiding to take remedial action to timely complete the embryo transfer process of injecting the embryo into the uterus.

[0006] Optionally, an annular cavity is formed in the tube wall of the catheter.

[0007] The imaging monitoring part of the ultrasonic imaging assembly comprises an ultrasonic probe, an annular body, a plurality of guide rods, a first ring body, a second ring body and a driving assembly. The driving assembly is installed on the first seat.

[0008] The ultrasonic probe is installed on an axial arm formed at one end of the annular body. One end of the guide rod is connected to the other end of the annular body, and a plurality of the guide rods are distributed around the circumference. The annular body extends into the annular cavity.

[0009] The first ring body and the second ring body are connected by a connecting rod. The second ring body is above the first ring body. The first ring body and the second ring body are matched with the guide rods.

[0010] The other end of the guide rod extends through the through holes in the first ring body and the second ring body and extends to the first seat. The first ring body and the second ring body are matched with the driving assembly installed on the first seat. The driving assembly can selectively drive the first ring body to rotate, so that the annular body, the first ring body and the second ring body rotate synchronously around the axis of the catheter; and drive the second ring body to move up and down along the axis, so that the annular body and the second ring body move synchronously along the axis of the catheter.

[0011] Optionally, the side wall of the first ring body is formed with a gear. The driving assembly comprises a transmission gear matched with the first ring body. A rotating driving motor in the driving assembly is matched with the transmission gear, so as to drive the first ring body to rotate.

[0012] Optionally, the side wall of the second ring body is formed with a rack part, and the rack surface of the rack part is arranged along the axis. The driving assembly comprises a lifting driving motor matched with the rack part. The lifting driving motor can rotate synchronously with the first ring body.

[0013] Optionally, a mark line a for indicating the distance length is arranged on the catheter part corresponding to the catheter section of the supporting tube and close to one side of the first seat.

[0014] Optionally, the catheter further comprises a guide tube part, which comprises a guide tube, a second seat arranged at the left end of the guide tube, and a fixing ring arranged on the guide tube. The fixing ring is used for fixing the guide tube at the cervical orifice.

[0015] The right end of the guide tube can be pre-bent at a certain angle to conform to the human physiological structure, so as to facilitate the insertion of the guide tube into the uterus.

[0016] The right side of the catheter extends out of the support tube by a certain length, and can be bent to adapt to the curved portion of the introduction tube when entering the introduction tube cavity of the pre-bent portion of the introduction tube.

[0017] Optionally, the outer wall of the introduction tube is provided with a marking line b for indicating the length position.

[0018] The arrangement of the marking line a and the marking line b can help to determine the length of the implant tube entering the uterus.

[0019] Optionally, the right end of the introduction tube is formed with a head cover. The shape of the head cover is similar to a mushroom head, which can expand the cervix, facilitate the introduction of the introduction tube into the uterus, and the tapered design of the head cover can reduce the damage to the endometrium during the introduction process.

[0020] Optionally, it further comprises a sleeve core part, the sleeve core part comprises a sleeve core tube and a support wire, and a third seat is arranged at one end of the support wire. The support wire can be inserted into the sleeve core tube, so that the sleeve core tube remains in a straight tube state.

[0021] The length of the support wire is less than the length of the sleeve core tube, so that the right end of the sleeve core tube does not contain the support wire. The sleeve core tube is made of a flexible material (such as polyurethane, polyethylene or polypropylene), and the support wire is preferably made of stainless steel material. In use, the right end of the introduction tube is pre-bent to a suitable angle. When the cervix condition is poor and the introduction tube is difficult to enter the cervix, the sleeve core tube is first inserted into the introduction tube. Since the front end of the sleeve core tube is not provided with the support wire, the insertion of the sleeve core tube will not change the pre-bent angle of the front end of the introduction tube.

[0022] The patent helps to reduce the stimulation to the uterus during embryo transplantation, and the visualized embryo transplantation tube can timely confirm whether the embryo has been fully pushed into the uterus during embryo transplantation, guide timely remedial action, help to shorten the residence time of the introduction tube in the uterus, and reduce the stimulation to the uterus during embryo transplantation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a partial cross-sectional structure schematic view of the first embodiment of the patent.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a partial cross-sectional structure schematic view of the second embodiment of the patent.

[0025] Figure 3 It is Figure 2 It is a partial enlarged structure schematic view of A in the middle.

[0026] Figure 4 It is Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional structure schematic view of B-B in the middle.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a top view structural diagram of the transmission part of the ultrasonic imaging assembly in Embodiment 2 of this patent.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the main view of the transmission part of the ultrasonic imaging assembly in Embodiment 2 of this patent.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the inlet tube section in Embodiment 3 of this patent.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower sleeve core in Embodiment 4 of this patent.

[0031] In the diagram: 10. Catheter section, 11. Catheter, 11a. Catheter lumen, 11b. Annular cavity, 12. Support tube, 13. Identifier line a, 14. First seat, 15. Ultrasonic imaging assembly, 151. Ultrasonic probe, 152. Annular body, 153. Axial arm, 154. Guide rod, 155. First annular body, 1551. Through hole, 156. Second annular body, 1561. Rack section, 1562. Groove through hole, 157. Transmission gear, 158. Connecting rod, 16. Ultrasonic imaging screen, 17. Drive assembly; 20. Inlet tube section, 21. Inlet tube, 22. Second seat, 23. Fixing ring, 24. Identifier line b, 25. Head cap; 30. Core set, 31. Core tube set, 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 6 The visualized embryo transfer tube shown includes a catheter section 10, which includes a catheter 11, a support tube 12, a marker line a13, a first seat 14, an ultrasound imaging assembly 15, and an ultrasound imaging screen 16.

[0034] The support tube 12 is sleeved on the left side of the catheter 11, and the catheter 11 extends to the right relative to the support tube 12 by a length. The mark line a13 is arranged on the outer wall of the support tube 12 and close to one side of the first seat 14, and the mark line a13 is used to indicate the length position of the embryo transfer tube extending into the uterus. The first seat 14 is connected to the left end of the support tube 12. The catheter cavity 11a of the catheter 11 is communicated with the cavity on the first seat 14 and forms a straight channel.

[0035] It should be noted that when the support tube 12 is in the matching form placed in the catheter 11, the mark line a13 is arranged on the outer wall of the catheter 11. Therefore, the arrangement of the mark line a13 in the two matching cases between the support tube 12 and the catheter 11 can be expressed as: the catheter part 10 is provided with the mark line a13 for indicating the distance length on the catheter 11 segment corresponding to the support tube 12 and close to one side of the first seat 14.

[0036] The imaging monitoring part of the ultrasonic imaging assembly 15 is arranged on the wall of the catheter 11, can monitor the situation in the catheter cavity 11a of the catheter 11, and timely check whether the embryo is retained in the catheter cavity 11a. The ultrasonic imaging assembly 15 is connected with the ultrasonic imaging screen 16 to display the monitored situation in the catheter cavity 11a, help to timely observe whether the embryo is retained in the catheter cavity 11a, and guide to make remedial behavior, and timely complete the embryo transfer process of injecting the embryo into the uterus.

[0037] The wall of the catheter 11 is formed with an annular cavity 11b.

[0038] The imaging monitoring part of the ultrasonic imaging assembly 15 includes an ultrasonic probe 151, an annular body 152, four guide rods 154, a first ring body 155, a second ring body 156, and a driving assembly 17. The driving assembly 17 is installed on the first seat 14. The ultrasonic probe 151 is installed on the axial arm 153 formed at one end of the annular body 152, one end of the guide rod 154 is connected to the other end of the annular body 152, and the guide rods 154 are distributed around the circumference. The annular body 152 extends into the annular cavity 11b.

[0039] The first ring body 155 and the second ring body 156 are connected into a whole through the connecting rod 158, and the second ring body 156 is directly above the first ring body 155. The lower end of the connecting rod 158 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the first ring body 155. The upper end of the connecting rod 158 passes through the slot-shaped through hole 1562 formed on the second ring body 156 and is fixedly connected to the second ring body 156 by a bolt.

[0040] The other end of the guide rod 154 is upwardly extended through the through hole 1551 of the first ring body 155 and the second ring body 156 and then reaches the first seat 14. The first ring body 155, the second ring body 156 and the driving assembly 17 arranged on the first seat 14 are matched.

[0041] The driving assembly 17 can selectively drive the first ring body 155 to rotate, so that the ring body 152, the first ring body 155 and the second ring body 156 (as a whole) rotate synchronously around the axis of the guide pipe 11; and can drive the second ring body 156 to move up and down along the axis, so that the ring body 152 and the second ring body 156 move synchronously along the axis of the guide pipe 11.

[0042] The side wall of the first ring body 155 is formed as a tooth surface. The driving assembly 17 contains a transmission gear 157 matched with the first ring body 155. A rotary driving motor contained in the driving assembly 17 is matched with the transmission gear 157, so as to drive the first ring body 155 to rotate.

[0043] The side wall of the second ring body 156 is formed with a rack portion 1561, and the rack surface of the rack portion 1561 is arranged along the axis. The driving assembly 17 contains a lifting driving motor matched with the rack portion 1561. The lifting driving motor can rotate synchronously with the first ring body 155, so that the lifting driving motor can be matched with the rack portion 1561 on the second ring body 156.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7 The guide pipe portion 20 matched with the guide pipe portion 10 includes a guide pipe 21, a second seat 22 arranged at the left end of the guide pipe 21, a fixing ring 23 arranged on the guide pipe 21, a mark line b24 arranged on the outer wall of the guide pipe 21 for indicating the length position, and a head 25. The fixing ring 23 is used for fixing the guide pipe 21 at the cervical orifice. The arrangement of the mark line a13 and the mark line b24 can help to determine the length of the guide pipe entering the uterus.

[0045] The right end of the guide pipe 21 can be pre-bent at an angle to conform to the human physiological structure, so as to facilitate the guide pipe to enter the uterus. The pre-bent angle of the guide pipe 21 is generally between 5 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0046] The right side of the guide pipe 11 protrudes from the support pipe 12 by a certain length, so that it can be bent to adapt to the bent part of the guide pipe 21 when entering the guide pipe cavity of the pre-bent part of the guide pipe 21.

[0047] The head 25 is formed at the right end of the introduction tube 21. The head 25 is shaped like a mushroom head, which can expand the cervix and facilitate the insertion of the introduction tube 21 into the uterus. The tapered design of the head 25 can reduce the damage to the endometrium during the insertion.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8 The sleeve core 30 is also provided. The sleeve core 30 includes a sleeve core tube 31 and a support wire 32. The left end of the support wire 32 is provided with a third seat 33. The support wire 32 can be inserted into the sleeve core tube 31, so that the sleeve core tube 31 is kept in a straight tube state.

[0049] The length of the support wire 32 is less than the length of the sleeve core tube 31, so that the right end of the sleeve core tube 31 does not contain the support wire 32. The sleeve core tube 31 is made of a flexible material, such as polyurethane, polyethylene or polypropylene. The support wire 32 is preferably made of stainless steel.

[0050] During use, the right end of the introduction tube 21 is pre-bent to a suitable angle. When the cervix is in a poor condition and the introduction tube 21 is difficult to enter the cervix, the sleeve core tube 31 is first inserted into the introduction tube 21. Since the front end of the sleeve core tube 31 is not provided with the support wire 32, the insertion of the sleeve core tube 31 will not change the pre-bending angle of the front end of the introduction tube 21. During operation, the cervix is first washed with a culture solution, and then the introduction tube 21 is placed. After the syringe is connected to the catheter 11, the embryo or the culture solution is sucked through the right port of the catheter 11. The sleeve core tube 31 in the introduction tube 21 is taken out, and the catheter 11 is inserted into the introduction tube 21 until the implantation site. The (indication) mark lines on the introduction tube 21 and the catheter 11 can help to determine the length of the implantation tube / catheter entering the uterine cavity. The front end of the catheter 11 can be provided with a (B-ultrasound) imaging ring to help determine the position of the implantation tube entering the uterine cavity. Finally, after the catheter 11 is taken out of the introduction tube 21, the introduction tube 21 can be taken out of the uterus, and the implantation operation is completed.

[0051] The first seat and the second seat are mainly used for holding or connecting. During the embryo transplantation process, the ultrasonic imaging assembly 15 can be used to observe whether the embryo (including the culture solution) is retained in the catheter lumen 11a of the catheter 11 after the embryo injection is completed. If there is retention, remedial measures can be taken in time, and the syringe is continued to be pushed to empty the embryo in the catheter lumen 11a. As shown in the embodiment, Figure 1 The probe of the ultrasonic imaging assembly 15 is selected as an ultrasonic imaging tube, which can at least monitor the condition in the catheter lumen 11a of the part of the catheter 11 extending out of the support tube 12 or can detect the condition in the catheter lumen 11a of the side 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 tube lumen length close to the free end port of the catheter 11. As shown in the embodiment, Figures 2 to 6The embodiment shown is provided with a micro ultrasonic probe on each of at least one pair of axial arms 153 provided on the annular body 152. The ultrasonic probe can detect the entire condition in the catheter cavity 11a in all directions with the rotation of the annular body 152. Meanwhile, the ultrasonic probe can also move reciprocally along the axial direction relative to the catheter 11, and the moving stroke can enable the ultrasonic probe 151 to detect the condition in the catheter cavity 11a of 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the catheter cavity length on the side close to the free end port of the catheter cavity 11a.

[0052] The above embodiments are only illustrative of the principles and effects of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application. The present application has many aspects which can be improved without departing from the general idea, and those skilled in the art can modify or change the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present application should be covered by the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A visualization embryo transfer catheter, comprising a catheter portion; the catheter portion comprising a catheter, a support tube, and a first seat; the support tube being disposed on the left side of the catheter; the first seat being connected to the left end of the support tube; the catheter lumen of the catheter communicating integrally with the lumen on the first seat; characterized in that: The catheter section also includes an ultrasonic imaging assembly and an ultrasonic imaging screen; the imaging monitoring part of the ultrasonic imaging assembly is located on the wall of the catheter and can monitor the catheter lumen; the ultrasonic imaging assembly is connected to the ultrasonic imaging screen to display the monitored condition inside the catheter lumen. An annular cavity is formed on the wall of the catheter; the imaging monitoring part of the ultrasonic imaging assembly includes an ultrasonic probe, an annular body, multiple guide rods, a first annular body, a second annular body, and a drive assembly; the drive assembly is mounted on the first seat; The ultrasonic probe is mounted at one end of the annular body; one end of the guide rod is connected to the other end of the annular body and multiple guide rods are distributed alternately around the circumference; the annular body extends into the annular cavity. Both the first ring body and the second ring body are provided with through holes that match the guide rod; the first ring body and the second ring body are connected as one unit by a connecting rod and the second ring body is located above the first ring body; The other end of the guide rod passes upward through the through holes on the first ring body and the second ring body and extends to the first seat; the first ring body and the second ring body are matched with the drive assembly provided on the first seat; the drive assembly can selectively drive the first ring body to rotate, so that the ring body, the first ring body, and the second ring body rotate synchronously; and drive the second ring body to move up and down along the axial direction, so that the ring body and the second ring body move synchronously.

2. The visualization embryo transfer tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sidewall of the first ring body is formed as a toothed surface, and the drive assembly contains a transmission gear that matches the first ring body; the drive assembly contains a rotary drive motor that matches the transmission gear to drive the first ring body to rotate.

3. A visualization embryo transfer tube according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A rack portion is formed on the side wall of the second ring body, and the rack surface of the rack portion is arranged axially; the drive assembly includes a lifting drive motor that matches the rack portion.

4. The visualized embryo transfer tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide tube section has a marking line a on the side corresponding to the support tube and close to the first seat to indicate the distance length.

5. The visualization embryo transfer tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an inlet tube section, which includes an inlet tube, a second seat located at the left end of the inlet tube, and a fixing ring located on the inlet tube; the right end of the inlet tube can be pre-bent to a certain angle; the right side of the conduit extends a certain length relative to the support tube, and when it enters the pre-bent portion of the inlet tube, it bends to adapt to the bending state of the inlet tube.

6. The visualization embryo transfer tube according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer wall of the inlet tube is provided with a marking line b for indicating the distance.

7. A visualization embryo transfer tube according to claim 6, characterized in that: The right end of the inlet tube has a cap.

8. A visualization embryo transfer tube according to claim 5, characterized in that: The right end of the inlet tube has a cap.

9. A visualization embryo transfer tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a core part, which includes a core tube and a support wire; the support wire can be inserted into the core tube to keep the core tube in a straight tube state; the length of the support wire is less than the length of the core tube.

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