Patent ID: 6117068
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: A61B,A61D

Abstract:
An artificial insemination system which comprises:(a) an elongated, relatively small in cross section outer member including,(a1) a sheath having a distal end and a proximal end along a longitudinal axis, said sheath including a first lumen and a second lumen;(a2) a body with no openings or protrusions between the distal and proximal ends of the sheath;(a3) a guide probe formed with a projection extending from said distal end of said sheath, the guide probe including a distal end and rounded outer surfaces some of which extend asymmetrically outside the perimeter dimensions of the cross-section of the body of the sheath at or near the distal end of the sheath;(a4) a window positioned in said distal end of said sheath at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the sheath;(a5) an outlet opening proximal to the distal end of the guide probe and along a surface that is non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sheath;(a6) the guide probe and the outlet positioned relative to the window so that at least a portion of the guide probe and the outlet are in the field of view of the window;(a7) a housing attached to the proximal end of the sheath;(b) an elongated inner member slideably insertable into and adjustable and removable relative to the outer member, and including proximal and distal ends, the distal end of the inner member being insertable through the proximal end of the outer member and moveable to a position adjacent the window in the distal end of the outer member, and including;(b1) an endoscope mounted in said inner sheath and including a distal end with a lens just proximal the window for viewing said guide probe projection through said window in a distal direction from said distal end of said sheath to guide and steer said sheath through anatomical passageways by manipulation of said sheath;(b2) a housing connected to the proximal end of the inner member adapted for operative connection of the endoscope to a light source and viewing device;(c) a quick release connection between the housing of the outer member and the housing of the inner member to allow quick, slideable combination or separation of the inner and outer members; and(d) an injector engageable in fluid communication with said second lumen at said proximal end of said sheath for injecting fluid through said second lumen of said sheath and out said outlet in the field of view of the endoscope.