Hysteroscope port and methods
AssigneeSynergyn Technologies, Inc.
InventorRandall A. Loy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The hysteroscope port includes a cylindrical cannula dimensioned for insertion through a vagina to penetrate a cervix. A balloon element having a nonsmooth surface is positioned adjacent the distal end of the cannula for dilating the cervix and for maintaining the cervix in a dilated state. The balloon is inflatable between a narrowed insertion and withdrawal position and an expanded dilatation position. An introducer's distal portion is dimensioned for insertion through the cannula's lumen and is sufficiently long to extend beyond the cannula's distal end. The introducer's distal tip is tapered and smooth for ease of insertion. The introducer's proximal portion protrudes from the cannula's proximal opening for being grasped for insertion into and removal from the cannula.
Claims22
A hysteroscope comprising:
- a cannula member having an elongated, generally cylindrical distal portion having a lumen extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening, the distal portion dimensioned for insertion through a human vagina and into a cervix uteri, the distal opening extending therebeyond;
- and
- an inflatable member affixed to the cannula member generally adjacent the distal opening and manipulatable between a narrowed position for insertion and withdrawal and an expanded position for cervical dilatation, the inflatable member having a nonsmooth outer surface adapted to frictionally engage a cervical surface for resisting slippage thereagainst.
A method for dilating a human cervix uteri comprising the steps of:
- inserting a generally cylindrical cannula member through a human vaginal canal into a cervix uteri, a distal end of the cannula member extending beyond the cervix uteri;
- and
- inflating a balloon member affixed about the cannula member in a position adjacent the distal end thereof, the balloon member having a nonsmooth surface adapted to frictionally engage the cervix uteri.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.