A single-lumen oocyte collection device, having a cannula which extends axially outward from a proximal end of a hub. The cannula has a side port and an axial port, each linked to a resilient portion of tubing to allow selective occlusion of the lumen thereof. The side port, through the hub, has a fixed relation to a sharpened, bevelled tip of the cannula, allowing even rotation and accurate orientation of the beveled tip of the device to puncture a follicle on an ovary with minimal trauma prior to collecting an oocyte. An echogenic structure is formed at the tip of the cannula.
The present invention relates to an ovum retrieval device for retrieving an ovum and follicular fluid from a follicle. The device comprises a housing having a first end wall and a second end, the housing defining a chamber, a movable support arrangement arranged within the chamber, and a needle extending through the first end wall. The needle has a sharpened proximal end disposed within the chamber and a second sharpened distalmost end. A trigger mechanism is connected to the movable support arrangement, and at least one vacuum cartridge is arranged on the support arrangement. Displacement of the support arrangement effects mating of the cartridge and the proximal end of the needle to cause a suction at the second end of the needle to permit an ovum to be withdrawn from a follicle and suctioned into the cartridge prior to further treatment thereof.
A biopsy needle that is based upon an opening at the tip of the needle, not the side, that permits the entire sample to be cut from the patient yet has smooth sides to reduce injury to the patient when the needle is inserted. The needle of the invention has a coaxial inner needle or tube that allows the opening at the tip to be completely closed and the sample or specimen to be cut off at its point of attachment after insertion of the needle. The needle of the invention samples tissue in front of the needle as it is pushed forward, rather than scraping tissue from the edges of the needle track. In accordance with the invention, the coaxial inner needle can be withdrawn and the sample obtained without moving the outer needle or tube. Several samples can thus be obtained with minimal need for repositioning the needle avoiding pain, tissue damage and risks associated with such repositioning.
A cellular transfer catheter (10) is provided for implantation of cellular material into the uterus of a patient. The catheter includes a first component (11, 13) of a first material (26) which has a passageway (16) extending therethrough, and a second component (12) of a second material (27) having a higher durometer than the first material and suitable for assisting passage of the first component (11, 13) through a cervix and into the uterus of the patient. The first component (11, 13) includes a region (20) closely adjacent its distal end (18) having an ultrasonic reflectivity detectably different from the reflectivity of adjacent parts.
The rear end of a dual lumen oocyte recovery needle is sealed in a plastics hub by means of two polyurethane seals compressed between the outside of the needle and opposite ends of a bore through the hub. The needle has an outer tube and an inner tube with a suction lumen along its length and which is deformed to provide a flushing lumen between its outside and the inside of the outer tube. A suction tube is joined to the rear end of the needle at the rear end of the hub in communication with the suction lumen. A flushing tube is joined in a side bore opening into the interior of the hub and communicating via a slot in the side of the needle with the flushing lumen.
A method and apparatus for assisted embryo implantation using a specialized microcatheter to prepare an implantation site within the subject's endometrial lining and to transport and place an embryo into the implantation site.
