Patent ID: 6027443
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of performing either artificial insemination or embryo transplanting in female humans using a flexible catheter, while minimizing or even eliminating irritation and/or trauma of the walls of the recipient's uterus, comprising the steps:preparing said flexible catheter for use, said catheter having a flexible, elongated barrel with a proximal and a distal end, said barrel made of either high elasticity polyvinyl chloride or fluorinated ethylene polypropylene, heating said catheter and thereafter allowing said catheter to cool, whereby said catheter becomes sufficiently flexible to buckle in response to a force of 0.1 ounce applied to said distal end,positioning the female recipient in a flat, supine position with her pelvis elevated and legs flexed,expanding the cervical canal, the internal os and the lower segment of the uterine cavity with a speculum, thereby minimizing the distance from the vaginal opening to the uterine cavity and widening the passageway through the cervical canal, the internal os and the lower segment of the uterine cavity,inserting said catheter into the recipient's vagina, through the cervical opening and into the uterine cavity within ten minutes after said catheter has cooled, andintroducing either semen or an embryo through said catheter into the recipient's uterine cavity.