Container assembly for intravaginal fertilization and culture and embryo transfer and method of intravaginal fertilization and culture employing such a container
US6050935A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S604/906
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intravaginal fertilization and culture container includes a main chamber and a microchamber. A culture medium, one or more oocytes and sperm are introduced through an access opening having an associated resealable closure device. The container is enveloped in a capsule of soft elastic material prior to lodgment in the posterior fornix. A loop on one capsule part adapts the length to anatomic variations. The microchamber has a channel which receives the catheter tip to facilitate embryo retrieval while eliminating risk of injury thereto. The microchamber permits embryos to be microscopically inspected in situ before transfer to the uterine cavity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.