Apparatus and method for separating and storing human reproductive material in a cryotank

摘要

Apparatus and method for separating individual human reproductive material from a fertilization dish and storing the material in a cryotank for future fertilization and implantation. The apparatus includes an elongate cryostraw having a first open end and second heat-sealable open end, a channel extending between said ends, and an internal, calibrated volume VC. A displacement bulb is connected to the first end of the cryostraw for admitting and emitting the material into said cryostraw. The bulb has a total volume VB1, an internal cavity with a compressible end volume VB2, a first seal with the first end of said cryostraw; and, means for limiting the intake volume displacement produced in said cryostraw to an amount less than VC no matter how far the bulb is squeezed. The bulb produces less than a unit volume of displacement in the cryostraw when the bulb is squeezed and its volume VB1 is reduced by a unit volume.

主权项

1. Apparatus for separating individual human reproductive material from a fertilization dish and storing the material in a cryotank for future fertilization and implantation, comprising:
a) an elongate cryostraw having first and second open ends, a channel extending between said ends, and an internal, calibrated volume VC; b) a displacement bulb connected to the first end of said cryostraw for admitting and emitting the material into said cryostraw, said bulb having an overall volume VB1 and an internal cavity with a compressible end volume VB2; and, c) an outer casing surrounding said bulb which defines a substantially empty space between the casing and the bulb such that when squeezed the casing can deflect before the bulb deflects preventing any volumetric displacement in the cryostraw, wherein said bulb produces less than a unit volume of displacement in said cavity when the bulb is squeezed and its volume VB1 is reduced by said unit volume.