Handle for catheter for uterine cervix insertion

Abstract

To provide a handle for a catheter for uterine cervix insertion which has improved operability of a catheter for uterine cervix insertion and has reduced invasiveness.SOLUTION: There is provided a handle 40 for a catheter for uterine cervix insertion equipped to a catheter 100 for uterine cervix insertion. The catheter 100 for uterine cervix insertion includes a first shaft 10 and a wire 30 whose distal end is fixed to a distal end of the first shaft 10. The handle 40 for the catheter for uterine cervix insertion includes a rotation member 41 to which a proximal end of the wire 30 is connected, and an operation part 42 operated by a user. The wire 30 is moved toward the proximal end side by the rotation of the rotation member 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle for a cervical insertion catheter provided in a cervical insertion catheter used during embryo transfer or artificial insemination.

Background Art

[0002] In infertility treatment, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, microinjection, embryo transfer, etc. are performed. In vitro fertilization is a method of injecting sperm around an egg placed in a culture solution to cause fertilization. Microinjection is a method of injecting sperm into an egg using a thin glass tube under a microscope to cause fertilization. Embryo transfer is a method of transplanting a fertilized and grown embryo into the uterus of a patient at an appropriate timing after in vitro fertilization or microinjection. Artificial insemination is a method of increasing the probability that sperm reaches an egg by injecting sperm washed with a culture solution into the uterus.

[0003] When performing embryo transfer, for example, an embryo transfer instrument as described in Patent Document 1 is used.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an embryo transfer instrument including a flexible sheath having a passage penetrating from the tip to the rear end and a spherical bulge, a flexible stylet removably inserted into the flexible sheath and having a tip substantially equal to or slightly protruding from the tip surface of the flexible sheath, and a transplantation tube body having a flexible tip portion that can be inserted into the flexible sheath with the flexible stylet removed and can protrude a predetermined length from the tip of the flexible sheath.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the embryo transfer device described in Patent Document 1, a flexible stylet was disposed in the lumen of a flexible sheath, and a part thereof was curved. However, there are still many cases where it is difficult to place the distal end of the flexible sheath having the flexible stylet disposed in its lumen into the uterus due to stenosis or flexion of the cervical canal. In such cases, when a force is applied to the flexible sheath in which the flexible stylet is disposed, the force escapes in the direction in which the bent portion further bends, making it difficult to apply a straight force in the direction in which the sheath is to be advanced. In such cases, the tissue of the cervix was pulled while being grasped with the instrument, or the distal end of the flexible sheath in which the flexible stylet was disposed was pushed into the cervix using forceps. For this reason, depending on the skill of the doctor, it may take a lot of time to place the flexible sheath into the uterus, or it may be accompanied by bleeding from the tissue, and there are problems from the viewpoints of operability and invasiveness.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a handle for a catheter for inserting into the cervix that can improve the operability of the catheter for inserting into the cervix and can reduce invasiveness.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The handle for a catheter for inserting into the cervix according to an embodiment of the present invention that can solve the above problems is as follows. [1] A handle for a catheter for inserting into the cervix provided in a catheter for inserting into the cervix having a longitudinal direction, The catheter for inserting into the cervix includes a first shaft extending in the longitudinal direction and a wire extending in the longitudinal direction with a distal end fixed to the distal end of the first shaft. The handle for a catheter for inserting into the cervix has a rotating member to which the proximal end of the wire is connected and an operating portion operated by a user. A handle for a catheter for cervical insertion that moves the wire proximally as the rotating member rotates.

[0009] The handle for a catheter for cervical insertion according to an embodiment of the present invention is one in which the proximal end of a wire is connected to a rotating member, and the wire can be moved proximally as the rotating member rotates. When the wire moves proximally, the distal end of the first shaft is pulled, making it easier for the first shaft to bend. Thus, the bending operation of the distal end of the first shaft can be facilitated. As a result, the operability of the catheter for cervical insertion can be improved, and invasiveness can be reduced.

[0010] The handle for a catheter for cervical insertion according to an embodiment of the present invention is preferably any one of the following [2] to [4]. [2] The handle for a catheter for cervical insertion according to [1], wherein the rotating member is a first gear and the operating portion is a second gear that meshes with the first gear. [3] The handle for a catheter for cervical insertion according to [2], comprising a housing that covers half of the second gear when observed from above in the use state. [4] The handle for a catheter for cervical insertion according to [1], further having a rotating shaft connected to the rotating member, and the operating portion is a lever connected to the rotating shaft.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] The handle for a catheter for cervical insertion according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve the operability of the catheter for cervical insertion and reduce invasiveness.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples, and it is also possible to appropriately modify and implement it within the range that can conform to the gist of the foregoing and following descriptions, and all of them are included in the technical scope of the present invention. In each figure, for the sake of convenience, hatching, reference signs, etc. may be omitted, but in such cases, reference shall be made to the specification and other figures. Also, the dimensions of various components in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions because priority is given to facilitating the understanding of the features of the present invention.

[0014] The handle for a catheter for cervical insertion according to an embodiment of the present invention is a handle for a catheter for cervical insertion provided on a catheter for cervical insertion having a longitudinal direction. The catheter for cervical insertion includes a first shaft extending in the longitudinal direction of the catheter for cervical insertion, and a wire extending in the longitudinal direction of the catheter for cervical insertion and having a distal end fixed to the distal end of the first shaft. The handle for a catheter for cervical insertion has a rotating member to which the proximal end of the wire is connected, and an operating portion operated by a user, and the gist lies in that the wire is moved proximally by the rotation of the rotating member.

[0015] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, the overall configuration of the handle for a catheter for cervical insertion according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this drawing, a handle 40 for a catheter for cervical insertion provided on a catheter 100 for cervical insertion is shown. In this drawing, the longitudinal direction of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion is indicated by x, and the radial direction is indicated by y. Hereinafter, the handle 40 for a catheter for cervical insertion may be referred to as the handle 40.

[0016] In this specification, the proximal side refers to the direction towards the user's hand side with respect to the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion, and the distal side refers to the opposite side of the proximal side, that is, the direction towards the treatment target side. Further, when each member or each part is bisected in the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion, the part located on the distal side of each member or each part is referred to as the distal part of each member or each part, and the part located on the proximal side of each member or each part is referred to as the proximal part of each member or each part. The distal end of each member or each part is the end located on the most distal side of each member or each part. The proximal end of each member or each part is the end located on the most proximal side of each member or each part. The end portion includes the peripheral portion of the end. That is, the distal end portion refers to the distal end and the peripheral portion of the distal end, and the proximal end portion refers to the proximal end and the peripheral portion of the proximal end.

[0017] FIG. 1 represents a side view showing a uterine cervical insertion catheter provided with a handle for a uterine cervical insertion catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a side view when observed from the horizontal direction in the use state. More specifically, the upper side toward the drawing is the upper side in the vertical direction, and the lower side toward the drawing is the lower side in the vertical direction. In this drawing, the horizontal direction coincides with the direction indicated by arrow x, and the vertical direction coincides with the direction indicated by arrow y. FIG. 2 represents a cross-sectional view (partially schematic view) of the uterine cervical insertion catheter provided with the handle for the uterine cervical insertion catheter shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the shape when the uterine cervical insertion catheter is curved is shown by a broken line. FIG. 3 represents an end face view of a cut portion along line III-III of the handle for the uterine cervical insertion catheter shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 represents a cross-sectional view (partially schematic view) showing a modified example of the uterine cervical insertion catheter provided with the handle for the uterine cervical insertion catheter shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 4, the shape when the uterine cervical insertion catheter is curved and the position of the operation portion corresponding to the curved state of the uterine cervical insertion catheter are shown by a broken line. FIG. 5 represents an end face view of a cut portion along line V-V of the handle for the uterine cervical insertion catheter shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 represents a cross-sectional view (partially schematic view) showing a modified example of the uterine cervical insertion catheter provided with the handle for the uterine cervical insertion catheter shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 represents a plan view showing a modified example of the handle for the uterine cervical insertion catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a state of observing the handle for the uterine cervical insertion catheter from above, the left side toward the drawing is the distal side, and the right side toward the drawing is the proximal side. FIG. 8 represents a cross-sectional view (partially schematic view) showing a modified example of the uterine cervical insertion catheter provided with the handle for the uterine cervical insertion catheter shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 9 represents an end face view of a cut portion along line IX-IX of the handle for the uterine cervical insertion catheter shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 represents a cross-sectional view (partially schematic view) showing a modified example of the uterine cervical insertion catheter provided with the handle for the uterine cervical insertion catheter shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 10, the shape when the uterine cervical insertion catheter is curved is shown by a broken line. FIG. 11 represents an end face view of a cut portion along line XI-XI of the uterine cervical insertion catheter shown in FIG. 10.

[0018] The handle 40 is provided on the uterine cervix insertion catheter 100 having the longitudinal direction x.

[0019] The uterine cervix insertion catheter 100 provided with the handle 40 includes a first shaft 10 and a wire 30. The first shaft 10 extends in the longitudinal direction x of the uterine cervix insertion catheter 100. The wire 30 extends in the longitudinal direction x of the uterine cervix insertion catheter 100, and the distal end portion of the wire 30 is fixed to the distal end portion of the first shaft 10.

[0020] The handle 40 has a rotating member 41 to which the proximal end portion of the wire 30 is connected, and an operating portion 42 that is operated by the user. The handle 40 moves the wire 30 toward the proximal side when the rotating member 41 rotates.

[0021] The handle 40 according to the embodiment of the present invention is one in which the proximal end portion of the wire 30 is connected to the rotating member 41, and the wire 30 can be moved toward the proximal side when the rotating member 41 rotates. When the wire 30 moves toward the proximal side, the distal end portion of the first shaft 10 is pulled, so that the first shaft 10 is easily bent, and thus the bending operation of the distal end portion of the first shaft 10 can be easily performed. Thereby, the operability of the uterine cervix insertion catheter 100 can be improved, and the invasiveness can be reduced.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle 40 is preferably connected to the proximal end portion of the first shaft 10. In FIG. 1, the side surface of the handle 40 is shown. In FIG. 2, the internal structure of the handle 40 is shown.

[0023] The handle 40 is a portion that is gripped and operated by the user. Therefore, the handle 40 preferably has a shape that is easy for the user to grip and operate.

[0024] The constituent material of the handle 40 is not particularly limited, and for example, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate resins, synthetic resins such as ABS resins and polyurethane resins can be used.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotating member 41 may be a first gear 411, and the operating portion 42 may be a second gear 421 that meshes with the first gear 411. By the user rotating the second gear 421, the first gear 411 can be rotated. When the first gear 411 rotates, the wire 30 can be moved proximally or distally.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first gear 411 and the second gear 421 are preferably disk-shaped and have tooth profiles formed around their circumferences.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the first gear 411 is preferably mounted such that its in-plane direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the second gear 421 is preferably mounted such that its in-plane direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. This makes it easier to bend the catheter 100 for cervical insertion in the vertical direction.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 7, the handle 40 may include a housing 43 that covers half of the second gear 421 when viewed from above in the use state. This makes it easier to prevent the second gear 421 from rotating at an unintended timing.

[0029] The housing 43 may cover the front half of the second gear 421 as viewed by the user, or may cover the rear half of the second gear 421 as viewed by the user, but preferably covers the right half or the left half of the second gear 421 as viewed by the user. By the housing 43 covering the right half or the left half of the second gear 421 as viewed by the user, it is possible to prevent the second gear 421 from rotating at an unintended timing and to easily operate the catheter 100 for cervical insertion with one hand.

[0030] The housing 43 may be configured to be movable in the left - right direction as viewed by the user. When the user is right - handed, as shown in FIG. 7, by moving the housing 43 so as to cover the left - hand half as viewed by the user, it is possible to prevent the rotation of the second gear 421 at an unintended timing and make it easier to operate the cervical insertion catheter 100 with one right hand. When the user is left - handed, by moving the housing 43 so as to cover the right - hand half as viewed by the user, it is possible to prevent the rotation of the second gear 421 at an unintended timing and make it easier to operate the cervical insertion catheter 100 with one left hand.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the handle 40 may further have a rotating shaft 44 connected to the rotating member 41, and the operating portion 42 may be a lever 422 connected to the rotating shaft 44. By the user tilting the lever 422, the rotating shaft 44 can be rotated, and by the rotating shaft 44 rotating, the rotating member 41 can be rotated. Thereby, the wire 30 can be moved proximally or distally.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the operating portion 42 may be a part of the rotating member 41. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the user can insert a finger through the opening 46, operate the rotating member 41, and rotate the rotating member 41.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6, the handle 40 preferably has a lumen 45 through which a second shaft 20 (described later) is disposed and which penetrates in the longitudinal direction x of the cervical insertion catheter 100.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 8, and 10, the handle 40 is provided on the cervical insertion catheter 100. The cervical insertion catheter 100 includes a wire 30 and a first shaft 10. The cervical insertion catheter 100 is at least partially inserted into the cervix.

[0035] When the catheter 100 for cervical insertion is inserted into the cervix, it is preferable that a part of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion is disposed inside the uterus. It is more preferable that the distal end portion of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion is disposed inside the uterus.

[0036] The catheter 100 for cervical insertion is preferably used when performing infertility treatment. In particular, it is preferably used when performing embryo transfer or artificial insemination.

[0037] The wire 30 extends in the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion. Although only one wire 30 may be provided, it is preferable that a plurality of wires 30 are provided. The plurality of wires 30 may include a first wire 31 and a second wire 32.

[0038] The first shaft 10 may have a first lumen 11 penetrating in the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion and a second lumen 12 extending in the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion and in which the wire 30 is disposed. It is preferable that the wire 30 is not disposed in the first lumen 11.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the eccentricity distance of the centroid 30s of the wire 30 with respect to the centroid 10s of the first shaft 10 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion is preferably larger than the eccentricity distance of the centroid 11s of the first lumen 11 with respect to the centroid 10s of the first shaft 10 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion. The eccentricity distance of the centroid 30s of the wire 30 with respect to the centroid 10s of the first shaft 10 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion refers to the distance between the centroid 10s of the first shaft 10 and the centroid 30s of the wire 30 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion. The eccentricity distance of the centroid 11s of the first lumen 11 with respect to the centroid 10s of the first shaft 10 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion refers to the distance between the centroid 10s of the first shaft 10 and the centroid 11s of the first lumen 11 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion. With the above configuration, by pulling the wire 30 toward the proximal side, the distal end of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion is likely to curve in the direction in which the wire 30 exists in the radial direction of the first shaft 10. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the catheter 100 for cervical insertion is likely to curve upward in the vertical direction. Further, by keeping no external force applied to the wire 30, the catheter for cervical insertion can return to its original linear shape. Thus, by adjusting the traction of the wire 30 toward the proximal side, operations such as curving the distal end of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion or returning it to a linear shape can be easily performed. Thereby, the operability of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion can be improved and the invasiveness can be reduced.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 8, two or more wires 30 are provided, and preferably, the two or more wires 30 include a first wire 31 and a second wire 32. Further, at the distal end of the first shaft 10, it is preferable that the first lumen 11 is located between the first wire 31 and the second wire 32. Thereby, by pulling the first wire 31 proximally, the distal end of the uterine cervix insertion catheter 100 is likely to curve in the direction in which the first wire 31 exists in the radial direction of the first shaft 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the uterine cervix insertion catheter 100 is likely to curve upward in the vertical direction. Also, by pulling the second wire 32 proximally, the distal end of the uterine cervix insertion catheter 100 is likely to curve in the direction in which the second wire 32 exists in the radial direction of the first shaft 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the uterine cervix insertion catheter 100 is likely to curve downward in the vertical direction. Thus, by adjusting the proximal traction of the first wire 31 and the second wire 32, operations such as curving or straightening the distal end of the uterine cervix insertion catheter 100 can be easily performed. Thereby, the operability of the uterine cervix insertion catheter 100 can be improved, and invasiveness can be easily reduced.

[0041] The first shaft 10 preferably has flexibility. Thereby, the first shaft 10 can be easily deformed along the shape of the body cavity. Also, for shape retention, the first shaft 10 preferably has elasticity.

[0042] The first shaft 10 can be cylindrical, hollow cylindrical, hollow polygonal columnar, or a combination of these shapes.

[0043] As the first shaft 10, a resin tube can be used. The resin tube can be manufactured, for example, by extrusion molding. The resin tube may be single-layered or may have a plurality of layers. In the longitudinal direction of the first shaft 10 or in the circumferential direction of the first shaft 10, a part of the first shaft 10 may be composed of a single layer and the other part may be composed of a plurality of layers.

[0044] The first shaft 10 can be composed of, for example, synthetic resins such as polyolefin resins (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene), polyamide resins (e.g., nylon), polyester resins (e.g., PET), aromatic polyether ketone resins (e.g., PEEK), polyether polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, polyimide resins, fluororesins (e.g., PTFE, PFA, ETFE), etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0045] The first shaft 10 preferably has a distal end 10a and a proximal end 10b. Further, the first shaft 10 preferably has an inner surface 10c facing the first inner cavity 11 of the first shaft 10 and an outer surface 10d facing the outside of the first shaft 10.

[0046] The outer surface 10d of the first shaft 10 is preferably coated with a hydrophilic polymer. This can facilitate the insertion of the first shaft 10 into the cervix. Examples of the hydrophilic polymer include maleic anhydride copolymers such as poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, methyl vinyl ether maleic anhydride copolymer, and polyethylene glycol.

[0047] The inner surface 10c of the first shaft 10 preferably has a portion made of a fluororesin or a polyolefin resin. Only a part of the inner surface 10c of the first shaft 10 may be made of a fluororesin or a polyolefin resin, or the entire inner surface 10c of the first shaft 10 may be made of a fluororesin or a polyolefin resin. Thereby, the first shaft 10 becomes slippery with respect to the second shaft 20, so that the operability of the catheter 100 can be easily improved.

[0048] The outer diameter of the first shaft 10 can be, for example, 1.0 mm or more, 1.3 mm or more, 1.6 mm or more, etc. Also, the outer diameter of the first shaft 10 can be, for example, 5.0 mm or less, 4.0 mm or less, 3.0 mm or less, etc.

[0049] The diameter of the first lumen 11 of the first shaft 10 can be, for example, 3.0 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, 2.0 mm or less, etc. Also, the diameter of the first lumen 11 of the first shaft 10 can be, for example, 1.1 mm or more, 1.2 mm or more, 1.3 mm or more, etc. It is also preferable that the diameter of the first lumen 11 of the first shaft 10 is large enough for the second shaft 20 to pass through.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the first shaft 10 has a distal opening 11a that communicates the first lumen 11 of the first shaft 10 with the outside of the first shaft 10 at the distal end of the first shaft 10, and may have a proximal opening 11b that communicates the first lumen 11 of the first shaft 10 with the outside of the first shaft 10 at the proximal end of the first shaft 10.

[0051] The first lumen 11 of the first shaft 10 preferably communicates with the lumen 45 of the handle 40.

[0052] The length of the first shaft 10 in the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion can be, for example, 140 mm or more, 150 mm or more, 160 mm or more, etc. Further, the length of the first shaft 10 in the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion can be, for example, 200 mm or less, 190 mm or less, 180 mm or less, etc.

[0053] In the state of use, it is preferable that the first wire 31 is located above the first lumen 11 and the second wire 32 is located below the first lumen 11. Thereby, the catheter 100 for cervical insertion can be easily bent in the vertical direction.

[0054] The first shaft 10 may have only one second lumen 12. When there are two or more wires 30, all the wires 30 are arranged in one second lumen 12. When the catheter 100 for cervical insertion includes the first wire 31 and the second wire 32, both the first wire 31 and the second wire 32 are arranged in one second lumen 12.

[0055] When there is only one second lumen 12, the first shaft 10 preferably has an outer cylinder having a lumen and an inner cylinder arranged in the lumen of the outer cylinder. In this case, it is preferable that the lumen of the inner cylinder is the first lumen 11 and the space existing between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder is the second lumen 12.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, the second lumen 12 may include a second-1 lumen 121 and a second-2 lumen 122 provided at a position different from that of the second-1 lumen 121. It is preferable that the second-1 lumen 121 and the second-2 lumen 122 are independent lumens respectively. In this case, it is preferable that the first lumen 11 is disposed between the second-1 lumen 121 and the second-2 lumen 122. When the second lumen 12 is configured as described above, it is preferable that the first wire 31 is disposed in the second-1 lumen 121 and the second wire 32 is disposed in the second-2 lumen 122. Since the first wire 31 and the second wire 32 are disposed in separate second lumens 12 respectively, it is possible to prevent the first wire 31 and the second wire 32 from moving to unintended positions or getting entangled with each other.

[0057] In the state of use, it is preferable that the second-1 lumen 121 is located above the first lumen 11 and the second-2 lumen 122 is located below the first lumen 11. Thereby, it is possible to easily bend the catheter 100 for cervical insertion in the vertical direction.

[0058] The wire 30 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel or a synthetic resin such as fluororesin.

[0059] There may be only one wire 30, or there may be two or more wires 30, three or more wires 30, or four or more wires 30. As the number of wires 30 increases, it becomes easier to finely adjust the bending direction of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion. Note that since the structure becomes complicated if the number of wires 30 is too large, it is preferable that the number of wires 30 is 10 or less.

[0060] When two or more wires 30 are used, the number of rotating members 41 for moving the wires 30 toward the proximal side may be increased to two or more. As a result, each wire 30 connected to a separate rotating member 41 can be pulled independently, making it easier to adjust the bending direction of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion. Also, when two or more wires 30 are used, a spherical gear may be used as the rotating member 41. Only one spherical gear may be provided, or a plurality of spherical gears may be provided. This makes it easier to adjust the direction in which the wire 30 is pulled.

[0061] The catheter 100 for cervical insertion may further include a second shaft 20 disposed in the first inner cavity 11 of the first shaft 10 and having an inner cavity 21 that penetrates in the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion. The second shaft 20 is preferably disposed in the first inner cavity 11 of the first shaft 10 after the first shaft 10 is inserted into the cervix. The second shaft 20 is preferably disposed in the first inner cavity 11 of the first shaft 10 with an embryo or sperm placed in the inner cavity 21. The embryo can be transplanted into the uterus by discharging the embryo from the second shaft 20. The sperm can be injected into the uterus by discharging the sperm from the second shaft 20.

[0062] In the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion, the length of the second shaft 20 is preferably longer than the length of the first shaft 10. This makes it easier to discharge the embryo or sperm from the second shaft 20 into the uterus.

[0063] The second shaft 20 preferably has a distal end 20a and a proximal end 20b. Also, the second shaft 20 preferably has an inner surface 20c facing the inner cavity 21 of the second shaft 20 and an outer surface 20d facing the outside of the second shaft 20.

[0064] Regarding the material and other components of the second shaft 20, reference can be made to the parts described for the first shaft 10.

[0065] The outer diameter of the second shaft 20 can be, for example, 0.3 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 0.8 mm or more, etc. Also, the outer diameter of the second shaft 20 can be, for example, 2.0 mm or less, 1.6 mm or less, 1.2 mm or less, etc.

[0066] The diameter of the inner cavity 21 of the second shaft 20 can be, for example, 1.5 mm or less, 1.2 mm or less, 0.9 mm or less, etc. Also, the diameter of the inner cavity 21 of the second shaft 20 can be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.2 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, etc. It is also preferable that the diameter of the inner cavity 21 of the second shaft 20 is of a size that allows the embryo to pass through.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, the second shaft 20 has a distal opening 21a at the distal end of the second shaft 20 that communicates the inner cavity 21 of the second shaft 20 with the outside of the second shaft 20, and may also have a proximal opening 21b at the proximal end of the second shaft 20 that communicates the inner cavity 21 of the second shaft 20 with the outside of the second shaft 20.

[0068] The length of the second shaft 20 in the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion can be, for example, 300 mm or more, 340 mm or more, 380 mm or more, etc. Also, the length of the second shaft 20 in the longitudinal direction x of the catheter 100 for cervical insertion can be, for example, 600 mm or less, 550 mm or less, 500 mm or less, etc.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0069] 10: First shaft 10a: Distal end 10b: Proximal end 10c: Inner surface 10d: Outer surface 11: First inner cavity 11a: Distal opening 11b: Proximal opening 12: Second inner cavity 121: Second-1 inner cavity 122: Second-2 inner cavity 20: Second shaft 20a: Distal end 20b: Proximal end 20c: Inner surface 20d: Outer surface 21: Inner cavity 21a: Distal opening 21b: Proximal opening 30: Wire 31: First wire 32: Second wire 40: Handle for catheter for cervical insertion 41: Rotating member 411: First gear 42: Operating part 421: Second gear 422: Lever 43: Housing 44: Rotating shaft 45: Inner cavity 46: Opening 100: Catheter for cervical insertion

Claims

1. A handle for a cervical insertion catheter provided in a cervical insertion catheter having a longitudinal direction, wherein the cervical insertion catheter includes a first shaft extending in the longitudinal direction and a wire extending in the longitudinal direction with a distal end fixed to the distal end of the first shaft, the handle for the cervical insertion catheter has a rotating member to which the proximal end of the wire is connected and an operating portion operated by a user, and the handle for the cervical insertion catheter moves the wire toward the proximal side when the rotating member rotates.

2. The handle for the cervical insertion catheter according to claim 1, wherein the rotating member is a first gear and the operating portion is a second gear meshing with the first gear.

3. The handle for the cervical insertion catheter according to claim 2, comprising a housing covering half of the second gear when observed from above in a use state.

4. The handle for the cervical insertion catheter according to claim 1, further having a rotating shaft connected to the rotating member, wherein the operating portion is a lever connected to the rotating shaft.

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