FOLLICLE ASPIRATION/FLUSHING NEEDLES

Abstract: A needle for use in follicle aspiration/flushing procedures comprising a pair of tubular metal elements (11, 12) formed integral with each other or bonded together, one having a diameter substantially smaller than the other, one end of each of the elements (11, 12) being sharpened to a bevel point and the other end of each element (11, 12) being adapted to be connected to a delivery or suction line (13, 14).

Description: "Follicle Aspiration/Flushing Needle" THIS INVENTION relates to a follicle aspiration/flushing needle for use in in-vitro fertilisation and embryo trans¬ fer procedures. In one form the invention resides in a needle for use in follicle aspiration/flushing procedures comprising a pair of tubular metal elements formed integral with each other or bonded together one having a diameter substantially smaller than the other, one end of the elements being sharpened to a bevel point and the other end of each element being adapted to be connected to a delivery or - suction line and the elements being of sufficient length to enable it to pass through the abdomen into the pelvic cavity. The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of one specific embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the needle; Fig. 2 is a section on line 2-2 of Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic representation illustrating the use of the needle. In this embodiment the needle is formed from stainless steel and comprises a pair of tubular elements 11 and 12 formed integral with each other or welded or otherwise firmly bonded together. The length of the needle is of the order of 300 mm so that it can pass through the abdo¬ men into the pelvic cavity. The diameter of one tube is of the order of 16 gauge whilst the other tube has a diameter of the order of 22 gauge. One end of both tubes are sharpened to a bevel point whilst the other end the tube diverge slightly so that each can be connected to one end of a length "silastic" tubing 13, 14 of appropriate diameter. The tubing 13 of smaller diameter is adapted to be connected to a hypodermic syringe 15 containing a flushing medium whilst the tube 14 of larger diameter is connected to a suction syringe (not shown) through a collection vial 16 fitted with a silicon bung 17 and tube 18. In operation with the needle in place the flushing medium is discharged from the bevelled end of the smaller tube into the follicles to flush away any ovum which are drawn into the larger tube 12 of the needle by operation of the suction syringe and deposited into the collection vial.

Claims: THE CLAIMS defining the invention are as follows:- 1. A needle for use in follicle aspiration/flushing procedures comprising a pair of tubular metal elements formed integral with each other or bonded together one having a diameter substantially smaller than the other, one end of the elements being sharpened to a bevel point and the other end of each element being adapted to be connected to a delivery or suction line and the elements being of sufficient length to enable it to pass through the abdomen into the pelvic cavity. 2. A needle as claimed -in claim 1 wherein the tube of smaller diameter is connected to means for feeding a flushing medium thereto. 3. A needle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tube of larger diameter is connected to a collection vial which is connected to suction means. .. 4. A needle substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: YOVICH JOHN LUI, YOVICH, JOHN, LUI
Applicants: YOVICH JOHN LUI, YOVICH, JOHN, LUI
Application year: 1986
Main classification: A61M5
IPC codes: A61B17, A61D19