The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 18, 1999
Filed:
Mar. 07, 1995
Nabil Sefein Muharib, Salmyia, KW;
Vance Products Inc., Spencer, IN (US);
Cook Urological Inc., Spencer, IN (US);
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 uterine cavity. The balloon is deflatable to permit the catheter's easy removal after use. Preferably, the pumping means may be strapped to the abdomen of the patient to permit the patient to leave the treatment center during the treatment period.