Abstract: A single device is provided for performing the diagnostic procedures of sonohysterography and endometrial biopsy. The device includes a cervical seal to occlude the cervix and a substance delivery and removal device to deliver and remove a fluid from the uterus. The substance delivery and removal device may also be used to create a vacuum so that suction occurs near side-ports that are used to collect endometrial tissue samples from multiple locations as the device is rotated or moved laterally within the patient. Additionally, the sample may be taken using a cellular collection device.

Abstract: A single device is provided for performing hysterography and intrauterine venography having a marker that aids in positioning the device within the patient, having a bulb-tip to seal the cervix, having a bulb-tip opening to allow an image enhancing medium to be discharged from a needle and injected into the uterus to perform the hysterography, having a needle to discharge and inject an image enhancing medium into the fundal myometrium to perform the intrauterine venography, and having a needle securing mechanism to secure the needle to prevent patient injury during transcervical introduction of the device.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter includes an echogenic tip or radiopaque tip and a unique stop that allows a physician to more accurately place embryos in a patient's uterus. The catheter is preferably used with an ultrasound transducer placed in the patient's vagina, allowing the physician to better visualize the distance between the cervical opening and the desired location for placement in the uterus. Abdominal placement of a transducer is also helpful.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter with a protective sheath is disclosed. The use of a protective sheath shields a guide catheter from cervical mucus. The retracted open flaps of the outer protective sheath draw the mucus and blood away from the inner guide catheter. This allows an inner embryo transfer sheath to enter the uterus unobstructed. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus by means of fluid pressure with a culture medium. The protective sheath may be snap fit onto the guide catheter. The sheaths and catheters may be manufactured in a variety of lengths for individual convenience and then snap-fit onto each other for better control during an embryo implantation procedure. Other catheters and related instruments may also be manufactured with snap-on features.

Abstract: A back loading instrument for use with a medical device, such as an endoscope or a colonoscope, features larger endoscopic instruments or end effectors and enables gathering of much larger samples, such as biopsies. The instrument also allows for superior grasping, mobilization, cutting, or removal of tissue or foreign bodies from a patient. The end effector, such as a biopsy forceps, of the back loading instrument has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the working channel of the endoscope or other medical device used to control the instrument. By using this medical device as part of a minimally-invasive procedure, trauma to the patient is minimized.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for taking a sample from the body of a patient is easily rotatable while the sample is being taken. This allows the physician to aspirate or draw the sample, rotating the sampling apparatus while holding stationary a syringe or other container for receiving the sample.