EP2140834B1 - Intra-uterine transfer apparatus using the natural vaginal-uterine route - Google Patents

Intra-uterine transfer apparatus using the natural vaginal-uterine route Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2140834B1
EP2140834B1 EP09290478A EP09290478A EP2140834B1 EP 2140834 B1 EP2140834 B1 EP 2140834B1 EP 09290478 A EP09290478 A EP 09290478A EP 09290478 A EP09290478 A EP 09290478A EP 2140834 B1 EP2140834 B1 EP 2140834B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transfer
instrument according
transfer head
head
tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP09290478A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2140834B8 (en
EP2140834A1 (en
Inventor
Laurent Huet
Christophe Staub
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
IMV Technologies SA
Original Assignee
IMV Technologies SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by IMV Technologies SA filed Critical IMV Technologies SA
Publication of EP2140834A1 publication Critical patent/EP2140834A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2140834B1 publication Critical patent/EP2140834B1/en
Publication of EP2140834B8 publication Critical patent/EP2140834B8/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61D—VETERINARY INSTRUMENTS, IMPLEMENTS, TOOLS, OR METHODS
    • A61D19/00—Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation
    • A61D19/02—Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for artificial insemination
    • A61D19/027—Devices for injecting semen into animals, e.g. syringes, guns, probes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61D—VETERINARY INSTRUMENTS, IMPLEMENTS, TOOLS, OR METHODS
    • A61D19/00—Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation
    • A61D19/04—Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for embryo transplantation

Definitions

  • the invention relates to intrauterine transfer instruments by the natural vagino-uterine route.
  • instruments for insemination or transfer of embryos into the uterus of a female animal such as a sow.
  • These instruments generally comprise a probe-type device intended to be introduced into the vagina of the animal.
  • This probe carries at its end a mouthpiece which is intended to be positioned at the level of the neck of the uterus, either in support thereon, or by crossing it partially to fix it and serve as longitudinal reference point to the device insemination. In both cases this tip ensures the closure of the neck and prevents the return of the products that will be injected inside the uterus.
  • This probe generally contains a flexible catheter for passing through said tip to deploy in the uterus after the positioning of the tip and allow the injection of the product as close to the desired area, that is to say to the closer to the uterine horns.
  • the catheter remains locked in the probe during the introduction of the latter into the vagina to keep it clean and prevent it from being polluted in contact with the vaginal wall.
  • the length of the catheter that the operator leaves the probe is also predetermined, thanks to markings carried by the probe, which are graduated according to the age of the animal or the number of litters he has already had. .
  • the invention aims to provide a catheter whose end can penetrate and progress optimally in a uterine horn.
  • the invention proposes a transfer instrument according to claim 1.
  • the oblong character of the transfer head that is to say that it is longer than wide, while the greater width is of course smaller and relatively close to the diameter of a uterine horn, makes it possible to avoid during the progression of the head in a horn, that it crosses or that it turns, which is absolutely to avoid, since in this case the exit orifice or the channel of routing of the substance to be transferred would be clogged and / or the catheter could not progress further.
  • the fact that no portion of the transfer head is more prominent laterally than the two rounded bulges has the advantage that the contact area of the head with the uterine horns is limited to lines, one for each bulge , so that the sliding of the transfer head is greatly facilitated.
  • the latter is a solid tube pierced by said channel and by a second channel disjoint and parallel to the first, said second channel containing a reinforcing cable.
  • the catheter is provided in a particularly simple, convenient and economical manner, at the same time flexibility and resistance to folding which allows it to walk in the best conditions in the uterus and then in a uterine horn.
  • said reinforcing cable is made of a material suitable for backscattering the ultrasound.
  • said reinforcing cable has a diameter of between 1 and 1.5 mm.
  • the instrument further comprises a probe provided at one of its ends with a tip adapted to be positioned against or in the cervix, said catheter being inserted into the central space of the probe and being able to pass through said tip to leave a retracted position where the transfer head of the catheter is retracted inside the central space of said probe and an extended position where said transfer head makes protruding out of the tip of the probe
  • the figure 1 shows an intrauterine transfer instrument, of the prior art, connected to supply means 27 for substances to be transferred and to a connecting duct 28 via a connector 11.
  • the instrument itself comprises a probe 1 provided at one of its ends with a tip 4.
  • the probe 1 is intended to be inserted by the natural vagino-uterine way in or against the uterus of a female animal, such as a sow or a laity, which one wishes to fertilize by artificial insemination for example.
  • the probe 1 comprises a hollow tube 2 carrying at its distal end, that is to say the one opposite the supply means 27, a nozzle 4.
  • This nozzle 4 has the shape substantially of a cylinder of which the The distal end is chamfered to prevent injury during its introduction and to facilitate the crossing of the cervix. It also has a circular groove in the middle, so as to remain astride the neck and thus define a longitudinal reference point for the uterine cavity.
  • the probe 1 also comprises, inserted inside the hollow tube 2, a catheter 6 able to slide between a retracted position where it is fully positioned in the central space of the tube 2, and an extended position where it projects out of the tube 2 passing through the tip 4, so as to reach the bottom of the uterine cavity and deposit the substances to be transferred to the immediate vicinity of the uterine horns.
  • This catheter has at its distal end 7 a transfer head 8 provided with an end portion 9 ball-shaped, carrying an orifice 10 for discharging the substances to be transferred.
  • the catheter 6 is seen in the retracted position, with its end portion 9 bearing against the inner wall of the distal end of the tip 4.
  • This tip has an orifice 5 through which the catheter and its transfer head pass, with a elastic deformation, to project into the uterine cavity.
  • a catheter whose transfer head 8 has the form of a peanut, that is to say an oblong shape with here two bulges, a distal bulge 31 and a proximal bulge 32, separated by a constriction 33 of smaller section.
  • the two bulges represented have equal sections, without this characteristic being imperative.
  • the head 8 is oriented in the extension of the catheter tube 6 to provide longitudinal stability to this head when pushed by the tube within the uterine horns. This oblong shape avoids a reversal of the end portion and its skew relative to the desired direction of advancement.
  • the greatest length L is more than twice greater than the largest diameter of the bulges 31 and 32, and even more preferably equal to three times the same diameter.
  • this length L is between 20 and 40 mm and preferably of the order of 30 mm.
  • the second advantage provided by this form in peanut comes from the presence of two bulges 31 and 32 which have only a circular line of contact with a cylinder which would form a tangential envelope for the head 8. This makes it possible to have as surface contact with the inner wall of the uterine horns, only two lines, one for each bulge, when introducing the catheter. The sliding of the transfer head is therefore greatly facilitated and the comfort of the animal improved accordingly.
  • the section of the constriction is between a quarter and half of the largest section of the bulges 31 and 32, and, even more preferably, equal to substantially one-third of this larger section.
  • the peanut shape given to the head 8 has two rounded ends, a distal rounded end 34 and a proximal rounded end 35.
  • the distal rounded shape 34 is intended to facilitate first the passage of the head 8 through the orifice 5 of the tip 4, and then its introduction into the uterus of the animal avoiding that it sinks into the wall of the uterus and makes to suffer the animal unnecessarily.
  • the proximal rounded shape can be a sphere section as shown on the figure 3 , or any other form of connection with the distal end of the catheter, as long as it is free of ridges that could injure the animal during removal of the probe.
  • the end portion has a symmetry of revolution about its axis and a symmetry with respect to a plane perpendicular to this axis, passing through one of the diameters of the constriction 33.
  • the material preferentially used to make this end part is a polyoxymethylene, which has the advantage of being light and smooth, which provides a low coefficient of friction with the uterine wall.
  • This tube made of flexible and smooth material such as low-density polyethylene, is traversed longitudinally by two parallel channels, a first channel 36 for conveying the substances to be transferred and a second channel 37 for receiving a reinforcing cable 38.
  • This second channel extends parallel to the first channel over at least the entire length of the catheter 6.
  • the second canal is provided with a reinforcing cable 38 which provides a rigidity adapted to progress inside the uterus and uterine horns.
  • This reinforcing cable is preferably made of a material suitable for backscattering the ultrasound, which allows, if necessary, to visualize its path inside the uterus and to see by ultrasound, the place where the substances will be deposited.
  • the size of the reinforcing cable is typically between 1 and 1.5 mm, and preferably equal to 1.2 mm, for a tube whose diameter is of the order of 3.5 mm.
  • the diameter of the second channel is then of the order of 1.3 mm.
  • the distal end of the catheter tube 6 is intended to receive the head 8 which, for this, has at its proximal end a cavity adapted to the male form of the tube.
  • the distal end of the tube is generally fixed in the cavity of the head 8 by gluing, as shown in FIG. figure 5 .
  • Complementary bonding modes may be superimposed on the bonding to ensure good fixation of the head 8 and prevent it from becoming detached from the tube and remaining in the uterine cavity during removal of the probe.
  • Variants relating to the fixing of the head 8 are represented on the Figures 6 to 8 .
  • the reinforcing cable 38 does not extend to the distal end of the tube, so as to leave a free space in the second channel 37 where can be slid a connecting pin 39 with the head 8.
  • the present head for this purpose a complementary channel 40 positioned so that it is located opposite the second channel 37 of the tube when it is inserted into the cavity of the head 8.
  • the pin 39 is positioned astride the second channel 37 of the tube and in the complementary channel 40 of the head 8 and held in place, for example, by gluing.
  • the connecting pin 39 has latching notches and is forced into the second channel 37 and the complementary channel 40.
  • This embodiment has the advantage of offering a large bonding surface between the catheter and the head and thus to ensure good bonding between the two parts.
  • the complementary pipe 41 is not integral with the rest of the catheter tube 6 but formed by an insert, for example by gluing, welding or force fitting.
  • the subjection between the catheter tube and the head 8 is made by overmolding the tube by the material of the head.
  • the transfer channel of the head 8 does not open through an orifice 10 located at the distal end 34, but by one or more orifices arranged differently, for example by two lateral orifices as in the prior device illustrated on the figure 2 .
  • the transfer head 8 comprises more than two bulges such as the bulges 31 and 32, for example three bulges with two neighboring bulges which are separated from each other by a constriction such as 33.
  • the catheter 6 illustrated on the Figures 4 to 10 and described above is particularly suitable for performing nonsurgical embryo transfer, but it is also suitable for other applications in the field of artificial insemination, including deep insemination, or for transferring substances other than for artificial insemination, for example drugs.
  • the catheter 6 in an intrauterine transfer instrument such as the device 1 illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 but it should be noted that the catheter 6, because of the folding resistance which the presence of the cable 38 confers on it, can be used under certain circumstances directly as an intrauterine transfer instrument or can be used with a different applicator device , for example a sheath-shaped glove having substantially the length of the vaginal cavity and the end is torn by the head 8 when the sheath meets the cervix.
  • a sheath-shaped glove having substantially the length of the vaginal cavity and the end is torn by the head 8 when the sheath meets the cervix.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Reproductive Health (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Transplantation (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
  • Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)
  • Polysaccharides And Polysaccharide Derivatives (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Material From Animals Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)
  • Particle Accelerators (AREA)
  • Farming Of Fish And Shellfish (AREA)
  • Peptides Or Proteins (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)

Abstract

The instrument has a catheter having a tube that is carried at an end of an oblong shaped transfer head, and is passed through a passage for feeding substances. The transfer head is provided with an orifice for passing the substances. The transfer head is provided with orientation in line with that of tube, and cross section including two separate rounded lateral enlargements. The length of transfer head is twice the diameter of enlargements.

Description

L'invention a trait aux instruments de transfert intra-utérin par la voie naturelle vagino-utérine.The invention relates to intrauterine transfer instruments by the natural vagino-uterine route.

On connaît déjà, notamment par les demandes de brevets publiées sous les références EP 0 189 702 et WO 03/065925 , des instruments d'insémination ou de transfert d'embryons dans l'utérus d'un animal femelle tel qu'une truie. Ces instruments comportent en général un dispositif du type sonde destiné à être introduite dans le vagin de l'animal. Cette sonde porte à son extrémité un embout qui a vocation à se positionner au niveau du col de l'utérus, soit en appui sur celui-ci, soit en le franchissant partiellement pour s'y fixer et servir de point longitudinal de référence au dispositif d'insémination. Dans les deux cas cet embout assure la fermeture du col et empêche le retour des produits qui seront injectés à l'intérieur de l'utérus. Cette sonde renferme en général un cathéter souple destiné à traverser ledit embout pour se déployer dans l'utérus après le positionnement de l'embout et permettre l'injection du produit au plus près de la zone recherchée, c'est-à-dire au plus près des cornes utérines. Le cathéter reste enfermé dans la sonde pendant l'introduction de celle-ci dans le vagin afin de le conserver propre et de lui éviter d'être pollué au contact de la paroi vaginale. La longueur du cathéter que l'opérateur sort de la sonde est en outre prédéterminée, grâce à des repères portés par la sonde, qui sont gradués en fonction de l'âge de l'animal ou du nombre de portées qu'il a déjà eues.It is already known, in particular by the patent applications published under the references EP 0 189 702 and WO 03/065925 , instruments for insemination or transfer of embryos into the uterus of a female animal such as a sow. These instruments generally comprise a probe-type device intended to be introduced into the vagina of the animal. This probe carries at its end a mouthpiece which is intended to be positioned at the level of the neck of the uterus, either in support thereon, or by crossing it partially to fix it and serve as longitudinal reference point to the device insemination. In both cases this tip ensures the closure of the neck and prevents the return of the products that will be injected inside the uterus. This probe generally contains a flexible catheter for passing through said tip to deploy in the uterus after the positioning of the tip and allow the injection of the product as close to the desired area, that is to say to the closer to the uterine horns. The catheter remains locked in the probe during the introduction of the latter into the vagina to keep it clean and prevent it from being polluted in contact with the vaginal wall. The length of the catheter that the operator leaves the probe is also predetermined, thanks to markings carried by the probe, which are graduated according to the age of the animal or the number of litters he has already had. .

On connaît également, par la demande de brevet publiée sous la référence EP 1 250 897 , un instrument de transfert selon le préambule de la revendication 1.It is also known, by the patent application published under the reference EP 1 250 897 a transfer instrument according to the preamble of claim 1.

L'invention vise à fournir un cathéter dont l'extrémité puisse pénétrer et progresser de façon optimale dans une corne utérine.The invention aims to provide a catheter whose end can penetrate and progress optimally in a uterine horn.

A cet effet, l'invention propose un instrument de transfert selon la revendication 1.For this purpose, the invention proposes a transfer instrument according to claim 1.

Le caractère oblong de la tête de transfert, c'est-à-dire qu'elle est plus longue que large, alors que la plus grande largeur est bien entendu inférieure et relativement proche au diamètre d'une corne utérine, permet d'éviter, lors de la progression de la tête dans une corne, qu'elle se mette en travers ou qu'elle se retourne, ce qui est absolument à éviter, puisque dans un tel cas l'orifice de sortie ou le canal d'acheminement de la substance à transférer serait bouché(e) et/ou le cathéter ne pourrait plus progresser.The oblong character of the transfer head, that is to say that it is longer than wide, while the greater width is of course smaller and relatively close to the diameter of a uterine horn, makes it possible to avoid during the progression of the head in a horn, that it crosses or that it turns, which is absolutely to avoid, since in this case the exit orifice or the channel of routing of the substance to be transferred would be clogged and / or the catheter could not progress further.

En outre, le fait qu'aucune portion de la tête de transfert ne soit davantage proéminente latéralement que les deux renflements arrondis offre l'avantage que la surface de contact de la tête avec les cornes utérines se limite à des lignes, une pour chaque renflement, de sorte que le glissement de la tête de transfert est grandement facilité.Furthermore, the fact that no portion of the transfer head is more prominent laterally than the two rounded bulges has the advantage that the contact area of the head with the uterine horns is limited to lines, one for each bulge , so that the sliding of the transfer head is greatly facilitated.

Selon des caractéristiques préférées en raison de la qualité des résultats obtenus et de la commodité de fabrication et d'utilisation :

  • les deux renflements ont des sections égales ;
  • la tête de transfert présente une symétrie de révolution autour de son axe ;
  • la plus grande longueur de la tète de transfert est au moins deux fois supérieure au plus grand diamètre des renflements ;
  • la plus grande longueur de la tête de transfert est sensiblement égale à trois fois le plus grand diamètre des renflements ;
  • la plus grande longueur de la tête de transfert est comprise entre 20 et 40 mm ;
  • la plus grande longueur de la tête de transfert est sensiblement égale à 30 mm ;
  • la section d'un étranglement séparant lesdits deux renflements est comprise entre un quart et la moitié de la plus grande section des renflements ;
  • la tête de transfert présente une symétrie par rapport à un plan perpendiculaire à son axe et passant par un diamètre d'un étranglement séparant lesdits deux renflements ; et/ou
  • la tête de transfert est réalisée en polyoxyméthylène.
According to preferred characteristics because of the quality of the results obtained and the convenience of manufacture and use:
  • the two bulges have equal sections;
  • the transfer head has a symmetry of revolution about its axis;
  • the largest length of the transfer head is at least twice as large as the largest diameter of the bulges;
  • the largest length of the transfer head is substantially equal to three times the largest diameter of the bulges;
  • the largest length of the transfer head is between 20 and 40 mm;
  • the largest length of the transfer head is substantially equal to 30 mm;
  • the section of a throat separating said two bulges is between a quarter and a half of the largest section of the bulges;
  • the transfer head has a symmetry with respect to a plane perpendicular to its axis and passing through a diameter of a throat separating said two bulges; and or
  • the transfer head is made of polyoxymethylene.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques préférées concernant la mise en oeuvre du cathéter, celui-ci est un tube plein percé par ledit canal et par un deuxième canal disjoint et parallèle au premier, ledit deuxième canal contenant un câble de renfort.According to other preferred features relating to the implementation of the catheter, the latter is a solid tube pierced by said channel and by a second channel disjoint and parallel to the first, said second channel containing a reinforcing cable.

On procure ainsi au cathéter, de façon particulièrement simple, commode et économique, tout à la fois la flexibilité et la résistance au pliage qui lui permet de cheminer dans les meilleures conditions dans l'utérus puis dans une corne utérine.Thus, the catheter is provided in a particularly simple, convenient and economical manner, at the same time flexibility and resistance to folding which allows it to walk in the best conditions in the uterus and then in a uterine horn.

De préférence, afin de permettre de suivre aisément la progression du cathéter par échographie, ledit câble de renfort est réalisé en une matière propre à rétrodiffuser les ultrasons.Preferably, in order to easily follow the progression of the catheter by ultrasound, said reinforcing cable is made of a material suitable for backscattering the ultrasound.

D'une façon générale, compte-tenu de la qualité des résultats obtenus, il est intéressant que ledit câble de renfort ait un diamètre compris entre 1 et 1,5 mm.In general, given the quality of the results obtained, it is interesting that said reinforcing cable has a diameter of between 1 and 1.5 mm.

On observera que les caractéristiques du cathéter qui viennent d'être exposées, qui font intervenir un câble de renfort, sont susceptibles d'être mises en oeuvre dans des cathéters qui seraient associés à une tête de transfert différente de celle exposée ci-dessus, voire d'être utilisée autrement que dans l'instrument de transfert mentionné ci-dessus.It will be observed that the characteristics of the catheter that have just been exposed, which involve a reinforcing cable, are likely to be implemented in catheters that would be associated with a transfer head different from that described above, or even to be used otherwise than in the transfer instrument mentioned above.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques préférées pour leur simplicité et leur commodité de mise en oeuvre tout en étant particulièrement fiable :

  • la tête de transfert est fixée au tube par collage ;
  • la tête de transfert est fixée au tube par collage et par un pion implanté d'une part dans l'extrémité du deuxième canal et d'autre part dans un logement adapté porté par ladite tête de transfert ;
  • ledit pion est un pion cranté ;
  • la tête de transfert est fixée au tube par collage et par une goupille pénétrant à la fois dans le cathéter et dans la tête de transfert, selon un axe perpendiculaire à son axe ;
  • l'extrémité du tube porteuse de la tête de transfert se prolonge par une conduite complémentaire de plus faible diamètre traversée par le seul canal ;
  • la tête de transfert présente une cavité traversante, recevant ladite conduite complémentaire ; et/ou
  • la conduite complémentaire se prolonge dans ladite cavité traversante jusqu'à déboucher à l'extrémité de ladite tête de transfert.
According to other features preferred for their simplicity and convenience of use while being particularly reliable:
  • the transfer head is fixed to the tube by gluing;
  • the transfer head is fixed to the tube by gluing and by a pin implanted on the one hand in the end of the second channel and on the other hand in a suitable housing carried by said transfer head;
  • said pin is a notched pin;
  • the transfer head is fixed to the tube by gluing and by a pin penetrating both into the catheter and into the transfer head, along an axis perpendicular to its axis;
  • the end of the carrier tube of the transfer head is extended by a complementary conduit of smaller diameter crossed by the single channel;
  • the transfer head has a through cavity, receiving said complementary conduit; and or
  • the complementary pipe extends into said through cavity until it reaches the end of said transfer head.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques préférées pour leur commodité d'utilisation, l'instrument comporte en outre une sonde munie à une de ses extrémités d'un embout apte à se positionner contre ou dans le col de l'utérus, ledit cathéter étant inséré dans l'espace central de la sonde et étant apte à traverser ledit embout pour quitter une position rétractée où la tête de transfert du cathéter est rétractée à l'intérieur de l'espace central de ladite sonde et une position déployée où ladite tête de transfert fait saillie hors de l'embout de la sondeAccording to other features preferred for their convenience of use, the instrument further comprises a probe provided at one of its ends with a tip adapted to be positioned against or in the cervix, said catheter being inserted into the central space of the probe and being able to pass through said tip to leave a retracted position where the transfer head of the catheter is retracted inside the central space of said probe and an extended position where said transfer head makes protruding out of the tip of the probe

L'exposé de l'invention sera maintenant poursuivi par la description d'un exemple préféré de réalisation, donnée ci-après à titre illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés. Sur ceux-ci :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'un instrument de transfert intra-utérin selon l'art antérieur ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de détail en coupe de cet instrument, montrant plus particulièrement l'embout de la sonde et la partie terminale du cathéter en position rétractée dans la sonde ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique de la partie terminale d'un cathéter selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective de l'extrémité distale du tube d'un cathéter selon l'invention, avant montage de sa tête de transfert ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe de la partie terminale du cathéter ;
  • les figures 6 à 8 sont vues semblables à la figure 5 pour des variantes du cathéter ; et
  • les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues semblables aux figures 4 et 5 pour une autre variante du cathéter.
The disclosure of the invention will now be continued by the description of a preferred embodiment, given below by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. On these:
  • the figure 1 is a sectional view of an intrauterine transfer instrument according to the prior art;
  • the figure 2 is a sectional detail view of this instrument, showing more particularly the tip of the probe and the end portion of the catheter in retracted position in the probe;
  • the figure 3 is a schematic view of the end portion of a catheter according to the invention;
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view of the distal end of the tube of a catheter according to the invention, before mounting of its transfer head;
  • the figure 5 is a sectional view of the end portion of the catheter;
  • the Figures 6 to 8 are seen similar to the figure 5 for variants of the catheter; and
  • the Figures 9 and 10 are views similar to figures 4 and 5 for another variant of the catheter.

La figure 1 montre un instrument de transfert intra-utérin, de l'art antérieur, raccordé à des moyens d'alimentation 27 en substances à transférer et à un conduit de raccordement 28 par l'intermédiaire d'un raccord 11.The figure 1 shows an intrauterine transfer instrument, of the prior art, connected to supply means 27 for substances to be transferred and to a connecting duct 28 via a connector 11.

L'instrument proprement dit comporte une sonde 1 munie à une de ses extrémités d'un embout 4. La sonde 1 a vocation à être insérée par la voie naturelle vagino-utérine dans ou contre l'utérus d'un animal femelle, tel qu'une truie ou une laie, que l'on souhaite par exemple féconder par insémination artificielle. La sonde 1 comporte un tube creux 2, porteur à son extrémité distale, c'est-à-dire celle opposée aux moyens d'alimentation 27, d'un embout 4. Cet embout 4 a la forme sensiblement d'un cylindre dont l'extrémité distale est chamfreinée pour éviter des blessures lors de son introduction et pour faciliter le franchissement du col de l'utérus. Il présente en outre une rainure circulaire en son milieu, de façon à se maintenir à cheval sur le col et définir ainsi un point longitudinal de référence pour la cavité utérine.The instrument itself comprises a probe 1 provided at one of its ends with a tip 4. The probe 1 is intended to be inserted by the natural vagino-uterine way in or against the uterus of a female animal, such as a sow or a laity, which one wishes to fertilize by artificial insemination for example. The probe 1 comprises a hollow tube 2 carrying at its distal end, that is to say the one opposite the supply means 27, a nozzle 4. This nozzle 4 has the shape substantially of a cylinder of which the The distal end is chamfered to prevent injury during its introduction and to facilitate the crossing of the cervix. It also has a circular groove in the middle, so as to remain astride the neck and thus define a longitudinal reference point for the uterine cavity.

La sonde 1 comporte également, inséré à l'intérieur du tube creux 2, un cathéter 6 apte à coulisser entre une position rétractée où il est entièrement positionné dans l'espace central du tube 2, et une position déployée où il fait saillie hors du tube 2 en passant à travers l'embout 4, de façon à atteindre le fond de la cavité utérine et déposer les substances à transférer au voisinage immédiat des cornes utérines. Ce cathéter présente à son extrémité distale 7 une tête de transfert 8 munie d'une partie terminale 9 en forme de boule, porteuse d'un orifice 10 d'évacuation des substances à transférer.The probe 1 also comprises, inserted inside the hollow tube 2, a catheter 6 able to slide between a retracted position where it is fully positioned in the central space of the tube 2, and an extended position where it projects out of the tube 2 passing through the tip 4, so as to reach the bottom of the uterine cavity and deposit the substances to be transferred to the immediate vicinity of the uterine horns. This catheter has at its distal end 7 a transfer head 8 provided with an end portion 9 ball-shaped, carrying an orifice 10 for discharging the substances to be transferred.

En se référant à la figure 2 on voit le cathéter 6 en position rétractée, avec sa partie terminale 9 en appui contre la paroi interne de l'extrémité distale de l'embout 4. Cet embout présente un orifice 5 par lequel le cathéter et sa tête de transfert passent, moyennant une déformation élastique, pour se projeter dans la cavité utérine.Referring to the figure 2 the catheter 6 is seen in the retracted position, with its end portion 9 bearing against the inner wall of the distal end of the tip 4. This tip has an orifice 5 through which the catheter and its transfer head pass, with a elastic deformation, to project into the uterine cavity.

En se référant maintenant à la figure 3, on voit un cathéter dont la tête de transfert 8 a la forme d'une cacahouète, c'est-à-dire une forme oblongue avec ici deux renflements, un renflement distal 31 et un renflement proximal 32, séparés par un étranglement 33 de plus petite section. Les deux renflements représentés ont des sections égales, sans que cette caractéristique soit impérative. La tête 8 est orientée dans le prolongement du tube du cathéter 6 afin de procurer une stabilité longitudinale à cette tête lorsqu'elle est poussée par le tube à l'intérieur des cornes utérines. Cette forme oblongue permet d'éviter un retournement de la partie terminale et sa mise en travers par rapport à la direction souhaitée d'avancement.Referring now to the figure 3 there is seen a catheter whose transfer head 8 has the form of a peanut, that is to say an oblong shape with here two bulges, a distal bulge 31 and a proximal bulge 32, separated by a constriction 33 of smaller section. The two bulges represented have equal sections, without this characteristic being imperative. The head 8 is oriented in the extension of the catheter tube 6 to provide longitudinal stability to this head when pushed by the tube within the uterine horns. This oblong shape avoids a reversal of the end portion and its skew relative to the desired direction of advancement.

De façon préférentielle, pour garantir cette stabilité longitudinale, la plus grande longueur L est plus de deux fois supérieure au plus grand diamètre des renflements 31 et 32, et de façon encore plus préférentielle égale à trois fois ce même diamètre. Dans le cas d'un instrument de transfert intra-utérin destiné aux porcins cette longueur L est comprise entre 20 et 40 mm et préférentiellement de l'ordre de 30 mm.Preferably, to guarantee this longitudinal stability, the greatest length L is more than twice greater than the largest diameter of the bulges 31 and 32, and even more preferably equal to three times the same diameter. In the case of an intrauterine transfer instrument for pigs this length L is between 20 and 40 mm and preferably of the order of 30 mm.

Le second avantage apporté par cette forme en cacahouète provient de la présence des deux renflements 31 et 32 qui ne présentent qu'une ligne circulaire de contact avec un cylindre qui formerait une enveloppe tangentielle pour la tête 8. Ceci permet de n'avoir comme surface de contact avec la paroi interne des cornes utérines, que deux lignes, une pour chaque renflement, lors de l'introduction du cathéter. Le glissement de la tête de transfert est donc grandement facilité et le confort de l'animal amélioré en conséquence.The second advantage provided by this form in peanut comes from the presence of two bulges 31 and 32 which have only a circular line of contact with a cylinder which would form a tangential envelope for the head 8. This makes it possible to have as surface contact with the inner wall of the uterine horns, only two lines, one for each bulge, when introducing the catheter. The sliding of the transfer head is therefore greatly facilitated and the comfort of the animal improved accordingly.

De façon préférentielle la section de l'étranglement est comprise entre un quart et la moitié de la plus grande section des renflements 31 et 32, et, de façon encore plus préférentielle, égale sensiblement au tiers de cette plus grande section.Preferably the section of the constriction is between a quarter and half of the largest section of the bulges 31 and 32, and, even more preferably, equal to substantially one-third of this larger section.

La forme en cacahouète donnée à la tête 8 présente deux extrémités arrondies, une extrémité arrondie distale 34 et une extrémité arrondie proximale 35. La forme arrondie distale 34 a pour objet de faciliter tout d'abord le passage de la tête 8 à travers l'orifice 5 de l'embout 4, et ensuite son introduction dans l'utérus de l'animal en évitant qu'il s'enfonce dans la paroi de l'utérus et fasse souffrir inutilement l'animal. La forme arrondie proximale peut être une section de sphère comme indiqué sur la figure 3, ou toute autre forme de liaison avec l'extrémité distale du cathéter, pour autant qu'elle soit dépourvue d'arêtes qui pourraient blesser l'animal lors du retrait de la sonde.The peanut shape given to the head 8 has two rounded ends, a distal rounded end 34 and a proximal rounded end 35. The distal rounded shape 34 is intended to facilitate first the passage of the head 8 through the orifice 5 of the tip 4, and then its introduction into the uterus of the animal avoiding that it sinks into the wall of the uterus and makes to suffer the animal unnecessarily. The proximal rounded shape can be a sphere section as shown on the figure 3 , or any other form of connection with the distal end of the catheter, as long as it is free of ridges that could injure the animal during removal of the probe.

Tel que représenté sur la figure 3, sans que cette forme soit impérative, la partie terminale présente une symétrie de révolution autour de son axe et une symétrie par rapport à un plan perpendiculaire à cet axe, passant par un des diamètres de l'étranglement 33.As shown on the figure 3 , without this form being imperative, the end portion has a symmetry of revolution about its axis and a symmetry with respect to a plane perpendicular to this axis, passing through one of the diameters of the constriction 33.

La matière préférentiellement utilisée pour réaliser cette partie terminale est un polyoxyméthylène, qui présente l'avantage de la légèreté et d'être lisse, ce qui procure un faible coefficient de frottement avec la paroi utérine.The material preferentially used to make this end part is a polyoxymethylene, which has the advantage of being light and smooth, which provides a low coefficient of friction with the uterine wall.

En se référant maintenant à la figure 4 on voit, représentée en coupe, l'extrémité distale du tube du cathéter, sur laquelle sera fixée la tête 8. Ce tube, en matière souple et lisse telle que du polyéthylène basse densité, est traversé longitudinalement par deux canaux parallèles, un premier canal 36 pour l'acheminement des substances à transférer et un second canal 37 destiné à recevoir un câble de renfort 38.Referring now to the figure 4 the distal end of the catheter tube, to which the head 8 will be fixed, is seen in section. This tube, made of flexible and smooth material such as low-density polyethylene, is traversed longitudinally by two parallel channels, a first channel 36 for conveying the substances to be transferred and a second channel 37 for receiving a reinforcing cable 38.

Ce second canal s'étend parallèlement au premier canal sur au moins toute la longueur du cathéter 6. Afin d'éviter que ce tube ne se replie ou se mette en boule lorsqu'il n'est plus guidé par le tube 2, le second canal est muni d'un câble de renfort 38 qui lui assure une rigidité adaptée pour progresser à l'intérieur de l'utérus et des cornes utérines. Ce câble de renfort est préférentiellement réalisé en une matière propre à rétrodiffuser les ultrasons, ce qui permet, au besoin, de visualiser son cheminement à l'intérieur de l'utérus et de voir par échographie, l'endroit où les substances seront déposées.This second channel extends parallel to the first channel over at least the entire length of the catheter 6. In order to prevent this tube from folding up or becoming a ball when it is no longer guided by the tube 2, the second canal is provided with a reinforcing cable 38 which provides a rigidity adapted to progress inside the uterus and uterine horns. This reinforcing cable is preferably made of a material suitable for backscattering the ultrasound, which allows, if necessary, to visualize its path inside the uterus and to see by ultrasound, the place where the substances will be deposited.

La taille du câble de renfort est typiquement comprise entre 1 et 1,5 mm, et préférentiellement égale à 1,2 mm, pour un tube dont le diamètre est de l'ordre de 3,5 mm. Le diamètre du second canal est alors de l'ordre de 1,3 mm.The size of the reinforcing cable is typically between 1 and 1.5 mm, and preferably equal to 1.2 mm, for a tube whose diameter is of the order of 3.5 mm. The diameter of the second channel is then of the order of 1.3 mm.

L'extrémité distale du tube du cathéter 6 a vocation à recevoir la tête 8 qui, pour cela, présente à son extrémité proximale une cavité adaptée à la forme mâle du tube. L'extrémité distale du tube est généralement fixée dans la cavité de la tête 8 par collage, comme représenté sur la figure 5. Des modes de liaison complémentaires peuvent être superposés au collage afin de garantir une bonne fixation de la tête 8 et éviter que celle-ci se désolidarise du tube et ne reste dans la cavité utérine lors du retrait de la sonde.The distal end of the catheter tube 6 is intended to receive the head 8 which, for this, has at its proximal end a cavity adapted to the male form of the tube. The distal end of the tube is generally fixed in the cavity of the head 8 by gluing, as shown in FIG. figure 5 . Complementary bonding modes may be superimposed on the bonding to ensure good fixation of the head 8 and prevent it from becoming detached from the tube and remaining in the uterine cavity during removal of the probe.

Des variantes, portant sur la fixation de la tête 8 sont représentées sur les figures 6 à 8. Dans la variante illustrée sur la figure 6, le câble de renfort 38 ne s'étend pas jusqu'à l'extrémité distale du tube, de façon à laisser un espace libre dans le second canal 37 où peut être glissé un pion de liaison 39 avec la tête 8. La tête présente à cet effet un canal complémentaire 40 positionné de façon à ce qu'il soit situé en face du second canal 37 du tube lorsque celui-ci est inséré dans la cavité de la tête 8. Le pion 39 est positionné à cheval dans le second canal 37 du tube et dans le canal complémentaire 40 de la tête 8 et maintenu en place, par exemple, par collage. Dans la variante illustrée sur la figure 7, le pion de liaison 39 présente des crans d'accrochage et est entré en force dans le second canal 37 et dans le canal complémentaire 40.Variants, relating to the fixing of the head 8 are represented on the Figures 6 to 8 . In the variant illustrated on the figure 6 , the reinforcing cable 38 does not extend to the distal end of the tube, so as to leave a free space in the second channel 37 where can be slid a connecting pin 39 with the head 8. The present head for this purpose a complementary channel 40 positioned so that it is located opposite the second channel 37 of the tube when it is inserted into the cavity of the head 8. The pin 39 is positioned astride the second channel 37 of the tube and in the complementary channel 40 of the head 8 and held in place, for example, by gluing. In the variant illustrated on the figure 7 , the connecting pin 39 has latching notches and is forced into the second channel 37 and the complementary channel 40.

En se référant à la figure 8 on voit une autre variante dans laquelle l'assemblage entre les deux pièces est sécurisé par l'implantation d'une goupille 43, qui pénètre à la fois dans le tube et dans la tête 8 selon un axe perpendiculaire à l'axe dudit tube.Referring to the figure 8 we see another variant in which the assembly between the two parts is secured by the implantation of a pin 43, which enters both the tube and the head 8 along an axis perpendicular to the axis of said tube.

Enfin, en référence aux figures 9 et 10 on voit une autre variante où l'extrémité distale du tube du cathéter 6 se prolonge au-delà de celle du second canal 38 par une conduite complémentaire 41, d'un diamètre réduit par rapport au tube et traversée uniquement par le premier canal 36. Parallèlement la tête 8 est traversée par une cavité traversante 42 dont le diamètre correspond à celui de la conduite complémentaire 41. La conduite complémentaire 41 est ainsi apte à s'insérer dans cette cavité traversante 42 et y être maintenue, par exemple par collage. La longueur de la conduite complémentaire 41 est de préférence égale à celle de la cavité traversante 42, de façon que l'orifice d'évacuation 10 du tube se trouve au niveau de la partie distale de la tête 8.Finally, with reference to Figures 9 and 10 another variant is seen in which the distal end of the catheter tube 6 extends beyond that of the second channel 38 by a complementary conduit 41, of reduced diameter relative to the tube and traversed solely by the first channel 36. Parallel to the head 8 is traversed by a through cavity 42 whose diameter corresponds to that of the complementary pipe 41. The complementary pipe 41 is thus adapted to be inserted into this through cavity 42 and be maintained there, for example by gluing. The length of the complementary pipe 41 is preferably equal to that of the through-cavity 42, so that the discharge orifice 10 of the pipe is located at the distal portion of the head 8.

Ce mode de réalisation offre l'avantage d'offrir une grande surface de collage entre le cathéter et la tête et ainsi de garantir une bonne solidarisation entre les deux pièces.This embodiment has the advantage of offering a large bonding surface between the catheter and the head and thus to ensure good bonding between the two parts.

Dans des variantes non illustrées, la conduite complémentaire 41 n'est pas monobloc avec le reste du tube du cathéter 6 mais formée par une pièce rapportée, par exemple par collage, soudage ou montage en force.In variants not shown, the complementary pipe 41 is not integral with the rest of the catheter tube 6 but formed by an insert, for example by gluing, welding or force fitting.

Dans une autre variante non représentée, l'assujettissement entre le tube du cathéter et la tête 8 s'effectue par surmoulage du tube par la matière de la tête.In another variant not shown, the subjection between the catheter tube and the head 8 is made by overmolding the tube by the material of the head.

Dans une autre variante non représentée, le canal de transfert de la tête 8 ne débouche pas par un orifice 10 situé à l'extrémité distale 34, mais par un ou plusieurs orifices disposés différemment, par exemple par deux orifices latéraux comme dans le dispositif antérieur illustré sur la figure 2.In another variant not shown, the transfer channel of the head 8 does not open through an orifice 10 located at the distal end 34, but by one or more orifices arranged differently, for example by two lateral orifices as in the prior device illustrated on the figure 2 .

Dans une autre variante non représentée, la tête de transfert 8 comporte davantage que deux renflements tels que les renflements 31 et 32, par exemple trois renflements avec deux renflements voisins qui sont séparés l'un de l'autre par un étranglement tel que 33.In another variant not shown, the transfer head 8 comprises more than two bulges such as the bulges 31 and 32, for example three bulges with two neighboring bulges which are separated from each other by a constriction such as 33.

Le cathéter 6 illustré sur les figures 4 à 10 et décrit ci-dessus convient particulièrement bien pour effectuer un transfert d'embryon non chirurgical, mais il convient aussi pour d'autres applications dans le domaine de l'insémination artificielle, notamment l'insémination profonde, ou encore pour transférer des substances autres que pour l'insémination artificielle, par exemple des médicaments.The catheter 6 illustrated on the Figures 4 to 10 and described above is particularly suitable for performing nonsurgical embryo transfer, but it is also suitable for other applications in the field of artificial insemination, including deep insemination, or for transferring substances other than for artificial insemination, for example drugs.

Il est intéressant d'utiliser le cathéter 6 dans un instrument de transfert intra-utérin tel que le dispositif 1 illustré sur les figures 1 et 2 mais on notera que le cathéter 6, en raison de la résistance au pliage que lui confère la présence du câble 38, est utilisable dans certaines circonstances directement en tant qu'instrument de transfert intra-utérin ou alors peut être utilisé avec un dispositif applicateur différent, par exemple une gaine en forme de doigt de gant ayant sensiblement la longueur de la cavité vaginale et dont l'extrémité est déchirée par la tête 8 lorsque la gaine vient à la rencontre du col de l'utérus.It is advantageous to use the catheter 6 in an intrauterine transfer instrument such as the device 1 illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 but it should be noted that the catheter 6, because of the folding resistance which the presence of the cable 38 confers on it, can be used under certain circumstances directly as an intrauterine transfer instrument or can be used with a different applicator device , for example a sheath-shaped glove having substantially the length of the vaginal cavity and the end is torn by the head 8 when the sheath meets the cervix.

De nombreuses autres variantes sont possibles en fonction des circonstances, et l'on rappelle à cet égard que l'invention ne se limite pas aux exemples décrits et représentés.Many other variants are possible depending on the circumstances, and it is recalled in this regard that the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

Claims (21)

  1. Instrument for intra-uterine transfer by the natural vagino-uterine route, including a catheter (6) including a tube carrying at one end a transfer head (8), said tube having passing through it a passage (36) for feeding substances, said transfer head (8) being provided with at least one orifice (10) for substances to be transferred to pass through; said transfer head (8) having an oblong shape having a general orientation in line with that of said tube, with a varying cross section including at least two separate rounded lateral enlargements (31, 32), no portion of said head (8) being more prominent laterally than said two enlargements (31, 32); characterised in that, the two ends (34, 35) of said transfer head (8) have a rounded shape.
  2. Transfer instrument according to claim 1, wherein the two enlargements (31, 32) have equal sections.
  3. Transfer instrument according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the transfer head has symmetry of revolution about its axis.
  4. Transfer instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the greatest length (L) of the transfer head is at least twice the greatest diameter of the enlargements (31, 32).
  5. Transfer instrument according to claim 4, wherein the greatest length (L) of the transfer head (8) is substantially three times the greatest diameter of the enlargements (31, 32).
  6. Transfer instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the greatest length of the transfer head (8) is between 20 and 40 mm inclusive.
  7. Transfer instrument according to claim 6, wherein the greatest length of the transfer head (8) is substantially equal to 30 mm.
  8. Transfer instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the section of a constriction (33) separating said two enlargements (33, 34) is between one quarter and one half inclusive of the greatest section of the enlargements (31, 32).
  9. Transfer instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the transfer head (8) is symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to its axis and passing through a diameter of a constriction (33) separating said two enlargements (31, 32).
  10. Transfer instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the transfer head is made from polyoxymethylene.
  11. Transfer instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the catheter (6) includes a tube, pierced by said passage (36) and by a second passage (37) separate from and parallel to the first, said second passage containing a reinforcing cable (38).
  12. Transfer instrument according to claim 11, wherein said reinforcing cable (38) is made from a material adapted to backscatter ultrasound.
  13. Transfer instrument according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said reinforcing cable (38) has a diameter between 1 and 1.5 mm inclusive.
  14. Transfer instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the transfer head (8) is glued to the tube.
  15. Transfer instrument according to claim 14, wherein the transfer head (8) is fixed to the tube by gluing and by a peg (39) inserted on the one hand in the end of the second passage (37) and on the other hand in an appropriate housing (40) carried by said transfer head (8).
  16. Transfer instrument according to claim 15, wherein said peg (39) is a notched peg.
  17. Transfer instrument according to claim 14, wherein the transfer head (8) is fixed to the tube by gluing and by a pin (43) penetrating both the catheter (6) and the transfer head (8) along an axis perpendicular to its axis.
  18. Transfer instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the end of the tube carrying the transfer head (8) is extended by an additional duct (41) of smaller diameter through which only the passage (36) passes.
  19. Transfer instrument according to claim 18, wherein the transfer head (8) includes a through-cavity (42) receiving said additional duct (41).
  20. Transfer instrument according to claim 19, wherein the additional duct (41) extends in said through-cavity (42) until it discharges at the end of said transfer head (8).
  21. Transfer instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 20, including, in addition to said catheter (6), a probe (1) provided at one of its ends with a tip (4) adapted to be positioned against or in the cervix of the uterus, said catheter (6) being inserted in the central space of the probe (1) and being adapted to pass through said tip (4) from a retracted position in which the transfer head (8) of the catheter (6) is retracted inside the central space of said probe to a deployed position in which said transfer head (8) projects out of the tip (4) of the probe (1).
EP09290478A 2008-06-30 2009-06-23 Intra-uterine transfer apparatus using the natural vaginal-uterine route Active EP2140834B8 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0854421A FR2932977B1 (en) 2008-06-30 2008-06-30 INTRA-UTERIN TRANSFER INSTRUMENT THROUGH THE VAGINO-UTERINE NATURAL PATH

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2140834A1 EP2140834A1 (en) 2010-01-06
EP2140834B1 true EP2140834B1 (en) 2010-12-29
EP2140834B8 EP2140834B8 (en) 2011-04-20

Family

ID=40351681

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09290478A Active EP2140834B8 (en) 2008-06-30 2009-06-23 Intra-uterine transfer apparatus using the natural vaginal-uterine route

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US20090326317A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2140834B8 (en)
JP (1) JP2010012247A (en)
AT (1) ATE493090T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2669573A1 (en)
DE (1) DE602009000485D1 (en)
DK (1) DK2140834T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2356870T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2932977B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6218165B2 (en) * 2012-05-22 2017-10-25 株式会社ヤマネテック Fertilized egg / sperm injector
CN102743240A (en) * 2012-08-08 2012-10-24 贵州省畜牧兽医研究所 Method and device for performing artificial insemination on cows
WO2017120162A1 (en) * 2016-01-05 2017-07-13 Common Sense Insemination Products Co., Llc. Post cervical artificial insemination catheter

Family Cites Families (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS4822370Y1 (en) * 1969-09-19 1973-06-29
US4067656A (en) * 1975-10-20 1978-01-10 Dennis Edward F Joint member
FR2510393A1 (en) * 1981-07-31 1983-02-04 Bertrand Cassou APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING ANIMAL REPRODUCTIVE ELEMENTS, SUCH AS EMBRYOS
FR2575063B1 (en) 1984-12-21 1988-07-01 Cassou Robert GYNECOLOGICAL PROBE FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION, ESPECIALLY FOR SWINE
JPH0350892Y2 (en) * 1987-04-10 1991-10-30
US5263928A (en) * 1991-06-14 1993-11-23 Baxter International Inc. Catheter and endoscope assembly and method of use
US5423882A (en) * 1991-12-26 1995-06-13 Cordis-Webster, Inc. Catheter having electrode with annular recess and method of using same
JPH084013Y2 (en) * 1992-07-03 1996-02-07 岩手県 Fertilized egg transplanter for livestock
DE69839412T2 (en) * 1997-03-31 2009-05-07 Terumo K.K. guidewire
US6726619B2 (en) * 2000-01-03 2004-04-27 Iberica De Reproduccion Asistida, S.L. Artificial insemination device for pigs
US6527703B2 (en) * 2001-06-14 2003-03-04 Minitube Of America, Inc. Device for sow-intra-uterine insemination and embryo transfer
JP3829318B2 (en) * 2001-10-29 2006-10-04 ニプロ株式会社 Tissue sampling needle
FR2835422B1 (en) 2002-02-05 2004-10-15 Imv Technologies FITTING FOR A GYNECOLOGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR VETERINARY USE
AU2003203950C1 (en) * 2002-05-15 2009-01-22 Nipro Corporation Catheter for artificial insemination
JP2005211190A (en) * 2004-01-28 2005-08-11 Nitta Moore Co Catheter for artificial insemination for livestock
WO2006085331A2 (en) * 2005-02-14 2006-08-17 Flexicath Ltd. Method and apparatus for inserting a catheter device
US8104483B2 (en) * 2006-12-26 2012-01-31 The Spectranetics Corporation Multi-port light delivery catheter and methods for the use thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20090326317A1 (en) 2009-12-31
ATE493090T1 (en) 2011-01-15
FR2932977B1 (en) 2012-02-10
EP2140834B8 (en) 2011-04-20
FR2932977A1 (en) 2010-01-01
CA2669573A1 (en) 2009-12-30
EP2140834A1 (en) 2010-01-06
DK2140834T3 (en) 2011-03-14
JP2010012247A (en) 2010-01-21
DE602009000485D1 (en) 2011-02-10
ES2356870T3 (en) 2011-04-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0093630B1 (en) Protection sleeve against internal contaminations for an gynaecological gun, particularly for bovines
EP0278823B1 (en) Instrument for artificial insemination, embryo transfer, or sampling of folicular fluids
FR2556596A1 (en) INSTRUMENTS OF GYNECOLOGICAL ACTION, IN PARTICULAR EMBRYO TRANSFER
FR2900327A1 (en) ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION GUN PIPE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME, AND ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION METHOD
FR2522508A1 (en) KIT FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF CATHETERS
FR2510393A1 (en) APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING ANIMAL REPRODUCTIVE ELEMENTS, SUCH AS EMBRYOS
EP2140834B1 (en) Intra-uterine transfer apparatus using the natural vaginal-uterine route
FR2647668A1 (en) Transfer pipette for embryos
FR2477006A1 (en) APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING ANIMAL REPRODUCTIVE ELEMENTS, IN PARTICULAR EMBRYOS
EP2043532B1 (en) Recoverable intra-uterine system
EP3151765B1 (en) Improved device for the atraumatic transfer of a material or substance with a reproductive, therapeutic or diagnostic purpose into female mammals
FR2667783A1 (en) Urinary tract prosthesis
EP2437681A1 (en) Probe for artificial insemination, in particular for pigs
FR2611486A1 (en) Urethral prosthesis
FR2605211A1 (en) Insemination applicator
EP1006946B1 (en) System for three-dimensional positioning of instruments by intraluminal tract
EP1263361B1 (en) Device for inserting a t-shaped intra-uterine device
FR2915874A1 (en) Artificial insemination device for livestock e.g. sow, has probe inserted in vagina of animal, and check valve that is constituted by case with elastic and flexible wall surrounded around wall at level of inlet opening
CA2687798A1 (en) Device for treatment of watering of the eye
FR2727617A1 (en) Vein stripping instrument for ablation with invagination
WO2003065925A1 (en) Connection for gynecological instrument
FR3079740A1 (en) DEVICE FOR CLEANING A PHONATORY IMPLANT
EP0066488B1 (en) Animal single-use dosage of semen for artificial insemination of poultry, e.g. hens
EP3177229A1 (en) Artificial insemination probe for a livestock animal such as a pig
EP2682078B1 (en) Cannula with a slanted opening

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20100203

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20100223

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: A61D 19/04 20060101ALI20100707BHEP

Ipc: A61D 19/02 20060101AFI20100707BHEP

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: IMV TECHNOLOGIES

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602009000485

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20110210

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602009000485

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110210

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: IMV TECHNOLOGIES

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2356870

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20110413

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NO

Ref legal event code: T2

Effective date: 20101229

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20101229

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110329

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: S117

Free format text: REQUEST FILED; REQUEST FOR CORRECTION UNDER SECTION 117 FILED ON 28 FEBRUARY 2011

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110429

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110330

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110429

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20110930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: S117

Free format text: CORRECTIONS ALLOWED; REQUEST FOR CORRECTION UNDER SECTION 117 FILED ON 28 FEBRUARY 2011 ALLOWED ON 17 AUGUST 2011

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602009000485

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 602009000485

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: VON ROHR PATENTANWAELTE PARTNERSCHAFT MBB, DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110623

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Payment date: 20130524

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20130607

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20130606

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20130530

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20130619

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101229

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20130624

Year of fee payment: 5

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130630

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

Effective date: 20140630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: V1

Effective date: 20150101

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140630

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140623

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140623

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140630

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20150608

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20160623

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160623

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20210601

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20210720

Year of fee payment: 13

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602009000485

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230103

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230628

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20230801

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220624