EP0278823A1 - Instrument for artificial insemination, embryo transfer, or sampling of folicular fluids - Google Patents

Instrument for artificial insemination, embryo transfer, or sampling of folicular fluids Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0278823A1
EP0278823A1 EP88400142A EP88400142A EP0278823A1 EP 0278823 A1 EP0278823 A1 EP 0278823A1 EP 88400142 A EP88400142 A EP 88400142A EP 88400142 A EP88400142 A EP 88400142A EP 0278823 A1 EP0278823 A1 EP 0278823A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sheath
needle
instrument according
instrument
piston
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Granted
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EP88400142A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0278823B1 (en
Inventor
Robert Cassou
Bertrand Cassou
Maurice Cassou
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Individual
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Individual
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61D—VETERINARY INSTRUMENTS, IMPLEMENTS, TOOLS, OR METHODS
    • A61D19/00—Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation
    • A61D19/02—Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for artificial insemination
    • A61D19/027—Devices for injecting semen into animals, e.g. syringes, guns, probes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61D—VETERINARY INSTRUMENTS, IMPLEMENTS, TOOLS, OR METHODS
    • A61D19/00—Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation
    • A61D19/04—Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for embryo transplantation

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an instrument for artificial insemination, embryo transfer or the removal of follicular fluids from mammals in general, in particular equines, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, deer and all carnivores.
  • the invention therefore relates to an instrument which can be used for artificial insemination or the transfer of embryos by transperitoneal route, for example in goats, sheep or canines or by the natural route when the morphology of the mammal is suitable.
  • This instrument can also be applicable to the collection of follicular fluids by the cervical route.
  • syringes formed of a sheath and of a piston whose translation is controlled with precision by a wheel carried by a handle coupled to the anterior end of the sheath.
  • the anterior end re of the sheath is extended by a needle coupled to a tip, comprising a conical cavity, this tip being fixed by gluing or welding inside the front end of the sheath.
  • a piston provided with a removable sealing head, or (when the sheath contains a fine sterilized packaging straw) the simple push rod, the piston head being in this case removed and replaced by the "factory" plug usually closing the packaging straw.
  • the sheath is protected externally by a tubular end piece or rigid sheath preventing its deformation during its introduction.
  • the object of the invention is to make improvements to this known instrument so that it can be used, in particular according to the transperitoneal technique, under the best conditions for handling and controlling the dosage, whether it be artificial insemination or embryo transfer.
  • Another object of the invention is to release one of the operator's hands so that he can simultaneously handle the transfer instrument and the endoscope.
  • Another object of the invention is to mask the needle during the introduction phase of the instrument so as not to bruise, injure or stress the animal.
  • the invention therefore relates to an instrument which can be used indifferently for artificial insemination, or for the transfer of embryos by transperitoneal or uterine route in mammals, or also for the collection of follicular fluids by the cervical route, of the type consisting of: '' a syringe formed of a sheath in which slides a piston seal, movable in translation, this sheath being protected from the outside by a rigid sheath and immobilized in a handling handle comprising a rotary member for translational drive of the piston, this instrument being characterized in that the anterior end of the sheath is provided with a needle which can be, depending on the function, flexible or rigid, and in that the sheath protecting the sheath serves as a guide for a feeler whose length is slightly less than that of the sheath (including its needle) to be able respectively and by simple axial sliding, either to hide the needle of the syringe, during the introduction of the instrument, or to discover all or part of this needle when the
  • the front end of the feeler comprises at least one graduated radial slot, making it possible to follow the displacements of the piston inside the sheath, which, for this purpose, is transparent.
  • the instrument illustrated in FIG. 1 consists, in known manner, of a syringe formed of a semi-rigid sheath 1, of transparent, flexible and deformable plastic material, in which a piston 2 movable in sealing moves alternative translation, whose stem 21 pusher can, optionally, receive a removable head, ensuring sealing with the bore of the sheath 1 or even be used alone, as in the example of FIG. 1 where a sterilized straw 3 for packaging is used of seed.
  • a syringe formed of a semi-rigid sheath 1, of transparent, flexible and deformable plastic material, in which a piston 2 movable in sealing moves alternative translation, whose stem 21 pusher can, optionally, receive a removable head, ensuring sealing with the bore of the sheath 1 or even be used alone, as in the example of FIG. 1 where a sterilized straw 3 for packaging is used of seed.
  • a syringe formed of a semi-rigid sheath 1, of transparent, flexible and deform
  • the piston head 22 is formed by a cap crimped on the front end of the push rod, that comprising a rounded face 23 connecting to an annular lip 24 greater than its diameter nominal, this lip being of a diameter slightly greater than that of the bore of the sheath 1 which deforms radially when the piston head passes. This ensures excellent sealing, without jamming, inside the sheath 1.
  • the push rod 21 comes to bear directly on the "factory" plug 4 of the straw which then plays itself the role of piston head.
  • the diameter of the push rod 21 is slightly less than that of the conduit of the packaging straw 3 so that said rod can, by displacement of the "factory" plug, expel the content of said straw through the needle 5 which extends the sheath 1.
  • the needle is integral with a tip 6, glued or welded inside the front part of the sheath 1, said tip having a conical cavity 7 in which can be crimped, by simple fitting, the front end of the straw 3.
  • the syringe can be used as indicated above, without straw, (in particular in the case of the use of fresh seed) and in this case, the push rod 21 is provided at its front end with a piston head. removable 22 such as that described above with reference to Figure 2a.
  • the sheath 1 is assembled with a handle or handling handle 8, for example ple by a needle screw 9, so that it is immobilized in translation and in rotation.
  • the push rod 21 projects beyond the rear end of the sheath 1 and passes through the handle 8 to project on its rear face 81.
  • the handle is provided with a cavity 10 in which is mounted movable in alternating rotation a thumb wheel 11 provided with at least two notches 111 - 112, diametrically opposite, the angular travel of 180 °, comprised between these two notches, corresponding to a linear distance from piston 2, equal to half a dose, for insemination of a uterine horn.
  • the periphery of this wheel 11 is in contact with the push rod 21 and is advantageously mounted on an axis 12, housed in a vertical slot 13 allowing its rigorous application on the push rod.
  • sheath 1 is protected from the outside by a rigid sheath 14, intended to protect the flexible sheath 1, this sheath extending over only part of the length of said sheath and screwing into the handling handle 8, after insertion of an O-ring seal 14 joint.
  • the syringe is enclosed in a feeler 15, mounted freely sliding in the axial direction on the sheath 14 which serves as a guide.
  • the feeler is slightly shorter than the length of the sheath (including the needle 5) so that it can take at least two distinct positions, on the one hand, a position known as "inserting the syringe" ( as illustrated in dashed line, under the reference 151), and in this case the needle 5 is masked by the feeler, on the other hand a position called “operational” (as illustrated in solid line under the reference 15 ) and in this case the needle 5 projects more or less relative to the end 152 of the feeler.
  • the feeler 15 advantageously comprises a one or more graduated longitudinal slots 16 located near the front part of the sheath 1, these thus making it possible, by reading through the sheath 1, to control the displacement of the piston 2, under the action of the thumb wheel 11.
  • the tip of the feeler is eroded so as not to injure the subject.
  • the feeler also has, at its rear end, a tulip shoulder 17 coming, when it is fully retracted, pressing on the front end face 81 of the handle 8. On the contrary, when the feeler is in the introduction phase (151) , this shoulder 17 is spaced from this front face 81.
  • the feeler comprises at its tulip shoulder 17 an O-ring seal 18 opposing the reflux of the gas which is generally blown between the viscera and the abdominal wall of the subject when one proceeds to a pneumo-peritoneum.
  • This O-ring 18 therefore ensures perfect tightness by obstructing the possible lamellar gap which could remain between the duct of the feeler and the periphery of the stiffening sheath 14.
  • the handling handle 8 has a second notch 19, diametrically opposite the notched wheel 11 which receives the thumb, this notch being intended for receiving the operator's index finger.
  • the rod 21 of the piston 2 may have on its rear end one or more visual cues 20 allowing, here again, to control its linear travel.
  • this instrument is used by the transperitoneal route, two fine incisions are made in the abdominal wall of the animal, one receiving the sleeve of a trocar in the lumen of which an endoscope will be introduced, the other receiving a second trocar intended to serve as a guide for the syringe according to the invention.
  • the diameter of the bore of this second trocar corresponds substantially to that of the feeler 15 but its length is less than the latter so that the graduated viewing windows 16, which make it possible to control the stroke of the piston 2, and consequently the precise metering of the seed or medium does not are not hidden.
  • the operator axially slides the palpator backwards so that its shoulder 17 or not abuts on the front face 81 of the handle 8. In this position the needle 5 does more or less protruding from the front end of the feeler 15. All that remains is to prick the uterine horn and then inject the semen, or transfer the embryos, by simply rotating the thumb wheel 11 which causes the linear displacement of the piston 2 in the sheath 1 or in the conditioning straw 3.
  • the stroke of the piston is controlled either by means of the mark or marks 20 provided on its rear end, or by reading through the windows graduated display 16, this reading being facilitated by the lighting of the endoscope.
  • the needle 5 is intended to pierce the uterine horn. It is therefore metallic, tapered and bevelled (three-sided) to be able, with a simple small impulse, to pass through the wall of the uterine horn or membrane of the follicle.
  • the syringes illustrated in Figures 2a to 2d are more specifically intended for artificial insemination, embryo transfer and the removal of follicular fluids by the natural route, that is to say by the cervical route, faster, easier, less stressful and less expensive than laparoscopic procedures.
  • the sheath illustrated in Figure 2a comprises, as in Figure 1, a tip 6 and a metal needle 5, this tip being housed in the front part of the sheath 1 and fixed by gluing or ultrasound.
  • This needle 5 is protected from the outside, during transport, by a protective skirt 21 in the form of a section of coaxial tube and outside the needle 5. It is observed that the end piece 6 internally carries a conical cavity 7 for the possible reception of a packaging straw, this cavity connecting to the channel 51 of the needle without sharp angles to avoid possibly bruising the embryo.
  • the piston consists, in the example illustrated in Figure 2a only, of the push rod 21 whose front end is covered with the piston head 22, in the form of a cap whose front face 23 is rounded, the latter being connected with the nominal diameter of the cap 22 by an annular lip 24 ensuring the tightness with the bore of the sheath 1.
  • the sheath is deliberately made of a flexible and deformable material so that the annular lip 24 slightly deforms it during its passage.
  • the front edge 11 of the sheath 1 connecting to the metal needle 5 is masked by a rod 22 molded with the end piece and avoiding any sharp angle of the sheath so as not to injure the animal during the introduction of the instrument.
  • the metal needle 5 is extended by a second coaxial and external needle 23 resembling a trunk and fixed by gluing or ultrasound on the front edge 11 of the sheath.
  • the metal needle 5 serves as an armature and a guide for the trunk 23 whose insertion end 231 is eroded in order to avoid any injury.
  • the channel of the metal needle 5 is connected to the frustoconical cavity 7 of the nozzle 6, without sharp angles, in order to avoid any attack on the embryos.
  • a rod 24 coming from molding conceals the sharp angle of the front end of the sheath.
  • This second needle 23 can be made of rigid plastic or metal and be bent on demand, that is to say at the time of use, to adapt the instrument to the morphology of the animal.
  • This type of syringe is used in particular for the transfer of embryos by the cervical route, or for artificial insemination under laparoscopy. It is also perfectly suited to women.
  • FIG. 2c is in all respects comparable to FIG. 2b except that the metal needle 5 has been removed and that the tube 25 is directly fixed in the end piece 6.
  • This tube 25 can be made in delrine or in metal and will again be curved on demand depending on the species to be treated. Still with the aim of avoiding injuring the animal, the extremity before the proboscis is eroded and the sharp angle of the front section of the sheath is masked by a rod 26 molded with the end piece 6.
  • the needle particularly intended for artificial insemination by the cervical route of goats and deer consists of a monobloc tip 27 of slightly decreasing shape whose operational end 271 is substantially hemispherical.
  • This needle 27 comprises an annular groove 28 intended for fixing the sheath 1.
  • the needle / sheath assembly can be produced either by a reserve of glue 29 introduced into the annular groove 28, or by shaping the front end 30 of the sheath in the form of a clip of the hairpin type.
  • the portion of the needle 27 introduced into the sheath 1 is slightly undercut as visible at 27 so as to favor the passage of the sheath.
  • this portion of the needle which is similar to the tip 6 of FIGS. 2a to 2c comprises a frustoconical cavity 31 capable of receiving a packaging flake 3. As in FIGS. 2a to 2c, this tip is flared at 273 so to favor the introduction of the glitter.
  • the portion of needle located downstream of the sheath is slightly tulip-shaped to connect to the diameter of said sheath and consequently avoid any salient angle which may injure or stress the animal.
  • these tubes 23, 25 and 27 insofar as they are made of plastic material use non-toxic materials having a certain rigidity but which can nevertheless be curved to adapt to the morphology of the animal.
  • the needle 5 is semi-rigid and is produced in the form of an extruded capillary conduit 32, extending the anterior end of the sheath 1.
  • This capillary conduit also extends inside sheath 1 of a length substantially equal to that extending said sheath.
  • the end of the sheath has a constriction 33 to adapt to the diameter of the capillary duct 32 which is glued or sealed at 34 inside this constriction 33.
  • This needle 32 has at its front end a blister 35 forming a kind of warhead having at least two functions, on the one hand blunting the end of the needle in order to prevent it from injuring or stressing the animal, on the other hand, opposing a phenomenon aspiration of the embryo.
  • this type of needle is more specifically intended for the transfer of embryos, because the capillary is particularly well adapted, because of its fineness and its length, to oppose the loss of embryos.
  • the embryo is generally trapped between two air bubbles from its "environment", the use of a capillary further enhances security.
  • the capillary used here is of small diameter (of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter) and its length of approximately 10 to 15 cm is precisely sufficient to avoid loss of the embryo.
  • this capillary 32 is made of non-toxic plastic material, of the crystal type, which allows good visual control of the embryo before and after transfer.
  • This needle is used using the instrument described in Figure 1 and is of course, during its introduction through the lumen of the trocar, masked by the feeler 15. The only difference is that due to its non-tapered character, it is necessary, to allow its introduction into the uterine horn, to make with another trocar, a fine incision in the wall of the horn in order to be able to insert the warhead 35 therein.
  • the external length of the capillary duct is such that one can easily deposit the embryo (s) several centimeters beyond the incision, which generates better implantation of the embryo.
  • the warhead 35 tends to close the small incision in the horn and therefore oppose a suction effect from the embryo.
  • this instrument cannot be used with a packaging straw because of the portion of capillary conduit projecting inside the sheath 1.
  • the embryo (s) are consequently removed by the suction of the piston 2, fitted with its 22 sealing head, in a petri dish to be transferred under the conditions described above.
  • this semi-rigid needle 32 allows a deep deposition of the embryo in the uterine horns, without surgical intervention, beyond the incision (5cm).
  • the instrument as described and represented under the various embodiments has many advantages since it can be used not only for artificial insemination, embryo transfer or follicular fluid sampling, but that it allows moreover, completely freeing one of the operator's hands, which can both operate the notched wheel 11 with the thumb, hold the handle by the cavity 19 and operate the feeler by its shoulder 19, caught between the and ring finger.
  • the free hand can then, in the case of laparoscopic intervention, orient the endoscopy in order to allow proper positioning of the needle on the uterine horn to be treated.
  • the feeler 15 sliding in the lumen of the trocar is perfectly guided, which allows great precision in the positioning of the instrument.
  • This palpator finally makes it possible to inspect the viscera, to control the number and the quality of the follicles on each ovary, to position the uterine horns (artificial insemination), then to prick, inseminate, transfer or remove the follicular fluid to recover the oocytes, under precise control.
  • the graduated viewing slots 16 make it possible to constantly follow the piston 2 and consequently to exercise a permanent look at the dosage of the semen or the expulsion of the embryos.
  • the needle can of course, for hygienic reasons, be covered with a protective cap.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Reproductive Health (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Transplantation (AREA)
  • Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un instrument pour l'insémination artificielle ou le transfert d'embryons par voie transpéritonéale et/ou cervicale, ou encore le prélèvement de liquides folliculaires chez les mammifères notamment chez les équins, porcins, ovins, caprins et cervidés carnivores du type constitué d'une seringue formée d'une gaine dans laquelle coulisse, à étanchéité un piston, mobile en translation, cette gaine étant protégée de l'extérieur par un fourreau rigide et étant immobilisée dans un manche de manipulation comportant un organe rotatif d'entraînement dudit piston. L'instrument est caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité antérieure de la gaine (11) est pourvue d'une aiguile (5,23,25,27) et en ce que le fourreau (14) de protection de la gaine est recouvert et sert de guide à un palpateur (15) dont la longueur est supérieure à ce fourreau mais inférieure à celle de la gaine (y inclus son aiguille) pour masquer ou découvrir en toute ou partie, l'aiguille de la seringue, par simple coulissement axial.The invention relates to an instrument for artificial insemination or the transfer of embryos via the transperitoneal and / or cervical route, or else the removal of follicular fluids from mammals, especially from horses, pigs, sheep, goats and carnivorous cervids. of the type consisting of a syringe formed of a sheath in which slides, sealed a piston, movable in translation, this sheath being protected from the outside by a rigid sheath and being immobilized in a handling handle comprising a rotary member d drive of said piston. The instrument is characterized in that the front end of the sheath (11) is provided with a needle (5,23,25,27) and in that the sheath (14) for protecting the sheath is covered and serves as a guide for a feeler (15) whose length is greater than this sheath but less than that of the sheath (including its needle) to mask or uncover in whole or in part, the needle of the syringe, by simple axial sliding .

Description

L'invention concerne un instrument pour l'in­sémination artificielle, le transfert d'embryons ou le prélèvement de liquides folliculaires des mammifères en général, notamment des équins, porcins, ovins, caprins, bovins, cervidés et tous carnivores.The invention relates to an instrument for artificial insemination, embryo transfer or the removal of follicular fluids from mammals in general, in particular equines, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, deer and all carnivores.

On connaît les techniques de manipulation "in situ" du tractus génital et des ovaires sous laparoscopie, à l'aide d'instruments manipulés de l'extérieur de l'animal mais introduits dans la cavité abdominale en leur faisant emprunter la lumière d'un manchon de trocart préalablement inséré au travers de la peau et du péritoine. Cette technique est utilisée lorsque le col de l'utérus est difficilement franchissable, comme chez les caprins où même infranchissable comme chez les ovins ou les canins. Elle est préférée aux interventions chirurgicales (laparotomie) qui provoquent le plus sou­vent, après opération, des adhérences du ligament large et/ou du péritoine sur l'oviducte et/ou l'utérus et/ou des adhérences endométriales.We know the techniques of manipulation "in situ" of the genital tract and the ovaries under laparoscopy, using instruments manipulated from outside the animal but introduced into the abdominal cavity by making them borrow the light of a trocar sleeve previously inserted through the skin and peritoneum. This technique is used when the cervix is difficult to cross, as in goats or even impassable as in sheep or canines. It is preferred to surgical procedures (laparotomy) which most often cause, after operation, adhesions of the broad ligament and / or peritoneum on the oviduct and / or the uterus and / or endometrial adhesions.

L'invention concerne donc un instrument qui pourra être utilisé pour l'insémination artificielle ou le transfert d' embryons par voie transpérito­néale , par exemple chez les caprins , ovins ou canins ou par la voie naturelle lorsque la mor­phologie du mammifère s'y prête. Cet instrument peut également être applicable au prélèvement de liquides folliculaires par la voie cervicale.The invention therefore relates to an instrument which can be used for artificial insemination or the transfer of embryos by transperitoneal route, for example in goats, sheep or canines or by the natural route when the morphology of the mammal is suitable. This instrument can also be applicable to the collection of follicular fluids by the cervical route.

On connaît déjà (demande de brevet français 85 12 386 du 14 Août 1985 appartenant aux demandeurs), des seringues formées d'une gaine et d'un piston dont la translation est pilotée avec précision par une molette portée par un manche accouplé à l'extrémité antérieure de la gaine. Dans cette réalisation, l'extrémité antérieu­ re de la gaine est prolongée par une aiguille accouplée à un embout, comportant une cavité conique, cet embout étant fixé par collage ou soudage à l'intérieur de l'extrémité avant de la gaine. Il est alors loisible d'utiliser soit un piston, pourvu d'une tête d'étanchéïté amovible, soit (lorsque la gaine renferme une fine paillette stérilisée de conditionnement) la simple tige poussoir, la tête de piston étant dans ce cas retirée et remplacée par le bouchon "usi­ne" obturant usuellement la paillette de conditionnement.We already know (French patent application 85 12 386 of August 14, 1985 belonging to the applicants), syringes formed of a sheath and of a piston whose translation is controlled with precision by a wheel carried by a handle coupled to the anterior end of the sheath. In this embodiment, the anterior end re of the sheath is extended by a needle coupled to a tip, comprising a conical cavity, this tip being fixed by gluing or welding inside the front end of the sheath. It is then possible to use either a piston, provided with a removable sealing head, or (when the sheath contains a fine sterilized packaging straw) the simple push rod, the piston head being in this case removed and replaced by the "factory" plug usually closing the packaging straw.

La gaine est protégée extérieurement par un em­bout tubulaire ou fourreau rigide évitant sa déformation lors de son introduction.The sheath is protected externally by a tubular end piece or rigid sheath preventing its deformation during its introduction.

L'invention a pour but des perfectionnements à cet instrument connu afin qu'il puisse être exploité, notam­ment selon la technique transpéritonéale, dans les meilleures conditions de manipulation et de contrôle de dosage, qu'il s'agisse de l'insémination artificielle ou du transfert d'embryons.The object of the invention is to make improvements to this known instrument so that it can be used, in particular according to the transperitoneal technique, under the best conditions for handling and controlling the dosage, whether it be artificial insemination or embryo transfer.

Un autre but de l'invention est de libérer l'une des mains de l'opérateur afin qu'il puisse manipuler simul­tanément l'instrument de transfert et l'endoscope.Another object of the invention is to release one of the operator's hands so that he can simultaneously handle the transfer instrument and the endoscope.

Enfin, un autre objet de l'invention est de mas­quer l'aiguille durant la phase d'introduction de l'ins­trument de manière à ne pas meurtrir , blesser ou stresser l'animal.Finally, another object of the invention is to mask the needle during the introduction phase of the instrument so as not to bruise, injure or stress the animal.

L'invention concerne donc un instrument pouvant servir indifféremment à l'insémination artificielle, ou au transfert d'embryons par voie transpéritonéale ou par voie utérine chez les mammifères, ou encore pour le prélèvement de liquides folliculaires par la voie cervicale, du type constitué d'une seringue formée d'une gaine dans laquelle coulisse à étanchéïté un piston, mobile en translation, cette gaine étant protégée de l'extérieur par un fourreau rigide et immobilisé dans un manche de manipulation comportant un organe rotatif d'entraînement en translation du piston, cet instrument étant caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité antérieure de la gaine est pourvue d'une aiguille qui peut être, selon la fonction, souple ou rigide, et en ce que le fourreau de protection de la gaine sert de guide à un palpateur dont la longueur est légèrement inférieure à celle de la gaine (y inclus son aiguille) pour pouvoir respectivement et par simple coulissement axial, soit masquer l'aiguille da la seringue, durant l'introduction de l'instrument, soit découvrir toute ou partie de cette aiguille lorsque l'instrument est positionné en regard de l'une des deux cornes utérines.The invention therefore relates to an instrument which can be used indifferently for artificial insemination, or for the transfer of embryos by transperitoneal or uterine route in mammals, or also for the collection of follicular fluids by the cervical route, of the type consisting of: '' a syringe formed of a sheath in which slides a piston seal, movable in translation, this sheath being protected from the outside by a rigid sheath and immobilized in a handling handle comprising a rotary member for translational drive of the piston, this instrument being characterized in that the anterior end of the sheath is provided with a needle which can be, depending on the function, flexible or rigid, and in that the sheath protecting the sheath serves as a guide for a feeler whose length is slightly less than that of the sheath (including its needle) to be able respectively and by simple axial sliding, either to hide the needle of the syringe, during the introduction of the instrument, or to discover all or part of this needle when the instrument is positioned opposite one of the two uterine horns.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, et afin de pouvoir contrôler visuellement, sous endoscopie, l'opération d'insémination, ou de transfert d'embryon, l'extrémité avant du palpateur comporte au moins une fente radiale graduée, permettant de suivre les déplacements du piston à l'intérieur de la gaine, qui, à cet effet, est transparente.According to a characteristic of the invention, and in order to be able to visually control, under endoscopy, the insemination operation, or embryo transfer, the front end of the feeler comprises at least one graduated radial slot, making it possible to follow the displacements of the piston inside the sheath, which, for this purpose, is transparent.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description ci-après et des dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • - la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudi­nale partielle de l'instrument selon l'invention, utili­sant une fine paillette de conditionnement de semence ;
  • - les figures 2a à 2d sont des vues en coupe de la partie antérieure de la gaine équipée d'aiguilles de dimensions et de formes différentes, utilisables en particulier pour les interventions par la voie cervicale.
  • - la figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudina­le de l'extrémité de la gaine, accouplée à une aiguille semi-rigide en matière plastique destinée au transfert d'embryons.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description below and the attached drawings in which:
  • - Figure 1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the instrument according to the invention, using a fine seed conditioning straw;
  • - Figures 2a to 2d are sectional views of the front part of the sheath equipped with needles of different dimensions and shapes, usable in particular for interventions by the cervical route.
  • - Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the end of the sheath, coupled to a semi-rigid plastic needle for the transfer of embryos.

L'instrument illustré en figure 1 est consti­tué, de façon connue, d'une seringue formée d'une gaine semi-rigide 1, en matière plastique transparente, souple et déformable, dans laquelle se meut, à étanchéïté, un piston 2 mobile en translation alternative, dont la tige poussoir 2₁ peut, au choix, recevoir une tête amovible, assurant l'étanchéïté avec l'alèsage de la gaine 1 ou encore être utilisée seule, comme dans l'exemple de la figure 1 où l'on utilise une paillette stérilisée 3 de conditionnement de semence. Dans l'exemple illustré dans la seule figure 2a, la tête de piston 2₂ est formée d'un capuchon serti sur l'extrémité avant de la tige poussoir, celui comportant une face arrondie 2₃ se raccordant à une lèvre annulaire 2₄ supérieure à son diamètre nomi­nal, cette lèvre étant d'un diamètre légèrement supérieur à celui de l'alèsage de la gaine 1 qui se déforme radia­lement au passage de la tête de piston. On assure ainsi une excellente étanchéïté, sans coincement, à l'intérieur de la gaine 1.The instrument illustrated in FIG. 1 consists, in known manner, of a syringe formed of a semi-rigid sheath 1, of transparent, flexible and deformable plastic material, in which a piston 2 movable in sealing moves alternative translation, whose stem 2₁ pusher can, optionally, receive a removable head, ensuring sealing with the bore of the sheath 1 or even be used alone, as in the example of FIG. 1 where a sterilized straw 3 for packaging is used of seed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2a alone, the piston head 2₂ is formed by a cap crimped on the front end of the push rod, that comprising a rounded face 2₃ connecting to an annular lip 2₄ greater than its diameter nominal, this lip being of a diameter slightly greater than that of the bore of the sheath 1 which deforms radially when the piston head passes. This ensures excellent sealing, without jamming, inside the sheath 1.

Dans le second cas (figure 1), la tige poussoir 2₁ vient en appui directement sur le bouchon "usine" 4 de la paillette qui joue alors lui-même le rôle de tête de piston. A cet effet, le diamètre de la tige poussoir 2₁ est légèrement inférieur à celui du conduit de la pail­lette de conditionnement 3 de manière à ce que ladite tige puisse par déplacement du bouchon "usine", expulser le contenu de ladite paillette au travers de l'aiguille 5 qui prolonge la gaine 1.In the second case (Figure 1), the push rod 2₁ comes to bear directly on the "factory" plug 4 of the straw which then plays itself the role of piston head. To this end, the diameter of the push rod 2₁ is slightly less than that of the conduit of the packaging straw 3 so that said rod can, by displacement of the "factory" plug, expel the content of said straw through the needle 5 which extends the sheath 1.

L'aiguille est solidaire d'un embout 6, collé ou soudé à l'intérieur de la partie avant de la gaine 1, ledit embout comportant une cavité conique 7 dans laquelle peut venir se sertir, par simple emmanchement, l'extrémité antérieure de la paillette 3. Bien entendu la seringue peut être utilisée comme indiquée précédemment, sans paillette, (notamment en cas d'utilisation de semen­ce fraîche) et dans cette hypothèse, la tige poussoir 2₁ est pourvue à son extrémité avant d'une tête de piston amovible 2₂ telle que celle décrite ci-avant en référence à la figure 2a.The needle is integral with a tip 6, glued or welded inside the front part of the sheath 1, said tip having a conical cavity 7 in which can be crimped, by simple fitting, the front end of the straw 3. Of course the syringe can be used as indicated above, without straw, (in particular in the case of the use of fresh seed) and in this case, the push rod 2₁ is provided at its front end with a piston head. removable 2₂ such as that described above with reference to Figure 2a.

Toujours de façon connue, la gaine 1 est assem­blée à une poignée ou manche de manipulation 8, par exem­ ple par une vis pointeau 9, de manière à ce qu'elle soit immobilisée en translation et en rotation.Still in a known manner, the sheath 1 is assembled with a handle or handling handle 8, for example ple by a needle screw 9, so that it is immobilized in translation and in rotation.

La tige poussoir 2₁ déborde de l'extrémité postérieure de la gaine 1 et traverse le manche 8 pour faire saillie sur sa face arrière 8₁. Le manche est pour­vu d'une cavité 10 dans laquelle est montée mobile en rotation alternée une molette 11 pourvue d'au moins deux crans 11₁ - 11₂, diamétralement opposés, la course angu­laire de 180°, comprise entre ces deux crans, correspon­dant à une distance linéaire du piston 2, égale à une demi-­dose, pour l'insémination d'une corne utérine. La périphé­rie de cette molette 11 est en contact de la tige pous­soir 2₁ et est avantageusement montée sur un axe 12, logé dans une lumière verticale 13 permettant sa rigou­reuse application sur la tige poussoir.The push rod 2₁ projects beyond the rear end of the sheath 1 and passes through the handle 8 to project on its rear face 8₁. The handle is provided with a cavity 10 in which is mounted movable in alternating rotation a thumb wheel 11 provided with at least two notches 11₁ - 11₂, diametrically opposite, the angular travel of 180 °, comprised between these two notches, corresponding to a linear distance from piston 2, equal to half a dose, for insemination of a uterine horn. The periphery of this wheel 11 is in contact with the push rod 2₁ and is advantageously mounted on an axis 12, housed in a vertical slot 13 allowing its rigorous application on the push rod.

Enfin, la gaine 1 est protégée de l'extérieur par un fourreau rigide 14, destiné à protéger la gaine souple 1, ce fourreau s'étendant sur une partie seulement de la longueur de ladite gaine et se vissant dans le manche de manipulation 8, après insertion d'un joint torique d'étanchéité 14₁.Finally, the sheath 1 is protected from the outside by a rigid sheath 14, intended to protect the flexible sheath 1, this sheath extending over only part of the length of said sheath and screwing into the handling handle 8, after insertion of an O-ring seal 14 joint.

Afin d'adapter cet instrument à la technique d'insémination artificielle et de transfert d'embryons par voie transpéritonéale, on enferme la seringue dans un palpateur 15, monté librement coulissant dans le sens axial sur le fourreau 14 qui lui sert de guide. Le pal­pateur est d'une longueur légèrement inférieure à celle de la gaine, (y inclus l'aiguille 5) de manière à pouvoir prendre au moins deux positions distinctes, d'une part une position dite "d'introduction de la seringue" (telle qu'illustrée en trait mixte, sous la référence 15₁), et dans ce cas l'aiguille 5 est masquée par le palpateur, d'autre part une position dite "opérationnelle" (telle qu'illustrée en trait plein sous la référence 15) et dans ce cas l'aiguille 5 fait plus ou moins saillie par rapport à l'extré­mité 15₂ du palpateur.In order to adapt this instrument to the technique of artificial insemination and embryo transfer by transperitoneal route, the syringe is enclosed in a feeler 15, mounted freely sliding in the axial direction on the sheath 14 which serves as a guide. The feeler is slightly shorter than the length of the sheath (including the needle 5) so that it can take at least two distinct positions, on the one hand, a position known as "inserting the syringe" ( as illustrated in dashed line, under the reference 15₁), and in this case the needle 5 is masked by the feeler, on the other hand a position called "operational" (as illustrated in solid line under the reference 15 ) and in this case the needle 5 projects more or less relative to the end 15₂ of the feeler.

Le palpateur 15 comporte avantageusement une une ou plusieurs fentes graduées longitudinales 16 situées à proximité de la partie antérieure de la gaine 1, celles -ci permettant ainsi, par lecture au-travers de la gaine 1, de contrôler le déplacement du piston 2, sous l'action de la molette 11. L'extrémité du palpateur est érodée afin de ne pas blesser le sujet.The feeler 15 advantageously comprises a one or more graduated longitudinal slots 16 located near the front part of the sheath 1, these thus making it possible, by reading through the sheath 1, to control the displacement of the piston 2, under the action of the thumb wheel 11. The tip of the feeler is eroded so as not to injure the subject.

Le palpateur comporte par ailleurs, à son extrémité postérieure, un épaulement tulipé 17 venant, lorsqu'il est totalement rétracté, en appui sur la face frontale avant 8₁ du manche 8. Au contraire, lorsque le palpateur est dans la phase introduction (15₁), cet épaulement 17 est écarté de cette face frontale 8₁.The feeler also has, at its rear end, a tulip shoulder 17 coming, when it is fully retracted, pressing on the front end face 8₁ of the handle 8. On the contrary, when the feeler is in the introduction phase (15₁) , this shoulder 17 is spaced from this front face 8₁.

Le palpateur comporte au niveau de son épaule­ment tulipé 17 un joint torique d'étanchéïté 18 s'oppo­sant au reflux du gaz qui est généralement insufflé entre les viscères et la paroi abdominale du sujet lorsque l'on procède à un pneumo-péritoine. Ce joint torique 18 assure, par conséquent, une parfaite étanchéïté en obstruant l' éventuel interstice lamellaire qui pourrait subsister entre le conduit du palpateur et la périphérie du fourreau de rigidification 14.The feeler comprises at its tulip shoulder 17 an O-ring seal 18 opposing the reflux of the gas which is generally blown between the viscera and the abdominal wall of the subject when one proceeds to a pneumo-peritoneum. This O-ring 18 therefore ensures perfect tightness by obstructing the possible lamellar gap which could remain between the duct of the feeler and the periphery of the stiffening sheath 14.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le manche de manipulation 8 comporte une seconde encoche 19, diamétralement opposée à la molette crantée 11 qui re­çoit le pouce, cette encoche étant quant à elle destinée à recevoir l'index de l'opérateur. Avantageusement, la tige 2₁ du piston 2 peut comporter sur son extrémité postérieure un ou plusieurs repères visuels 20 permettant, là encore, de contrôler sa course linéaire.According to another characteristic of the invention, the handling handle 8 has a second notch 19, diametrically opposite the notched wheel 11 which receives the thumb, this notch being intended for receiving the operator's index finger. Advantageously, the rod 2₁ of the piston 2 may have on its rear end one or more visual cues 20 allowing, here again, to control its linear travel.

Si on utilise cet instrument par la voie trans­péritonéale, on pratique deux fines incisions dans la paroi abdominale de l'animal, l'une recevant le manchon d'un trocart dans la lumière duquel sera introduit un endoscope, l'autre recevant un second trocart destiné à servir de guide à la seringue selon l'invention. Bien entendu, le diamètre de l'alésage de ce second trocart correspond sensiblement à celui du palpateur 15 mais sa longueur est inférieure à celui-ci de manière à ce que les fenêtres graduées de visualisation 16, qui permettent de contrôler la course du piston 2, et par suite le dosa­ge précis de la semence ou milieu ne soient pas masquées. Lorsque ce second trocart est mis en place, l'opérateur introduit la seringue dans la lumière du trocart en prenant soin de maintenir le palpateur dans la position 15₁, c'est-à-dire dans la phase d'introduction où l'aiguille 5 est masquée. Ce maintien du palpateur est réalisé d'une seule main, l'opérateur plaçant son pouce sur la molette 11, son index dans l'encoche de préhen­sion 19, tandis que l'annulaire et l'auriculaire sont, quant à eux, placés de part et d'autre de l'épaulement tulipé 17.If this instrument is used by the transperitoneal route, two fine incisions are made in the abdominal wall of the animal, one receiving the sleeve of a trocar in the lumen of which an endoscope will be introduced, the other receiving a second trocar intended to serve as a guide for the syringe according to the invention. Of course, the diameter of the bore of this second trocar corresponds substantially to that of the feeler 15 but its length is less than the latter so that the graduated viewing windows 16, which make it possible to control the stroke of the piston 2, and consequently the precise metering of the seed or medium does not are not hidden. When this second trocar is put in place, the operator introduces the syringe into the lumen of the trocar, taking care to maintain the palpator in the 15₁ position, that is to say in the introduction phase where the needle 5 is hidden. This holding of the feeler is carried out with one hand, the operator placing his thumb on the thumb wheel 11, his index finger in the gripping notch 19, while the ring finger and the little finger are, for their part, placed on either side of the tulip shoulder 17.

Lorsque la seringue est en place, l'opérateur fait coulisser axialement le palpateur vers l'arrière de manière à ce que son épaulement 17 vienne ou non en butée sur la face frontale 8₁ du manche 8. Dans cette position l'aiguille 5 fait plus ou moins saillie par rapport à l'extrémité avant du palpateur 15. Il ne reste plus alors qu'à piquer la corne utérine puis à procéder à l'injection de la semence, ou au transfert d'embryons, par simple rotation de la molette 11 qui provoque le déplacement linéaire du piston 2 dans la gaine 1 ou dans la paillette de conditionnement 3. La course du piston est contrôlée soit à l'aide du ou des repères 20 prévus sur son extrémité arrière, soit par lecture au travers des fenêtres graduées de visua­lisation 16, cette lecture étant facilitée par l'éclai­rage de l'endoscope.When the syringe is in place, the operator axially slides the palpator backwards so that its shoulder 17 or not abuts on the front face 8₁ of the handle 8. In this position the needle 5 does more or less protruding from the front end of the feeler 15. All that remains is to prick the uterine horn and then inject the semen, or transfer the embryos, by simply rotating the thumb wheel 11 which causes the linear displacement of the piston 2 in the sheath 1 or in the conditioning straw 3. The stroke of the piston is controlled either by means of the mark or marks 20 provided on its rear end, or by reading through the windows graduated display 16, this reading being facilitated by the lighting of the endoscope.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré en figu­re 1, l'aiguille 5 est destinée à percer la corne utérine. Elle est donc métallique, effilée et biseautée (tri-pans) pour pouvoir, d'une simple petite pulsion, passer au travers de la paroi de la corne utérine ou membrane du follicule. Les seringues illustrées sur les figures 2a à 2d sont plus spécifiquement destinées à l'insémination artificielle, au transfert d'embryons et au prélèvement de liquides folliculaires par voie naturelle, c'est-à-­dire par voie cervicale, plus rapide, plus facile, moins stressante et moins onéreuse que les interventions sous laparoscopie.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the needle 5 is intended to pierce the uterine horn. It is therefore metallic, tapered and bevelled (three-sided) to be able, with a simple small impulse, to pass through the wall of the uterine horn or membrane of the follicle. The syringes illustrated in Figures 2a to 2d are more specifically intended for artificial insemination, embryo transfer and the removal of follicular fluids by the natural route, that is to say by the cervical route, faster, easier, less stressful and less expensive than laparoscopic procedures.

La gaine illustrée en figure 2a comporte, comme en figure 1, un embout 6 et une aiguille métallique 5, cet embout étant logé dans la partie antérieure de la gaine 1 et fixé par collage ou ultrasons. Cette aiguille 5 est protégée de l'extérieur, pendant le transport, par une jupe de protection 21 se présentant sous la forme d'un tronçon de tube coaxial et extérieur à l'aiguille 5. On observe que l'embout 6 porte intérieurement une cavité conique 7 pour la réception éventuelle d'une pail­lette de conditionnement, cette cavité se raccordant au canal 5₁ de l'aiguille sans angle vif pour éviter de meurtrir éventuellement l'embryon.The sheath illustrated in Figure 2a comprises, as in Figure 1, a tip 6 and a metal needle 5, this tip being housed in the front part of the sheath 1 and fixed by gluing or ultrasound. This needle 5 is protected from the outside, during transport, by a protective skirt 21 in the form of a section of coaxial tube and outside the needle 5. It is observed that the end piece 6 internally carries a conical cavity 7 for the possible reception of a packaging straw, this cavity connecting to the channel 5₁ of the needle without sharp angles to avoid possibly bruising the embryo.

Le piston est constitué, dans l'exemple illustré dans la seule figure 2a, de la tige poussoir 2₁ dont l'extrémité avant est recouverte de la tête de piston 2₂, se présen­tant sous la forme d'un capuchon dont la face frontale avant 2₃ est arrondie , celle-ci se raccordant avec le diamètre nominal du capuchon 2₂ par une lèvre annu­laire 2₄ assurant l'étanchéïté avec l'alésage de la gaine 1. La gaine est volontairement réalisée en un matériau souple et déformable de manière à ce que la lèvre annulaire 2₄ la déforme légèrement au cours de son passage. Enfin la tranche avant 1₁ de la gaine 1 se raccor­dant à l'aiguille métallique 5 est masquée par un jonc 22 venu de mou­lage avec l'embout et évitant tout angle vif de la gaine afin de ne pas blesser l'animal lors de l'introduction de l'instrument.The piston consists, in the example illustrated in Figure 2a only, of the push rod 2₁ whose front end is covered with the piston head 2₂, in the form of a cap whose front face 2₃ is rounded, the latter being connected with the nominal diameter of the cap 2₂ by an annular lip 2₄ ensuring the tightness with the bore of the sheath 1. The sheath is deliberately made of a flexible and deformable material so that the annular lip 2₄ slightly deforms it during its passage. Finally the front edge 1₁ of the sheath 1 connecting to the metal needle 5 is masked by a rod 22 molded with the end piece and avoiding any sharp angle of the sheath so as not to injure the animal during the introduction of the instrument.

Dans la figure 2b l'aiguille métallique 5 est prolongée par une seconde aiguille coaxiale et extérieure 23 s'apparentant à une trompe et fixée par collage ou ultrason sur la tranche avant 1₁ de la gaine. L'aiguille métallique 5 sert d'armature et de guide à la trompe 23 dont l'extrémité d'introduction 23₁ est érodée afin d'éviter toute blessure. Là encore le canal de l'aiguille métallique 5 se raccorde à la cavité tronconique 7 de l'embout 6, sans angle vif, afin d'éviter toute agression des embryons. Enfin un jonc 24 venu de moulage dissimule l'angle vif de l'extrémité avant de la gaine. Cette seconde aiguille 23 peut être réalisée en matière plasti­que rigide ou en métal et être courbée à la demande, c'est-à-­dire au moment de l'usage, pour adapter l'instrument à la morphologie de l'animal. Ce type de seringues est utilisé en particulier pour le transfert d'embryons par la voie cervicale, ou pour l'insémination artificielle sous laparoscopie. Il est d'ailleurs parfaitement adapté à la femme.In FIG. 2b, the metal needle 5 is extended by a second coaxial and external needle 23 resembling a trunk and fixed by gluing or ultrasound on the front edge 1₁ of the sheath. The metal needle 5 serves as an armature and a guide for the trunk 23 whose insertion end 23₁ is eroded in order to avoid any injury. Again the channel of the metal needle 5 is connected to the frustoconical cavity 7 of the nozzle 6, without sharp angles, in order to avoid any attack on the embryos. Finally a rod 24 coming from molding conceals the sharp angle of the front end of the sheath. This second needle 23 can be made of rigid plastic or metal and be bent on demand, that is to say at the time of use, to adapt the instrument to the morphology of the animal. This type of syringe is used in particular for the transfer of embryos by the cervical route, or for artificial insemination under laparoscopy. It is also perfectly suited to women.

La figure 2c est en tout point comparable à la figure 2b si ce n'est que l'aiguille métallique 5 a été supprimée et que la trompe 25 est directement fixée dans l'embout 6. Cette trompe 25 peut être réalisée en delrine ou en métal et sera là encore courbée à la demande suivant l'espèce à traiter. Toujours dans le but d'éviter de blesser l'animal l'extrémitée avant de la trompe est érodée et l'angle vif de la section avant de la gaine est masqué par un jonc 26 venu de moulage avec l'embout 6.FIG. 2c is in all respects comparable to FIG. 2b except that the metal needle 5 has been removed and that the tube 25 is directly fixed in the end piece 6. This tube 25 can be made in delrine or in metal and will again be curved on demand depending on the species to be treated. Still with the aim of avoiding injuring the animal, the extremity before the proboscis is eroded and the sharp angle of the front section of the sheath is masked by a rod 26 molded with the end piece 6.

Dans la figure 2d, l'aiguille particulièrement destinée à l'insémination artificielle par la voie cervicale des caprins et cervidés est constituée d'un embout monobloc 27 de forme légèrement décroissante dont l'extrémité opérationnelle 27₁ est sensiblement hémisphérique. Cette aiguille 27 comporte une gorge annulaire 28 desti­née à la fixation de la gaine 1. A ce sujet, on peut réaliser l'assemblage aiguille/gaine soit par une réserve de colle 29 introduite dans la gorge annulaire 28, soit en conformant l'extrémité antérieure 30 de la gaine sous la forme d'une agrafe du type épingle à cheveux.In FIG. 2d, the needle particularly intended for artificial insemination by the cervical route of goats and deer consists of a monobloc tip 27 of slightly decreasing shape whose operational end 27₁ is substantially hemispherical. This needle 27 comprises an annular groove 28 intended for fixing the sheath 1. In this regard, the needle / sheath assembly can be produced either by a reserve of glue 29 introduced into the annular groove 28, or by shaping the front end 30 of the sheath in the form of a clip of the hairpin type.

La portion de l'aiguille 27 introduite dans la gaine 1 est en légère dépouille comme visible en 27 de manière à favoriser le passage de la gaine. En outre cette portion de l'aiguille qui s'apparente à l'embout 6 des figures 2a à 2c comporte une cavité tronconique 31 susceptible de recevoir une paillettte de conditionne­ment 3. Comme dans les figures 2a a 2c cet embout est évasé en 27₃ afin de favoriser l'introduction de la paillette. Enfin la portion d'aiguille située en aval de la gaine est légèrement tulipée pour se raccorder au diamètre de ladite gaine et éviter par consequent tout angle saillant pouvant blesser ou stresser l'animal. Bien entendu, ces trompes 23, 25 et 27 pour autant qu'elles sont réalisées en matière plastique font appel à des matériaux non toxiques ayant une certaine rigidité mais pouvant néanmoins être courbés pour s'adapter à la morphologie de l'animal.The portion of the needle 27 introduced into the sheath 1 is slightly undercut as visible at 27 so as to favor the passage of the sheath. In addition, this portion of the needle which is similar to the tip 6 of FIGS. 2a to 2c comprises a frustoconical cavity 31 capable of receiving a packaging flake 3. As in FIGS. 2a to 2c, this tip is flared at 27₃ so to favor the introduction of the glitter. Finally, the portion of needle located downstream of the sheath is slightly tulip-shaped to connect to the diameter of said sheath and consequently avoid any salient angle which may injure or stress the animal. Of course, these tubes 23, 25 and 27 insofar as they are made of plastic material use non-toxic materials having a certain rigidity but which can nevertheless be curved to adapt to the morphology of the animal.

Dans le cas de la figure 3, l'aiguille 5 est semi-rigide et est réalisée sous forme d'un conduit capillaire extrudé 32, prolongeant l'extrémité anté­rieure de la gaine 1. Ce conduit capillaire s'étend également à l'intérieur de la gaine 1 d'une longueur sensiblement égale à celle prolongeant ladite gaine. A cet effet, l'extrémité de la gaine comporte un étran­glement 33 pour s'adapter au diamètre du conduit capil­laire 32 qui est collé ou scellé en 34 à l'intérieur de cet étranglement 33. Cette aiguille 32 comporte à son extrémité avant une boursouflure 35 formant une sorte d'ogive ayant au moins deux fonctions, d'une part émous­ser l'extrémité de l'aiguille afin d'éviter qu'elle blesse ou stresse l'animal, d'autre part, s'opposer à un phénomène d'aspiration de l'embryon. En effet, ce type d'aiguille est plus spécifiquement destiné au transfert d'embryons, car le capillaire est particuliè­rement bien adapté, en raison de sa finesse et de sa longueur, pour s'opposer à la perte d'embryons. L'embryon étant généralement piégé entre deux bulles d'air de son "milieu", l'utilisation d'un capillaire renforce encore la sécurité. Le capillaire ici utilisé est de faible diamètre (de l'ordre de quelques dixièmes de millimètre) et sa longueur d'environ 10 à 15 cm est précisé­ment suffisante pour éviter une perte de l'embryon. En outre ce capillaire 32 est en matière plastique non toxique, de type cristal, ce qui permet un bon contrôle visuel de l'embryon avant et après transfert.In the case of FIG. 3, the needle 5 is semi-rigid and is produced in the form of an extruded capillary conduit 32, extending the anterior end of the sheath 1. This capillary conduit also extends inside sheath 1 of a length substantially equal to that extending said sheath. To this end, the end of the sheath has a constriction 33 to adapt to the diameter of the capillary duct 32 which is glued or sealed at 34 inside this constriction 33. This needle 32 has at its front end a blister 35 forming a kind of warhead having at least two functions, on the one hand blunting the end of the needle in order to prevent it from injuring or stressing the animal, on the other hand, opposing a phenomenon aspiration of the embryo. Indeed, this type of needle is more specifically intended for the transfer of embryos, because the capillary is particularly well adapted, because of its fineness and its length, to oppose the loss of embryos. The embryo is generally trapped between two air bubbles from its "environment", the use of a capillary further enhances security. The capillary used here is of small diameter (of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter) and its length of approximately 10 to 15 cm is precisely sufficient to avoid loss of the embryo. In addition, this capillary 32 is made of non-toxic plastic material, of the crystal type, which allows good visual control of the embryo before and after transfer.

Cette aiguille est utilisée à l'aide de l'instrument décrit en figure 1 et est bien entendu, durant son introduction à travers la lumière du trocart, masquée par le palpateur 15. La seule différence réside dans le fait, qu'en raison de son carctère non effilé, il est nécessaire, pour permettre son introduction dans la corne utérine, de pratiquer avec un autre trocart, une fine incision dans la paroi de la corne afin de pouvoir y insérer l'ogive 35. La longueur externe du conduit capillaire est telle que l'on peut aisément aller déposer le ou les embryons plusieurs centimètres au delà de l'incision, ce qui engendre une meilleure nidation de l'embryon.This needle is used using the instrument described in Figure 1 and is of course, during its introduction through the lumen of the trocar, masked by the feeler 15. The only difference is that due to its non-tapered character, it is necessary, to allow its introduction into the uterine horn, to make with another trocar, a fine incision in the wall of the horn in order to be able to insert the warhead 35 therein. The external length of the capillary duct is such that one can easily deposit the embryo (s) several centimeters beyond the incision, which generates better implantation of the embryo.

Lors du retrait de l'instrument, l'ogive 35 a tendance à refermer la petite incision de la corne et en consé­quence, à s'opposer à un effet d'aspiration de l'embryon. Bien entendu, cet instrument ne peut pas être utilisé avec une paillette de conditionnement en raison de la portion de conduit capillaire faisant saillie à l'inté­rieur de la gaine 1. Le ou les embryons sont par consé­quent prélevés par l'aspiration du piston 2, muni de sa tête d'étanchéïté 2₂, dans une boîte de pétri pour être transférés dans les conditions ci-dessus décrites. Ainsi cette aiguille semi-rigide 32 permet un dépôt profond de l'embryon dans les cornes utérines, sans intervention chirurgicale, au-delà de l'incision (5cm).When removing the instrument, the warhead 35 tends to close the small incision in the horn and therefore oppose a suction effect from the embryo. Of course, this instrument cannot be used with a packaging straw because of the portion of capillary conduit projecting inside the sheath 1. The embryo (s) are consequently removed by the suction of the piston 2, fitted with its 2₂ sealing head, in a petri dish to be transferred under the conditions described above. Thus this semi-rigid needle 32 allows a deep deposition of the embryo in the uterine horns, without surgical intervention, beyond the incision (5cm).

L'instrument tel que décrit et représenté sous les divers modes de réalisation présente de nombreux avantages puisqu'il peut, être utilisé non seulement pour l'insémination artificielle, le transfert d'embryons ou le prélèvement de liquides folliculaires, mais qu'il permet par ailleurs de libérer complètement l'une des mains de l'opérateur qui peut à la fois manoeuvrer la molette crantée 11 à l'aide du pouce, maintenir le manche par la cavité 19 et manoeuvrer le palpateur par son épaulement 19, pris entre l'annulaire et l'auricu­laire. La main libre peut alors, s'agissant d'interven­tion sous laparoscopie, orienter l'endoscopie afin de permettre un bon positionnement de l'aiguille sur la corne utérine à traiter. En outre, le palpateur 15 coulissant dans la lumière du trocart est parfaitement guidé ce qui permet une grande précision dans le posi­tionnement de l'instrument. Ce palpateur permet enfin d'inspecter les viscères, de contrôler le nombre et la qualité des follicules sur chaque ovaire, de positionner les cornes utérines (insémination artificielle), puis de piquer, inséminer, transférer ou prélever le liquide folliculaire pour récupérer les ovocytes, sous contrôle précis. Les fentes de visualisation graduées 16 permettent de suivre cons­tamment le piston 2 et par suite d'exercer un regard permanent sur le dosage de la semence ou sur l'expulsion des embryons.The instrument as described and represented under the various embodiments has many advantages since it can be used not only for artificial insemination, embryo transfer or follicular fluid sampling, but that it allows moreover, completely freeing one of the operator's hands, which can both operate the notched wheel 11 with the thumb, hold the handle by the cavity 19 and operate the feeler by its shoulder 19, caught between the and ring finger. The free hand can then, in the case of laparoscopic intervention, orient the endoscopy in order to allow proper positioning of the needle on the uterine horn to be treated. In addition, the feeler 15 sliding in the lumen of the trocar is perfectly guided, which allows great precision in the positioning of the instrument. This palpator finally makes it possible to inspect the viscera, to control the number and the quality of the follicles on each ovary, to position the uterine horns (artificial insemination), then to prick, inseminate, transfer or remove the follicular fluid to recover the oocytes, under precise control. The graduated viewing slots 16 make it possible to constantly follow the piston 2 and consequently to exercise a permanent look at the dosage of the semen or the expulsion of the embryos.

Enfin, l'aiguille peut bien entendu, pour des raisons d'hygiène, être recouverte d'un capuchon de protection.Finally, the needle can of course, for hygienic reasons, be covered with a protective cap.

Claims (22)

1. Instrument pour l'insémination artificielle ou le transfert d'embryons par voie transpéritonéale et/ou cervicale, ou encore le prélèvement de liquides follicu­laires chez les mammifères notamment chez les équins, porcins, ovins, caprins et cervidés carnivores du type constitué d'une seringue formée d'une gaine dans laquelle coulisse, à étanchéité un piston, mobile en translation, cette gaine étant protégée de l'extérieur par un fourreau rigide et étant immobilisée dans un manche de manipula­tion comportant un organe rotatif d'entraînement dudit piston, instrument caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité an­térieure de la gaine (11) est pourvue d'une aiguille (5,23,25,27) et en ce que le fourreau (14) de protection de la gaine est recouvert et sert de guide à un palpateur (15) dont la longueur est supérieure à ce fourreau mais inférieure à celle de la gaine (y inclus son aiguille) pour masquer ou découvrir, en toute ou partie, l'aiguille de la seringue, par simple coulissement axial.1. Instrument for artificial insemination or the transfer of embryos by the transperitoneal and / or cervical route, or the removal of follicular fluids from mammals, especially from horses, pigs, sheep, goats and carnivorous cervids of the type consisting of a syringe formed by a sheath in which slides, with sealing a piston, movable in translation, this sheath being protected from the outside by a rigid sheath and being immobilized in a handling handle comprising a rotary member for driving said piston, instrument characterized in that the anterior end of the sheath (11) is provided with a needle (5,23,25,27) and in that the sheath (14) for protecting the sheath is covered and serves as a guide to a feeler (15) whose length is greater than this sheath but less than that of the sheath (including its needle) to mask or uncover, in whole or in part, the needle of the syringe, by simple axial sliding. 2. Instrument selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité avant du palpateur (15) est érodée et comporte au moins une fente radiale (16) formant une fenêtre graduée de visualisation pour contrôler les dé­placements du piston (2) dans la gaine (1).2. Instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the front end of the feeler (15) is eroded and comprises at least one radial slot (16) forming a graduated viewing window for controlling the movements of the piston (2) in the sheath (1). 3. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendica­tions 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité arrière du palpateur (15) comporte un épaulement tulipé (17) de manoeuvre, celui-ci venant, en position de retrait total du palpateur, en butée sur la face frontale avant (8₁) du manche (8).3. Instrument according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the rear end of the feeler (15) comprises a tulip shoulder (17) for maneuvering, the latter coming in the position of total withdrawal of the feeler, in abutment on the front end face (8₁) of the handle (8). 4. Instrument selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le manche (8) comporte une encoche de position­nement (19) pour l'index de l'opérateur, diamétralement opposée à la molette crantée (11).4. Instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (8) has a positioning notch (19) for the operator's index, diametrically opposite the notched wheel (11). 5. Instrument selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le palpateur (15) comporte au niveau de son ex­trémité postérieure un joint torique (18) assurant l'étanchéïté entre son alèsage et la périphérie externe du fourreau (14) enveloppant la gaine (1).5. Instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the feeler (15) comprises at its rear end an O-ring (18) ensuring the seal between its bore and the outer periphery of the sleeve (14) enveloping the sheath ( 1). 6. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendica­tions 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que la tige du piston (2) dépasse du manche de manipulation (8) et comporte à son extrémité libre arrière un ou plusieurs index (20) pour le contrôle de sa course linéaire.6. Instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the piston rod (2) protrudes from the handling handle (8) and has at its rear free end one or more indexes (20) for control of its linear stroke. 7. Instrument selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la gaine (1) est en matière plastique souple, déformable, transparente, non toxique.7. Instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheath (1) is made of flexible plastic material, deformable, transparent, non-toxic. 8. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendica­tions 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que l'aiguille (5) est fixée dans l'extrémité avant de la gaine à l'aide d'un embout (6) collé ou soudé.8. Instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the needle (5) is fixed in the front end of the sheath using a glued or welded end piece (6). 9. Instrument selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que l'embout (6) présente une cavité conique (7) dirigée vers l'intérieur de la gaine pour le sertissage d'une paillette stérilisée (3) de conditionnement de se­mence ou d'embryons.9. Instrument according to claim 8, characterized in that the endpiece (6) has a conical cavity (7) directed towards the inside of the sheath for crimping a sterilized flake (3) for packaging semen or 'embryos. 10. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendi­cations 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que l'aiguille (5) est métallique et biseautée (tri-pans).10. Instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the needle (5) is metallic and bevelled (hexagonal). 11. Instrument selon la revendication 10, caracté­risé en ce que l'aiguille (5) est protégée durant son transport par une jupe amovible (21).11. Instrument according to claim 10, characterized in that the needle (5) is protected during transport by a removable skirt (21). 12. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendi­cations 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que l'aiguille (5) est recouverte et prolongée par une trompe (23) dont l'extrémité est érodée.12. Instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the needle (5) is covered and extended by a tube (23) whose end is eroded. 13. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendi­cations 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que l'aiguille (25) est en matière plastique semi-rigide et est cintrée à la de­mande selon la morphologie de l'animal.13. Instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the needle (25) is made of semi-rigid plastic and is bent on demand according to the morphology of the animal. 14. Instrument selon les revendications 1 et 8, ca­ractérisé en ce que l'aiguille (27) est monobloc avec l'embout et comporte une gorge annulaire (28) pour la fixation de l'extrémité avant de la gaine (1), la zone de l'aiguille située en aval de cette gorge étant evasée pour se raccorder au diamètre de la gaine.14. Instrument according to claims 1 and 8, characterized in that the needle (27) is integral with the end piece and has an annular groove (28) for fixing the front end of the sheath (1), the zone of the needle located downstream of this groove being flared to connect to the diameter of the sheath. 15. Instrument selon la revendication 14, caracté­risé en ce que la gaine (1) est fixée sur l'aiguille mo­nobloc (27) par collage ou ultra-son.15. Instrument according to claim 14, characterized in that the sheath (1) is fixed to the monobloc needle (27) by gluing or ultrasound. 16. Instrument selon la revendication 14, caracté­risé en ce que l'extrémité avant de la gaine (1) comporte un ourlet (30), en forme d'épingle à cheveux, se logeant dans la gorge (28) de l'aiguille (27).16. Instrument according to claim 14, characterized in that the front end of the sheath (1) comprises a hem (30), in the form of a hairpin, being housed in the groove (28) of the needle ( 27). 17. Instrument selon la revendication 14, caracté­risé en ce que la portion arrière de l'aiguille (27), si­tuée à l'intérieur de la gaine, est en légère dépouille et comporte une cavité tronconique (31) se raccordant, sans angle vif, au canal de l'aiguille (27).17. Instrument according to claim 14, characterized in that the rear portion of the needle (27), located inside the sheath, is in slight relief and comprises a frustoconical cavity (31) connecting, without sharp angle , at the needle channel (27). 18. Instrument selon la revendication 1, caracté­risé en ce que le piston (2) est constitué d'une tige-­poussoir (2₁) dont l'extrémité avant est pourvue d'une tête d'étanchéité amovible (2₂) présentant une face fron­tale arrondie (2₃) se raccordant à une lèvre annulaire d'étanchéité (2₄) déformant légèrement à son passage le diamètre de la gaine souple.18. Instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the piston (2) consists of a push rod (2₁) whose front end is provided with a removable sealing head (2₂) having a front face rounded (2₃) connecting to an annular sealing lip (2₄) slightly deforming in its passage the diameter of the flexible sheath. 19. Instrument selon les revendications 1 et 8, ca­ractérisé en ce que l'embout (6) comporte, venu de mou­lage, un jonc (22-26) masquant l'angle vif de la tranche avant (1₁) de la gaine (1).19. Instrument according to claims 1 and 8, characterized in that the endpiece (6) comprises, when molded, a rod (22-26) masking the sharp angle of the front edge (1₁) of the sheath (1 ). 20. Instrument selon la revendication 1, plus spé­cifiquement destiné au transfert d'embryons, caractérisé en ce que l'aiguille, non toxique, est formée d'un conduit capillaire souple (32) prolongeant l'extrémité avant de la gaine (1) et s'étendant à l'intérieur de celle-ci sur une partie de sa longueur, l'extrémité anté­rieure dudit conduit capillaire comportant une boursou­flure (35) formant ogive.20. The instrument as claimed in claim 1, more specifically intended for the transfer of embryos, characterized in that the non-toxic needle is formed by a flexible capillary conduit (32) extending the front end of the sheath (1) and extending inside thereof over part of its length, the anterior end of said capillary duct having a blister (35) forming a warhead. 21. Instrument selon la revendication 20, caracté­risé en ce que l'extrémité avant de la gaine (1) comporte un étranglement (34) dans lequel est collé ou soudé le conduit capillaire (32).21. Instrument according to claim 20, characterized in that the front end of the sheath (1) has a constriction (34) in which the capillary duct (32) is bonded or welded. 22. Instrument selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la molette rotative (11) comporte deux crans (11₁-11₂), diamétralement opposés, dont la course angulaire à 180° correspond à l'injection d'une demi-dose de semence.22. Instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary wheel (11) comprises two notches (11₁-11₂), diametrically opposite, whose angular travel at 180 ° corresponds to the injection of a half dose of seed .
EP88400142A 1987-01-22 1988-01-22 Instrument for artificial insemination, embryo transfer, or sampling of folicular fluids Expired - Lifetime EP0278823B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8700711 1987-01-22
FR8700711A FR2609885B1 (en) 1987-01-22 1987-01-22 INSTRUMENT FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION, TRANSFER OF EMBRYOS OR COLLECTION OF FOLLICULAR LIQUIDS FROM MAMMALS

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EP0278823A1 true EP0278823A1 (en) 1988-08-17
EP0278823B1 EP0278823B1 (en) 1991-07-31

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EP (1) EP0278823B1 (en)
AU (1) AU583999B2 (en)
FI (1) FI880267A (en)
FR (1) FR2609885B1 (en)
NO (1) NO173853C (en)
NZ (1) NZ223231A (en)
ZA (1) ZA88407B (en)

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EP0856298A1 (en) * 1997-01-31 1998-08-05 Instruments De Medecine Veterinaire Filler pipe for biological liquid containers, in particular for artificial insemination
FR2758973A1 (en) * 1997-01-31 1998-08-07 Instr Medecine Veterinaire FILLING TIP FOR BIOLOGICAL LIQUID PACKAGING ELEMENTS, IN PARTICULAR FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
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FR3074419A1 (en) * 2017-12-05 2019-06-07 Imv Technologies FLAKE FOR THE CRYOGENIC PRESERVATION OF A DOSE OF LIQUID-BASED SUBSTANCE, TOGETHER THE COMPONENT AND METHOD FOR EMPTYING THE SAME
WO2019110927A1 (en) * 2017-12-05 2019-06-13 Imv Technologies Straw for cryogenic preservation of a dose of liquid-based substance, assembly compfrising same, and method for emptying this straw
US11564389B2 (en) 2017-12-05 2023-01-31 Imv Technologies Straw for cryogenic preservation of a dose of liquid-based substance, assembly comprising same, and method for empty this straw

Also Published As

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FI880267A (en) 1988-07-23
NO880236D0 (en) 1988-01-21
FR2609885B1 (en) 1989-04-14
AU1068188A (en) 1988-07-28
NO173853B (en) 1993-11-08
FI880267A0 (en) 1988-01-21
AU583999B2 (en) 1989-05-11
NO880236L (en) 1988-07-25
NZ223231A (en) 1989-11-28
NO173853C (en) 1994-02-16
ZA88407B (en) 1988-07-05
US4846785A (en) 1989-07-11
FR2609885A1 (en) 1988-07-29
EP0278823B1 (en) 1991-07-31

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