Automated prolonged slow release intrauterine insemination using self retaining intrauterine insemination catheter
US5904665A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 1995 |
| Grant date | May 18, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2210/1475
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of automated prolonged slow release artificial intrauterine insemination is disclosed wherein motile sperm are introduced into the uterus in a programmed, organized and metered pattern over an extended period of time. A catheter is inserted into the uterine cavity and aliquots of sperm containing medium are injected at a rate of 10 to 20 mm/hr (approximately every 30 seconds) for between 4 to 6 hours. The motile sperm content of each aliquot is between 8,000 to 75,000. Preferably, the method is carried out with the use of a novel delivery device. The device of the present invention comprises a flexible catheter having a delivery channel, a first end attachable to a pumping means, and a second end (uterine end) adapted to pass through the cervix and into the uterine cavity. The catheter is provided with an inflatable balloon adjacent the second end. Upon inflation of the balloon, the catheter is immobilized in the vagina. The pumping means delivers the aliquots of sperm containing medium through the delivery channel and into the uterus. The pumping means is adapted to pump sufficient medium to deliver between 1 million to 9 million motile spermatozoa per hour into the uteri…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.