Apparatus and method for everting catheter for embryo transfer using transvaginal ultrasound

Abstract

Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same with an alignment element for stability and anti-rotation of the everting balloon are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and deliver instruments, media, or other catheters into bodily lumens and cavities. The alignment element can eliminate the potential for the everting membrane to become twisted or rotated which could impact access or the ability of the system to deliver materials. A compliance member can facilitate internal pressurization of the everting catheter system. An everting catheter system can be configured for use with transvaginal ultrasound and a lower profile speculum is described.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for delivering matter into a uterine cavity comprising:
 positioning an everting balloon system adjacent to a cervical canal, wherein the everting balloon device comprises a first catheter and an everting balloon attached to the first catheter, and wherein the first catheter has a catheter lumen and a distal port at the distal end of the catheter lumen, and a delivery catheter attached to opposite end of the everting balloon from the first catheter;   everting the everting balloon in the cervical canal, wherein the everting comprises pulling the first catheter distally through the cervical canal, wherein the first catheter has a fixed alignment with the delivery catheter and everting balloon, the and wherein the everting comprises inflating the balloon distal to the first catheter.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fixed alignment prevents twisting of the everting balloon during the eversion and inversion process. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the fixed alignment prevents over extension of the everting balloon during the inversion process. 
     
     
         4 . A method for delivering matter into a uterine cavity comprising:
 everting a balloon in a cervical canal, wherein the balloon is attached to a first catheter, and wherein everting comprises pulling the first catheter distally through the cervical canal;   transporting a flexible tip guidance wire through the first catheter into the uterine cavity to direct the distal end of the everting balloon towards a targeted region;   transporting an catheter of the reproductive material once access to the targeted region is reached.   
     
     
         5 . A method for delivering matter into a uterine cavity comprising:
 everting a balloon in a cervical canal, wherein the balloon is attached to a first catheter, and wherein everting comprises pulling the first catheter distally through the cervical canal;   pressurizing balloon system with complaint member to facilitate keeping internal pressure within an operating range.   
     
     
         6 . A method for delivering matter into a uterine cavity comprising:
 everting a balloon in a cervical canal, wherein the balloon is attached to a first catheter, and wherein everting comprises pulling the first catheter within a delivery catheter and distally through the cervical canal;   and distal end of delivery catheter can adjust the working length of the everting balloon.   
     
     
         7 . A system for delivering matter into the reproductive tract of a female comprising:
 a first catheter having a lumen and a distal lumen port, wherein the first catheter has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration;   an everting balloon attached to the first catheter, wherein at least a length of the everting balloon extends past the distal end of the first catheter when the first catheter is in the extended configuration;   a second catheter slidably located in the first catheter; and   second catheter comprises an alignment piece to prevent rotation of the second catheter in relation to the first catheter.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising a stopping piece to prevent over extension of the everting balloon when the second catheter is retracted in the first catheter during inversion of the everting balloon. 
     
     
         9 . A method for delivering matter into a uterine cavity comprising:
 positioning an everting balloon system adjacent to a cervical canal, wherein the everting balloon device comprises a first catheter and an everting balloon attached to the first catheter, and wherein the first catheter has a catheter lumen and a distal port at the distal end of the catheter lumen, and a delivery catheter attached to opposite end of the everting balloon from the first catheter;   everting the everting balloon in the cervical canal, wherein the everting comprises pulling the first catheter distally through the cervical canal, wherein the first catheter has an attachment for coupling the first catheter to a transvaginal ultrasound probe, the and wherein the everting comprises inflating the balloon distal to the first catheter.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the attachment for coupling the first catheter to the transvaginal probe maintains the position of the everting balloon system during the eversion and inversion process. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the attachment for coupling the first catheter to the transvaginal probe maintains the position of the everting balloon during the process of inserting a transfer catheter within the everting balloon system for delivering matter into the uterine cavity. 
     
     
         12 . A method for delivering matter into a uterine cavity comprising:
 everting a balloon in a cervical canal, wherein the balloon is attached to a first catheter, and wherein everting comprises pulling the first catheter distally through the cervical canal;   pressurizing the balloon;   placing stored energy to act on the first catheter;   and wherein the advancement of the balloon is performed by a stored energy applied to the first catheter in combination with the pressurization of the balloon;   and advancement of the first catheter is initiated by releasing the stored energy connected to the first catheter.   
     
     
         13 . A method for delivering matter into a uterine cavity comprising:
 an everting catheter system with an everting a balloon in a cervical canal, wherein the balloon is attached to a first catheter, and wherein everting comprises pulling the first catheter distally through the cervical canal;   applying a rotationally opening speculum with coupling mechanism;   attaching everting catheter system to the speculum using coupling mechanism.   
     
     
         14 . A method for delivering matter into a uterine cavity comprising:
 everting a balloon in a cervical canal, wherein the balloon is attached to a first catheter, and wherein everting comprises pulling the first catheter within a delivery catheter and distally through the cervical canal;   and an acorn tip at the distal end of delivery catheter can adjust from a soft rounded profile to a penetrating distal tip profile.