GB1384254A - Device for insertion into the reproductive tract and method - Google Patents

Abstract

1384254 Anchoring devices for reproductive tracts AGROPHYSICS INC 19 Jan 1972 [22 Jan 1971 (3)] 2571/72 Heading A5R An anchoring device 30 for insertion into the tubular reproductive tract of a female animal or human being, comprises cylindrical mounting means 20, and spaced-apart yieldable anchoring means 32 carried by the mounting means and projecting outwardly from the cylindrical surface of the mounting means and being disposed circumferentially about and extending longitudinally of the axis of the mounting means, the anchoring means 32 defining spaced channels between the tract wall and the device for permitting bypass of reproductive-tract fluids. Assemblies may be coupled with the anchoring device for retention in the reproductive tract for a variety of functions including: external visual indication of oestrus; artificial insemination; and the delivery of drugs over a period of time. The yieldable anchoring means 32 are preferably curved resilient strands of nylon or polyethylene. For the purpose of indicating oestrus the anchoring device is provided with an indicator assembly 34 which is releasably mounted on the mounting means 20 of the device and whioh comprises a protective sheath 40 and an internal spring member. A mechanically operated oestrus fluid sensing assembly, not shown, retains the indicator assembly 34 on the mounting means 20, Figure 1 (not shown), and releases it under the action of the spring member upon sensing the presence of oestrus fluid for subsequent expulsion by the animal, Figure 2. The indicator assembly 34 may alternatively be replaced by a dye. In the case of drug administration or artificial insemination the mounting means (112), Figure 9 (not shown), includes a container (120) for the drug or semen and a biassing member in the form of a piston (121) to expel the drug or semen through a duct (124) and into the cervical opening. The piston is activated by means of an expandable material within the housing such as solid carbon dioxide or germinatable seeds in contact with water. In order to maintain semen in a frozen or reduced temperature state liquid nitrogen or solid carbon dioxide is disposed around the semen container. Drugs in solid form may simply be contained in a permeable silicone rubber envelope. Slowly soluble, sublimable or vaporisable coatings or plugs may be used as time delays. For use in cows the anchoring device may also be provided with a cervical anchor assembly, Figure 7 (not shown), including a clamping ring (58) to fit over the projecting annulus of the cervix, and a cylindrical rear member (56) for stimulation of the vaginal sphincter-like muscle.