Embryo biopsy needle

Abstract

The utility model provides an embryo biopsy needle which comprises a first pipe section and a second pipe section, the first end of the first pipe section is connected with negative pressure equipment, the second end of the first pipe section is connected with the first end of the second pipe section, the second end of the second pipe section is used for sucking biopsy cells, a filter membrane is arranged in the second pipe section, and the filter membrane is connected with the negative pressure equipment. A plurality of micropores are distributed in the filter membrane, liquid and air can pass through the micropores to block biopsy cells, and the surface of the filter membrane is smooth so as to avoid adhesion of the cells. The filter membrane arranged in the second tube section can be used as a blocking net in the biopsy needle, so that biopsy cells cannot be lost due to the fact that the biopsy cells are sucked into the first tube section; meanwhile, the pressure can be better controlled in the biopsy operation process; in addition, sample pollution and the like are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of preimplantation genetic testing technology, and in particular to an embryo biopsy needle. Background Technology

[0002] Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an important measure in assisted reproductive technology to avoid the occurrence of hereditary diseases. PGT refers to the genetic testing of the polar bodies of biopsied oocytes or embryonic cells before embryo transfer into the uterine cavity. The genetic information of the test data is then analyzed to determine the chromosomal and gene status of the oocytes or embryos. This allows for the selection of embryos with no specific variants or whose genetic traits caused by specific variants are within acceptable limits for transfer into the uterine cavity, ultimately leading to the birth of healthy offspring.

[0003] Embryo biopsy is a crucial step in PGT (Prognostics and Transformation Therapy), requiring a micromanipulation system and biopsy needle to biopsies oocyte polar bodies, embryonic blastomeres, or blastocyst trophoblast cells. This demands a high level of micromanipulation skill from the operator. The biopsy needle is typically made of capillary glass tubing with an inner diameter of approximately 15–30 μm. During the biopsy process, a small number of biopsy cells (polar bodies, embryonic blastomeres, blastocyst trophoblast cells) are drawn into the needle. These cells are then separated from the embryo using laser or mechanical cutting methods. The biopsy cells are then expelled from the needle into a culture medium and finally transferred to PCR tubes for analysis using a micropipette. Because the biopsy needle is under continuous negative pressure during cell separation, if the negative pressure is not properly controlled, the detached biopsy cells can be rapidly aspirated back to the rear of the needle, resulting in cell loss. If live cell loss occurs, the embryo needs to be re-biopsied, which increases the risk of damage to the embryo during the biopsy procedure; or it may lead to PGT failure, making it impossible to determine whether the embryo is normal. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a solution that avoids difficulties in negative pressure control and loss of biopsy cells, addressing the shortcomings of the aforementioned background technology.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an embryo biopsy needle, comprising a first tube segment and a second tube segment. The first end of the first tube segment is connected to a negative pressure device, and the second end of the first tube segment is connected to the first end of the second tube segment. The second end of the second tube segment is used to aspirate biopsy cells. A filter membrane is disposed inside the second tube segment. The filter membrane has multiple micropores distributed on it. The micropores allow liquids and air to pass through while blocking the biopsy cells. The surface of the filter membrane is smooth to avoid cell adhesion.

[0006] Furthermore, the first pipe section and the second pipe section are made of biosafety grade glass material.

[0007] Furthermore, the filter membrane is made of biosafety grade material, the pore size of the micropores is set to 2-4 μm, and the thickness of the filter membrane is set to 3-7 μm.

[0008] Furthermore, the length of the first pipe segment is set to 70 mm, and the length of the second pipe segment is set to 5 mm.

[0009] Furthermore, the first pipe segment and the second pipe segment have a preset included angle, which is set to 145-150°.

[0010] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second pipe section has various specifications, and the second pipe section is detachably connected to the first pipe section.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second pipe section is 12–15 μm, 30–35 μm, or 25–30 μm.

[0012] Furthermore, the first end of the second pipe segment and the second end of the first pipe segment are both provided with matching plug-in parts, which are fixed by interference fit after being plugged in.

[0013] Furthermore, the filter membrane is positioned near the first end of the second tube segment.

[0014] The above-mentioned solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] The embryo biopsy needle provided by this utility model, through the filter membrane set in the second tube section, can act as a barrier inside the biopsy needle. If the negative pressure is not well controlled during sampling and rapid aspiration of biopsy cells occurs, the biopsy cells can be blocked by the filter membrane 3 and remain in the second tube section, preventing loss of biopsy cells due to aspiration into the first tube section. At the same time, the presence of the filter membrane increases the resistance to the flow of liquids and gases inside the biopsy needle, making the operator's application of negative / positive pressure for aspiration / expulsion during the biopsy operation gentler and allowing for better pressure control. In addition, due to the barrier effect of the filter membrane, paraffin oil and other materials used for driving at the first end of the first tube section will not accidentally enter the second tube section or subsequently enter the culture medium, causing sample contamination.

[0016] Other beneficial effects of this invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of this utility model.

[0020] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0021] 1-First pipe section; 2-Second pipe section; 3-Filter membrane; 4-Connection part. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the technical problems, solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, a detailed description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a locking connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, an embodiment of this utility model provides an embryo biopsy needle, including a first tube segment 1 and a second tube segment 2. The first end of the first tube segment 1 is connected to a negative pressure device, which generates negative pressure on the entire biopsy needle. The second end of the first tube segment 1 is connected to the first end of the second tube segment 2, and the second end of the second tube segment 2 serves as the aspiration end for aspirating biopsy cells. The biopsy cells include polar bodies, embryonic blastomeres, trophoblast cells, etc. For example, for trophoblast cells, the negative pressure first adsorbs the trophoblast cells into the second tube segment 2, and then the trophoblast cells are separated from the blastoblast by laser or mechanical cutting for subsequent detection.

[0026] As mentioned in the background art, during the separation of biopsy cells, the biopsy needle is under continuous negative pressure. If the negative pressure control of the device is not properly managed, the detached biopsy cells can be easily and rapidly drawn into the second end of the first tube segment 1, resulting in cell loss. Therefore, in this embodiment, a barrier structure is provided within the second tube segment 2 to prevent biopsy cells from entering the first tube segment 1, thus avoiding cell loss. Simultaneously, the barrier structure must allow liquid and air to continue flowing, maintaining negative pressure for aspiration / expulsion operations.

[0027] Therefore, in this embodiment, the barrier structure is set as a filter membrane 3, which has multiple micropores distributed on it. At the same time, the surface of the filter membrane 3 is smoothed to avoid cell adhesion.

[0028] Using this filter membrane 3 has several advantages: the filter membrane 3 can act as a barrier inside the biopsy needle. If the negative pressure is not well controlled during sampling and rapid aspiration of biopsy cells occurs, the biopsy cells can be blocked by the filter membrane 3 and remain in the second tube section 2, preventing the loss of biopsy cells due to aspiration into the first tube section 1.

[0029] Meanwhile, the presence of filter membrane 3 increases the resistance to the flow of liquid and gas inside the biopsy needle. During the biopsy procedure, the operator can apply negative / positive pressure to aspirate / expel the fluid more gently and control the pressure better.

[0030] In addition, due to the barrier effect of the filter membrane 3, the paraffin oil and other substances used for driving at the first end of the first tube section 1 will not enter the second tube section 2 or subsequently enter the culture medium due to improper operation, thus preventing sample contamination.

[0031] Of course, in other embodiments, other forms of barrier structures can also be used, such as fiber layers, but their overall effect is not as good as that of filter membrane 3, especially in terms of surface smoothness.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first tube segment 1 and the second tube segment 2 are made of biosafety grade glass material, such as high borosilicate glass, drawn at high temperature. The length of the first tube segment 1 is preferably set to 70 mm and is connected to the microsurgical system (including negative pressure equipment), and the length of the second tube segment 2 is preferably set to 10 mm.

[0033] In this embodiment, there is a certain angle between the first tube segment 2 and the second tube segment 2, preferably set to 145-150°, so as to keep the second tube segment 2 in a horizontal state during operation and smoothly perform the aspiration of biopsy cells.

[0034] In this embodiment, the filter membrane 3 is made of a biosafety grade material, such as a polycarbonate membrane. The pore size is preferably set to 2–4 μm, and the thickness of the filter membrane 3 is preferably set to 3–7 μm. The edge of the filter membrane 3 is tightly connected to the inner wall of the second tube segment 2. Simultaneously, both the inner wall of the second tube segment 2 and the surface of the filter membrane 3 are siliconized to prevent cell adhesion.

[0035] As mentioned earlier, biopsy cells come in various forms. For polar body biopsies, the inner diameter of the second tube segment 2 is 12–15 μm; for blastomeres, it is 30–35 μm; and for blastocysts, it is 25–30 μm. Therefore, considering that the inner diameter of the second tube segment 2 has multiple different specifications and can be replaced, in this embodiment, the second tube segment 2 and the first tube segment 1 are detachably connected. That is, both the first end of the second tube segment 2 and the second end of the first tube segment 1 are provided with matching insertion parts 4, using a movable insertion method. After insertion, they are fixed by an interference fit, such as… Figure 3 As shown. Of course, the material of the connector 4 can also be replaced with a biosafety grade elastic plastic, etc., to be fixed by elastic force, which makes replacement easier.

[0036] In this manner, the filter membrane 3 in this embodiment is positioned near the first end of the second tube segment 2 so that most of the length of the second tube segment 2 can accommodate the cells to be aspirated.

[0037] The embryo biopsy needle provided in this embodiment, when in use, comes into contact with the embryo and, through negative pressure, adsorbs and fixes the embryo (or can be fixed by another device). The negative pressure then adsorbs biopsy cells into the needle. Due to the filter membrane 3, the biopsy cells remain within the second tube segment 2. The biopsy cells are then separated from the embryo by laser or mechanical cutting, and the cells are expelled from the needle into a culture medium. Finally, a micropipette is used to transfer the cells to a PCR tube for detection. The entire process ensures that the aspiration and transfer of biopsy cells are not lost or contaminated.

[0038] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0039] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An embryo biopsy needle, characterized in that, It includes a first tube segment and a second tube segment. The first end of the first tube segment is connected to a negative pressure device, and the second end of the first tube segment is connected to the first end of the second tube segment. The second end of the second tube segment is used to aspirate biopsy cells. A filter membrane is provided inside the second tube segment. The filter membrane has multiple micropores distributed on it. The micropores allow liquid and air to pass through while blocking the biopsy cells. The surface of the filter membrane is smooth to avoid cell adhesion.

2. The embryo biopsy needle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second pipe sections are made of biosafety grade glass material.

3. The embryo biopsy needle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter membrane is made of biosafety grade material, the pore size of the micropores is set to 2-4 μm, and the thickness of the filter membrane is set to 3-7 μm.

4. The embryo biopsy needle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the first pipe section is set to 70mm, and the length of the second pipe section is set to 10mm.

5. The embryo biopsy needle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pipe segment and the second pipe segment have a preset included angle, which is set to 145-150°.

6. The embryo biopsy needle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second pipe section has various inner diameter specifications, and the second pipe section is detachably connected to the first pipe section.

7. The embryo biopsy needle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the second pipe section is 12-15μm, 30-35μm, or 25-30μm.

8. The embryo biopsy needle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first end of the second pipe section and the second end of the first pipe section are both provided with matching plug-in parts, which are fixed by interference fit after being plugged in.

9. An embryo biopsy needle according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The filter membrane is positioned near the first end of the second pipe section.

Images