Abstract: An inspection block is disclosed for use in inspection of biological matter in a container unit which has a chamber with transparent walls, the inspection block having a transverse docking passage for receiving and positioning a container unit, an observation chamber extending transversely relative to the docking passage and in communication therewith such that the biological matter located inside the container unit may be microscopically inspected through the chamber walls, transparent liquid for immersing at least part of the container unit so as to define a chamber wall/liquid optical interface for microscopic inspection therethrough. The inspection block may be made of steel, aluminum or plastic. In the latter case, the plastic inspection block may have closed cavities for containing insulating blocks and/or one or more downwardly opening air pockets retaining heat given off by a warmed work bench and/or warmed microscope stage on which the inspection block is supported during inspection.

Abstract: A fertilization and culture container, e.g. for intravaginal use, comprises a container body having an orifice for introducing a culture medium, one or more oocytes and sperm, resealable closure means for selectively opening and closing the container body orifice, the container body having a main chamber for receiving the culture medium, oocytes and sperm and a microchamber for collecting for retrieval of one or more embryos. The container body has elements for restricting access of retrieval catheter or pipette relative to the microchamber. At least a portion of a sidewall of the container body defining said microchamber is transparent and of optical quality for microscopic inspection of embryos prior to and/or during retrieval with a catheter or a pipette.

Abstract: A container assembly (10) comprises a vessel (21) for containing a biological medium, gametes and/or one or more embryo(s). The vessel (21) has a CO2 permeable seal (28) and a closure device (30) for selective access. A buffer chamber (60) for a CO2 enriched atmosphere at least partially surrounds the vessel and is defined by a shell (61). The buffer chamber is in communication with the CO2 permeable wall. Such a container assembly is particularly adapted for IVC in which case the permeable seal (28) prevents ingress of vaginal secretions. The buffer chamber (60) mediates the aqueous pH in the vessel after the container assembly is removed from a CO2 enriched environment.

Abstract: An intravaginal fertilization and culture container includes a main chamber and a microchamber. A culture medium, one or more oocytes and sperm are introduced through an access opening having an associated resealable closure device. The container is enveloped in a capsule of soft elastic material prior to lodgment in the posterior fornix. A loop on one capsule part adapts the length to anatomic variations. The microchamber has a channel which receives the catheter tip to facilitate embryo retrieval while eliminating risk of injury thereto. The microchamber permits embryos to be microscopically inspected in situ before transfer to the uterine cavity.

Abstract: A fertilization method wherein an oocyte puncture is performed and one or more oocytes are inserted into a container containing a culture medium having no added air or CO.sub.2 and intended for the fertilization and culture of the oocyte(s), as well as spermatozoa, whereafter the container is sealed and inserted into the vagina or uterus to allow fertilization of the oocyte(s) and culture of the embryo(s). The method is characterized in that it is performed without stimulating the cycle, with LH supervision by means of blood assays, and by programming the oocyte puncture according to the LH value. The container may be kept at a temperature of approximately 37.degree. C. for 2 to 6 hours for maturation before being inserted into the vagina.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for fertilization of human ovocytes in the absence of CO.sub.2 which may be done in an incubator at 37.degree. C. or in the vaginal cavity. The container will be held in the posterior fornix of the vaginal cavity by a flexible ring comprised of a metal strip 17 sheathed in rubber 18 to which is fixed a rubber pouch 19 in which the container is placed. This device thus permits inter-vaginal fertilization of human ovocytes in the absence of CI.sub.2 -enriched air, the vaginal cavity replacing the incubator conventionally used.

Abstract: The fertilization process comprises the following steps: a) a container (15) which can be introduced into, and lodged in, the uterine cavity of the mammal is provided; b) the container (15) is filled with a culture medium, at least one ovocyte of the mammal, and spermatozoa; c) the filled container (15) is inserted in the uterine cavity; d) the container (15) is left for a given length of time to allow fertilization of the ovocyte(s) to take place; e) the contents of the container (15) are released into the uterine cavity. The container may be made from a tube of biodegradable or non-biodegradable material. In the latter case, it is associated with a stiffening device. A biodegradable container (15) filled with gametes and a culture medium is placed in the uterine cavity using an implantation device (20) which is then withdrawn from the mammal's genital tract.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for fertilization of human ovocytes in the absence of CO.sub.2 which may be done in an incubuator at 37.degree. C. or in the vaginal cavity. The container of cylindrical shape has smooth and rounded walls 1 whose thickness is 2 mm in the body 2 of the cylinder but only 1 mm at the neck 3. On the outer wall of the neck is seen a screwthread 4 permitting external screwing on of the plug 12 whose sides are smooth and rounded. The blind end 5 of the container is rounded, the other 6 is flat and has a round orifice 7, which orifice is closed by a fine membrane 9 permitting hermeticity of the tube in order to avoid disorders of the culture medium 8 present in the container as of manufacture. Above the liquid remains about 200 .mu.l of gas 10. The inner walls 11 are smooth and rounded.

Abstract: The A fertilization process comprises includes the following steps: a) a container (15) which can be introduced into, and lodged in, the uterine cavity of the mammal is provided; b) the container (15) is filled with a culture medium, at least one ovocyte of the mammal, and spermatozoa; c) the filled container (15) is inserted into the uterine cavity; d) the container (15) is left for a given length of time to allow fertilization of the ovocyte(s) to take place; e) the contents of the container (15) are released into the uterine cavity. The container may be made from a tube of biodegradable or non-biodegradable material. In the latter case, it is associated with a stiffening device. A biodegradable container (15) filled with gametes and a culture medium is placed in the uterine cavity using an implantation device (20) which is then withdrawn from the mammal's genital tract.