GB2381198A - Echogenic embryo transfer catheter - Google Patents
Echogenic embryo transfer catheter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2381198A GB2381198A GB0218975A GB0218975A GB2381198A GB 2381198 A GB2381198 A GB 2381198A GB 0218975 A GB0218975 A GB 0218975A GB 0218975 A GB0218975 A GB 0218975A GB 2381198 A GB2381198 A GB 2381198A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- lumen
- embryo transfer
- catheter
- transfer catheter
- gas
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/42—Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods
- A61B17/425—Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation
- A61B17/435—Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for embryo or ova transplantation
Abstract
An embryo transfer catheter has a main lumen 13, which opens close to the patient end 11 through a side opening 12. The catheter is extruded with a second, smaller lumen 14, 14', 14'', which is closed at both ends. The second lumen is filled with air so that it reflects ultrasound energy and enhances the visibility of the catheter under ultrasound observation.
Description
2381 1 98
MEDICO-SURGICAL DEVICES
This invention relates to medico-surgical devices.
The invention is more particularly concerned with medico-surgical devices, such as catheters, that are visible under ultrasound observation.
Ultrasound imaging equipment is increasingly being used during surgical procedures to monitor the location of a device within the body. The visibility of a device under ultrasound depends on various factors including the difference between the acoustic impedance of the material of the device and that of the surrounding medium, such as the patient tissue or body fluid within which the device is located. This difference is relatively low with plastic devices, such as catheters, making conventional catheters difficult to locate.
Attempts have been made to increase the visibility of medico-surgical devices under ultrasound observation in various ways. The surface of the device may be modified, such as by forming grooves or indentations in its surface. A reflective coating may be applied to the device, such as incorporating bubbles, as described in W098/19713 and EP0624342.
Alternatively, a metal marker may be secured to a plastics catheter.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative medicosurgical device.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a medico-surgical device including a shaft of tubular form having a first lumen extending along the device for use in conveying material along the device and a second lumen closed at least at one end and without opening therefrom along its length so as to enclose a volume of gas such that the interface with the gas in the second lumen enhances ultrasound reflection from the device.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an embryo transfer catheter device including a shaft having a first lumen for use in transferring an embryo and a second lumen closed at least at the patient end so as to enclose a volume of gas such that the interface with the gas in the second lumen enhances ultrasound reflection from the device.
The embryo catheter device may include an outer sheath along which the shaft is slidable. The second lumen is preferably closed at both ends and the second lumen preferably has a smaller cross-section than the first lumen. The second lumen may be continuous between its ends or it may be intermittent along its length, having a plurality of gas-filled sections. The second lumen may have a circular cross-section or it may be D-shape in section. The first and second lumens are preferably extruded. The first lumen may open towards the patient end of the device on the side of the device. The external surface of the device is preferably smooth. The device may include a plurality of second lumens.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring an embryo transfer catheter including the steps of providing an embryo transfer catheter having a first lumen for use in transferring an embryo and a second, smaller lumen
filled with gas and closed towards the patient end of the catheter, and viewing the catheter with ultrasound scanning apparatus so that ultrasound energy is reflected from the interface with gas in the second lumen.
An embryo-transfer catheter according to the present invention, will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation view of the catheter; Figure 2 is a sectional side elevation view of the patient end of the catheter of Figure 1 to a larger scale; Figure 3 is a sectional transverse view through the catheter along the line III-III; Figure 4 is a sectional transverse view through an alternative catheter; and Figure 5 is a sectional transverse view through another alternative catheter.
With reference first to Figures 1 to 3, the catheter comprises an extruded flexible shaft 1 of a clear, transparent polyurethane and a hub 2 of polypropylene joined at the rear end of the shaft. The shaft 1 is between about 1 80rnm and 380mm long with a circular section, an outer diameter of 1.6mm and an inner diameter of l.lmrn. The forward, right- hand, patient end 11 of the catheter is atraumatically rounded and there is a side opening 12 close to the end.
The catheter has two lumens extending along its length. The main lumen 13, through which an embryo is transfer along the catheter and out of the opening 12, is of circular shape and occupies the major part of the crosssection. The lumen 13 opens at one end into the hub 2 and opens at its other end through the opening 12. The other, minor lumen 14 extends parallel to the main lumen 13 within the wall of the catheter. The minor lumen 14 is of circular section, although it could be of other shapes, such as crescent shape, and is smaller in cross-section than the main lumen 13. The minor lumen 14 is closed at both ends and is filled with air or some other gas.
In use, the main lumen 13 is normally filled with a liquid in which the embryo is bathed, so the acoustic properties of this lumen are similar to that of the uterus and there is, therefore, very little reflection of ultrasonic energy from this part of the catheter. The air-
filled minor lumen 14, however, reflects considerably more acoustic energy because there is a large difference between acoustic transmission properties of air and of both the plastic of the catheter and the liquid surrounding the catheter in the uterus.
The minor lumen this preferably as small as is compatible with providing a visible ultrasound image, in order to allow for the maximum size of the main lumen 13.
The minor lumen 14 need not be closed at both ends providing that the minor lumen does not fill with liquid. The minor, gas-filled lumen could be intermittent along the length of the catheter with separate gas-filled sections. It will be appreciated that the catheter could have more than one gas-filled lumen, such as, for example shown in Figure 4 where the
catheter has three gas-filled lumens 14'. Where a larger gas-filled lumen 14" is needed, it may have a D-shape section, as shown in Figure 5.
The catheter may be provided as a combination device or assembly with an outer sheath 20 (only a part of which is shown in Figure 1) used to give extra stiffness during insertion. A combination device of an embryo transfer catheter and an outer sheath is described in greater detail in GB 2209673.
Because the catheter does not require any coating or separate marker, there is no need for subsequent assembly operations and there is no risk of detachment. The catheter can be made of conventional medicallyapproved materials so does not present any new risk to the patient. Because the outer surface of the catheter can be smooth, the catheter can be inserted or slid through an outer sheath with low friction. The smooth bore of the catheter ensures free flow along the bore, which can be important where the catheter is used to transfer embryos.
The smooth surfaces also reduce the accumulation of biofilm on the catheter. The catheter can be made without the need for metal components, which can be an advantage where the catheter is used while the patient is being viewed by magnetic imaging techniques. The catheter can be completely transparent to x-rays or the plastics from which it is formed could incorporate an x-ray opaque filler, such as barium sulphate.
Claims (1)
1. A medico-surgical device including a shaft of tubular form having a first lumen extending along the device for use in conveying material along the device and a second lumen closed at least at one end and without opening therefrom along its length so as to enclose a volume of gas such that the interface with the gas in the second lumen enhances ultrasound reflection from the device.
2. An embryo transfer catheter device including a shaft having a first lumen for use in transferring an embryo and a second lumen closed at least at the patient end so as to enclose a volume of gas such that the interface with the gas in the second lumen enhances ultrasound reflection Tom the device.
An embryo transfer catheter device according to Claim 2 including an outer sheath
along which the shaft is slidable.
4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second lumen is closed at both ends. ' 5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second lumen has a smaller crosssection than the first lumen.
6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second lumen is continuous between its ends.
7. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the second lumen is intermittent along its length, having a plurality of gas-filled sections.
8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second lumen has a circular cr;oss-section.
9. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the second lumen is D-shape in section.
10 A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second lumens are extruded 11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first lumen opens towards the patient end of the device on the side of the device.
12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface of the device is smooth.
13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a plurality of said second lumens.
14. A method of monitoring an embryo transfer catheter including the steps of providing an embryo transfer catheter having a first lumen for use in transferring an embryo and
a second, smaller lumen filled with gas and closed towards the patient end of the catheter, and viewing the catheter with ultrasound scanning apparatus so that ultrasound energy is reflected from the interface with gas in the second lumen.
15. An embryo transfer catheter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures.1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
16. An embryo transfer catheter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 as modified by Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.
17. An embryo transfer catheter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 as modified by Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.
18. A method of monitoring an embryo transfer catheter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
19. A method of monitoring an embryo transfer catheter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 as modified by Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.
20. A method of monitoring an embryo transfer catheter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 as modified by Figure 5 of the . accompanying drawings.
21. Any novel and inventive feature or combination of features as hereinbefore described.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0121690.2A GB0121690D0 (en) | 2001-09-08 | 2001-09-08 | Medico-surgical devices |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0218975D0 GB0218975D0 (en) | 2002-09-25 |
GB2381198A true GB2381198A (en) | 2003-04-30 |
Family
ID=9921711
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0121690.2A Ceased GB0121690D0 (en) | 2001-09-08 | 2001-09-08 | Medico-surgical devices |
GB0218975A Withdrawn GB2381198A (en) | 2001-09-08 | 2002-08-15 | Echogenic embryo transfer catheter |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0121690.2A Ceased GB0121690D0 (en) | 2001-09-08 | 2001-09-08 | Medico-surgical devices |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030050531A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE10240279A1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB0121690D0 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2469839A (en) * | 2009-04-29 | 2010-11-03 | Norfolk And Norwich University | Echogenic instruments using micro-bubbles formed between galvanic electrodes |
WO2011153603A1 (en) * | 2010-06-09 | 2011-12-15 | Empresa Brasileira De Pesquisa Agropecuária - Embrapa - | Probe for the transcervical collection of goat and sheep embryos |
US9636082B2 (en) | 2001-08-24 | 2017-05-02 | The Cooper Companies Global Holdings Lp | Medical-surgical devices |
US10045756B2 (en) | 2003-03-29 | 2018-08-14 | The Cooper Companies Global Holdings Lp | Medical devices |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB0123596D0 (en) * | 2001-10-02 | 2001-11-21 | Smiths Group Plc | Medico-surgical devices |
GB0722406D0 (en) * | 2007-11-15 | 2007-12-27 | Smiths Group Plc | Medico-surgical assemblies and methods |
US10143455B2 (en) * | 2011-07-20 | 2018-12-04 | Covidien LLP | Enhanced ultrasound visualization of intravascular devices |
EP2398402B1 (en) * | 2009-02-20 | 2016-04-20 | Covidien LP | Devices for venous occlusion for the treatment of venous insufficiency |
FR2942724B1 (en) | 2009-03-04 | 2012-06-15 | Assist Publ Hopitaux De Paris | CATHETER, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE IMPLANTATION OF EMBRYOS IN A UTERINE CAVITY OF A HUMAN OR ANIMAL BEING, AND CORRESPONDING INSTRUMENT |
US8808620B1 (en) | 2012-02-22 | 2014-08-19 | Sapheon, Inc. | Sterilization process design for a medical adhesive |
CN112914697B (en) * | 2021-03-30 | 2022-06-07 | 南昌大学第二附属医院 | Enhanced developing puncture needle for ultrasonically guiding nerve block |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4805628A (en) * | 1982-12-06 | 1989-02-21 | Indianapolis Center For Advanced Research, Inc. | Ultrasound contrast media for medically implantable and insertable devices |
DE4014998A1 (en) * | 1989-09-07 | 1991-11-14 | Wolf Gmbh Richard | Auxiliary function provider for fibre=optics. e.g. laser catheter - uses air bubbles in elastic, rubber-like sleeve as resonators for extracorporal waves-vibration energy applied and controlled externally |
DE29703303U1 (en) * | 1997-02-25 | 1997-04-17 | Ebinger Klaus | Surgical item brand |
US5921933A (en) * | 1998-08-17 | 1999-07-13 | Medtronic, Inc. | Medical devices with echogenic coatings |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3734100A (en) * | 1973-05-07 | 1973-05-22 | Medical Products Corp | Catheter tubes |
GB1527801A (en) * | 1976-07-21 | 1978-10-11 | Rolfe P | Catheters |
US4407301A (en) * | 1981-01-27 | 1983-10-04 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Disc membrane catheter for performing cystometrograms and urethral profiles |
US4796637A (en) * | 1987-06-17 | 1989-01-10 | Victory Engineering Company | Radiopaque marker for stereotaxic catheter |
US4861337A (en) * | 1988-03-02 | 1989-08-29 | Sherwood Medical Company | Collapsible urethral catheter |
US5137671A (en) * | 1990-01-10 | 1992-08-11 | Rochester Medical Corporation | Methods of making balloon catheters |
US5261896A (en) * | 1990-01-10 | 1993-11-16 | Rochester Medical Corporation | Sustained release bactericidal cannula |
US5516336A (en) * | 1990-02-07 | 1996-05-14 | Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. | Readily exchangeable perfusion dilatation catheter |
US5211627A (en) * | 1991-02-12 | 1993-05-18 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Catheter and method for infusion of aerated liquid |
US5766151A (en) * | 1991-07-16 | 1998-06-16 | Heartport, Inc. | Endovascular system for arresting the heart |
US5383466A (en) * | 1993-05-14 | 1995-01-24 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Instrument having enhanced ultrasound visibility |
US5921978A (en) * | 1997-06-20 | 1999-07-13 | Ep Technologies, Inc. | Catheter tip steering plane marker |
FR2810247B1 (en) * | 2000-06-14 | 2008-07-25 | Prodimed | OPAQUE ECHOGENE AND / OR RADIO DEVICE FOR THE COLLECTION OR TRANSFER IN GENITAL ORGANS |
US6723052B2 (en) * | 2001-06-07 | 2004-04-20 | Stanley L. Mills | Echogenic medical device |
-
2001
- 2001-09-08 GB GBGB0121690.2A patent/GB0121690D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2002
- 2002-08-15 GB GB0218975A patent/GB2381198A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-08-31 DE DE10240279A patent/DE10240279A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-09-04 US US10/233,485 patent/US20030050531A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4805628A (en) * | 1982-12-06 | 1989-02-21 | Indianapolis Center For Advanced Research, Inc. | Ultrasound contrast media for medically implantable and insertable devices |
DE4014998A1 (en) * | 1989-09-07 | 1991-11-14 | Wolf Gmbh Richard | Auxiliary function provider for fibre=optics. e.g. laser catheter - uses air bubbles in elastic, rubber-like sleeve as resonators for extracorporal waves-vibration energy applied and controlled externally |
DE29703303U1 (en) * | 1997-02-25 | 1997-04-17 | Ebinger Klaus | Surgical item brand |
US5921933A (en) * | 1998-08-17 | 1999-07-13 | Medtronic, Inc. | Medical devices with echogenic coatings |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9636082B2 (en) | 2001-08-24 | 2017-05-02 | The Cooper Companies Global Holdings Lp | Medical-surgical devices |
US9642591B2 (en) | 2001-08-24 | 2017-05-09 | The Cooper Companies Global Holdings Lp | Medical-surgical devices |
US9743904B2 (en) | 2001-08-24 | 2017-08-29 | The Cooper Companies Global Holdings Lp | Medico-surgical devices |
US10478150B2 (en) | 2001-08-24 | 2019-11-19 | The Cooper Companies Global Holdings Lp | Medico—surgical devices |
US10045756B2 (en) | 2003-03-29 | 2018-08-14 | The Cooper Companies Global Holdings Lp | Medical devices |
US10639002B2 (en) | 2003-03-29 | 2020-05-05 | The Cooper Companies Global Holdings Lp | Medical devices |
GB2469839A (en) * | 2009-04-29 | 2010-11-03 | Norfolk And Norwich University | Echogenic instruments using micro-bubbles formed between galvanic electrodes |
GB2469839B (en) * | 2009-04-29 | 2014-09-10 | Cook Medical Technologies Llc | Medical instrument |
WO2011153603A1 (en) * | 2010-06-09 | 2011-12-15 | Empresa Brasileira De Pesquisa Agropecuária - Embrapa - | Probe for the transcervical collection of goat and sheep embryos |
AU2011264362B2 (en) * | 2010-06-09 | 2015-07-02 | Paulo Magnus Cabral De Barros | Probe for the transcervical collection of goat and sheep embryos |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE10240279A1 (en) | 2003-04-03 |
US20030050531A1 (en) | 2003-03-13 |
GB0218975D0 (en) | 2002-09-25 |
GB0121690D0 (en) | 2001-10-31 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |