US5030202A — Lavage system

Claim 1

Independent Claim 132 words

Uterine lavage apparatus comprising: lavage fluid supply means for supplying fluid at above ambient pressure; a first catheter defining a supply lumen and a drain lumen and having a distal end for positioning in the uterus of an animal and a proximal end, the supply lumen in communication with the fluid supply means and extending from said proximal end to said distal end, and the drain lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end; a pair of bilateral catheters extending from said distal end of the first catheter for positioning in respective horns of the uterus, each of said pair defining respective lumens for fluid communication between said supply lumen and the interior of the respective horns; and means on the first catheter for sealing the catheters in the uterus.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 132 words

Uterine lavage apparatus comprising: lavage fluid supply means for supplying fluid at above ambient pressure; a first catheter defining a supply lumen and a drain lumen and having a distal end for positioning in the uterus of an animal and a proximal end, the supply lumen in communication with the fluid supply means and extending from said proximal end to said distal end, and the drain lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end; a pair of bilateral catheters extending from said distal end of the first catheter for positioning in respective horns of the uterus, each of said pair defining respective lumens for fluid communication between said supply lumen and the interior of the respective horns; and means on the first catheter for sealing the catheters in the uterus.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 18 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, in which the lavage fluid supply means includes pump means.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 23 words

Uterine lavage apparatus , as claimed in claim 2, in which the pump means is controllable to supply fluid at different flow rates.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 33 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 3, and further comprising lavage fluid drain means in fluid communication with the drain lumen for drawing lavage fluid from the uterus through the drain lumen.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 19 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, in which the lavage fluid supply means includes fluid storage means.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 21 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 5, in which the fluid storage means is in the form of a tank.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 34 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 6, in which the tank is detachable from the pump means and is provided with detachable couplings for fluid communication between the pump means and the tank.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 18 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 5, in which the fluid supply means includes fluid heating means.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 140 words

Uterine lavage apparatus for use in lavaging a gravid uterus comprising: lavage fluid supply means for supplying fluid at above ambient pressure; a first catheter defining a supply lumen and a drain lumen and having a distal end for positioning in the uterus of an animal and a proximal end, the supply lumen in communication with the fluid supply means and extending from said proximal end to said distal end, and the drain lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end; a drain tube for extending into the gravid uterus having a proximal end in communication with said drain lumen and a distal end for location in the gravid uterus to permit fluid communication between the interior of the gravid uterus and the drain lumen; and means on the first catheter for sealing the catheter in the uterus.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 140 words

Uterine lavage apparatus for use in lavaging a gravid uterus comprising: lavage fluid supply means for supplying fluid at above ambient pressure; a first catheter defining a supply lumen and a drain lumen and having a distal end for positioning in the uterus of an animal and a proximal end, the supply lumen in communication with the fluid supply means and extending from said proximal end to said distal end, and the drain lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end; a drain tube for extending into the gravid uterus having a proximal end in communication with said drain lumen and a distal end for location in the gravid uterus to permit fluid communication between the interior of the gravid uterus and the drain lumen; and means on the first catheter for sealing the catheter in the uterus.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 26 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 9, in which the lavage fluid supply means includes pump means for supplying lavage fluid at above ambient pressure.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 22 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 10, in which the pump means is controllable to supply fluid at different flow rates.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 22 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 11, in which the pump means is in the form of a variable speed pump.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 32 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 11, in which the lavage fluid supply means includes valve means, downstream of the pump means and controllable to restrict the supply fluid flow rate.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 47 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 13, in which the valve means is in the form of a divider valve which may be set to supply and recirculate respective portions of fluid from the pump means to the first catheter and back to the pump means.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 36 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 13, in which the pump means is in the form of a motor driven pump, and the valve means is in the form of a motor driven divider valve.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 31 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 13, and further comprising control means for controlling the pump means and the valve means to provide a fluid supply at a predetermined flow-rate.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 26 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 16, in which the control means further controls the pump means to provide a predetermined total volume of fluid.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 57 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 17, in which the control means includes a tachometer for monitoring the cycle rate of the pump means and producing a signal proportional to the said cycle rate, the control means deactivating the pump means after a predetermined number of cycles when a predetermined volume of fluid has been supplied.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 40 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 18, and further a valve position sensor, for producing a valve position signal, the control means compares the tachometer signal with the valve position sensor to determine the total volume of fluid supplied.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 40 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 19, in which the control means includes a microprocessor programmed to include different programmes for controlling the setting of the pump means and valve means to provide a selected flow rates of fluid.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 38 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 20, in which the control means includes a keypad and display means mounted on the exterior of the pump unit whereby an operator may set the control means via the keypad.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 37 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 10, and further comprising fluid drain apparatus connected to the first catheter and in communication with the said drain lumen for drawing lavage fluid from the uterus of the animal.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 23 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 22, which the drain apparatus includes a vacuum pump for drawing lavage fluid from the uterus.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 58 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 23, in which the drain apparatus includes a chamber for receiving lavage fluid from the uterus, the chamber provided with a valve to permit air to be displaced from the chamber by lavage fluid, activation of the vacuum pump causing said valve to close and creating a vacuum in said chamber.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 19 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 22, in which the lavage fluid supply means includes fluid storage means.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 21 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 25, in which the fluid storage means is in the form of a tank.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 34 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 26, in which the tank is detachable from the pump means and is provided with detachable couplings for fluid communication between the pump means and the tank.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 37 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 27, in which two fluid couplings are provided, one fluid coupling for withdrawal of fluid from the tank, and the other fluid coupling for return of fluid to the tank.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 45 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 28, in which the tank is provided with the rear wall including fluid couplings for engaging corresponding fluid couplings on the front wall of a further tank to thus increase the volume of fluid available from the apparatus.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 39 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 25, in which one of the tank and the pump means is provided with T-shaped projections for engaging corresponding T-shaped slots provided in the other of the tank and the pump means.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 53 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 30, in which the pump means is provided with a rear wall and the tank is provided with front wall, with detachable fluid couplings being provided in the front wall of the tank for engaging corresponding fluid couplings on the rear wall of the pump means.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 18 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 25, in which the fluid supply means includes fluid heating means.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 48 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 32, in which monitoring means are provided for monitoring the temperature of fluid drawn from the fluid storage means and activating the pump means to circulate fluid through the heating means when the fluid temperature falls below a first predetermined level.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 45 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 26, in which the tank means is provided with a filter in communication with the interior and exterior of the tank to permit air to be drawn into the tank to replace fluid being withdrawn from the tank.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 22 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 23, in which handle means are provided at the proximal end of the first catheter.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 25 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 35, in which the handle means includes switch means for activating and deactivating the lavage fluid supply means.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 22 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 36, in which the handle means includes switch means for activating the fluid drain apparatus.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 83 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 37, in which the handle means includes: a fluid supply passage in fluid communication with the supply lumen and having a distal end connected to the first catheter and a proximal end for connection to a supply catheter extending from the lavage fluid supply means; and a drain passage in fluid communication with the drain lumen and having a distal end connected to the first catheter and a proximal end for connection to a drain tube.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 126 words

Uterine lavage apparatus for use in supplying and draining lavage fluid to and from the uterus of an animal comprising: a first catheter defining a supply lumen and a drain lumen and having a distal end for positioning in the uterus and a proximal end, the supply lumen extending from said proximal end to said distal end and the drain lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end; a pair of bilateral catheters extending from said distal end of the first catheter for positioning in respective horns of the uterus, each said bilateral catheter defining a lumen for fluid communication between said supply lumen and the interior of the respective horns; and means on the first catheter for sealing the catheter in the uterus.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 126 words

Uterine lavage apparatus for use in supplying and draining lavage fluid to and from the uterus of an animal comprising: a first catheter defining a supply lumen and a drain lumen and having a distal end for positioning in the uterus and a proximal end, the supply lumen extending from said proximal end to said distal end and the drain lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end; a pair of bilateral catheters extending from said distal end of the first catheter for positioning in respective horns of the uterus, each said bilateral catheter defining a lumen for fluid communication between said supply lumen and the interior of the respective horns; and means on the first catheter for sealing the catheter in the uterus.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 43 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 39, in which the catheters are of flexible material and may be deformed from an original configuration to assist insertion in the uterus, the material having sufficient memory to return to said original configuration when unrestrained.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 34 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 40, in which two supply lumens are provided in the first catheter, each said supply lumen in fluid communication with a respective lumen of the bilateral catheters.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 56 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 41, in which the first catheter has a substantially planar surface portion extending along a substantial portion of the length of the catheter, the bilateral catheters lying in a plane generally parallel to the substantially planar surface portion to facilitate correct alignment of said bilateral catheters in the uterus.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 18 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 42, in which the first catheter is of substantially semi-circular cross-section.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 60 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 43, in which the bilateral catheters have respective proximal and free distal ends, the proximal ends connected to the distal end of the first catheter, and the free distal ends being rounded, openings being provided short of the distal ends for fluid communication between the lumens and the interior of the uterine horns.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 33 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 44, in which the first catheter is between 28" and 36" in length, and each of the bilateral catheters is between 8" and 9" in length.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 22 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 42, in which handle means are provided at the proximal end of the first catheter.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 82 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 46, in which the handle means includes: a fluid supply passage in fluid communication with the supply lumen and having a distal end connected to the first catheter and a proximal end for connection to a supply catheter extending from lavage fluid supply means; and a drain passage in fluid communication with the drain lumen and having a distal end connected to the first catheter and a proximal end for connection to a drain tube.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 45 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 47, in which the locating means is in the form of an inflatable cuff positioned around the distal end of the first catheter, the cuff in fluid communication with an air supply lumen provided in the first catheter.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 134 words

Uterine lavage apparatus for use in supplying and draining lavage fluid from a gravid uterus comprising: a first catheter defining a supply lumen and a drain lumen and having a distal end for positioning in the uterus of an animal and a proximal end, the supply lumen in communication with the fluid supply means and extending from said proximal end to said distal end, and the drain lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end, a drain tube for extending into the gravid uterus having a proximal end in communication with said drain lumen and a distal end for location in the gravid uterus to permit fluid communication between the interior of the gravid uterus and the drain lumen; and means on the first catheter for sealing the catheter in the uterus.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 134 words

Uterine lavage apparatus for use in supplying and draining lavage fluid from a gravid uterus comprising: a first catheter defining a supply lumen and a drain lumen and having a distal end for positioning in the uterus of an animal and a proximal end, the supply lumen in communication with the fluid supply means and extending from said proximal end to said distal end, and the drain lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end, a drain tube for extending into the gravid uterus having a proximal end in communication with said drain lumen and a distal end for location in the gravid uterus to permit fluid communication between the interior of the gravid uterus and the drain lumen; and means on the first catheter for sealing the catheter in the uterus.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 61 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 49, and further comprising a seive bulb at the distal end of the drain tube, said seive bulb having a portion of maximum diameter and a plurality of drain apertures posterior of said portion at an area of lesser diameter whereby collapse of the uterus around the seive bulb does not block the apertures.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 16 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 50, in which the seive bulb is mushroom shaped.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 39 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 51, in which the seive bulb is of a resilient material which may be deformed for insertion into the uterus but has sufficient memory to return to the undeformed condition when unrestrained.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 45 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 52, and further comprising a pair of bilateral catheters extending from said distal end of the first catheter, each said bilateral catheter deforming a lumen for fluid communication between said supply lumen and the interior of the uterus.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 43 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 53, in which the catheters are of flexible material and may be deformed from an original configuration to assist insertion in the uterus, the material having sufficient memory to return to said original configuration when unrestrained.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 34 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 54, in which two supply lumens are provided in the first catheter, each said supply lumen in fluid communication with a respective lumen of the bilateral catheters.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 56 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 55, in which the first catheter has a substantially planar surface portion extending along a substantial portion of the length of the catheter, the bilateral catheters lying in a plane generally parallel to the substantially planar surface portion to facilitate correct alignment of said bilateral catheters in the uterus.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 18 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 56, in which the first catheter is of substantially semi-circular cross-section.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 29 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 57, in which the drain lumen is of at least equal cross-sectional area to the combined cross-sectional area of the supply lumens.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 24 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 49, in which the total cross-sectional area of the supply lumen is at least 0.1 square inches.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 19 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 50, in which the drain lumen is detachable from the first catheter.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 38 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 60, in which a number of drain tubes of progressively shorter lengths are provided, each for use at different intervals as the uterus progressively contracts after the animal has given birth.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 19 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 61, in which drain tubes are between 16" and 4" in length.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 22 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 50, in which handle means are provided at the proximal end of the first catheter.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 82 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 63, in which the handle means includes: a fluid supply passage in fluid communication with the supply lumen and having a distal end connected to the first catheter and a proximal end for connection to a supply catheter extending from lavage fluid supply means; and a drain passage in fluid communication with the drain lumen and having a distal end connected to the first catheter and a proximal end for connection to a drain tube.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 45 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 64, in which the locating means is in the form of an inflatable cuff positioned around the distal end of the first catheter, the cuff in fluid communication with an air supply lumen provided in the first catheter.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 41 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 65, in which the handle means further includes an air passage having a distal end in fluid communication with the air supply lumen and a proximal end in fluid communication with air supply means.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 33 words

Uterine lavage apparatus, as claimed in claim 66 in which the air supply means is in the form of a hand-operated bulb pump provided with a one-way valve and a pressure relief valve.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 39 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 64, in which the handle means includes a sealable port for the fluid supply passage, said port including means for connecting and infusion device for infusing drugs into the lavage fluid supply.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 31 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 64, in which the handle means includes a sealable port for the drain passage for receiving a scope for visual examination of the uterus.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 31 words

Uterine lavage apparatus as claimed in claim 56, in which the first catheter is between 28" and 36" in length, and each bilateral catheters is between 6" and 8" in length.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1994-07-08	1995-01-07	1995-07-09	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1998-07-08	1999-01-07	1999-07-09	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2002-07-08	2003-01-07	2003-07-09	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Lavage system

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