GB1426278A - Abortion facilitating devices and processes - Google Patents

Abstract

1426278 Dilation catheter M GUTNICK 19 April 1973 [19 April 1972] 19093/73 Heading A5R A device for cervical dilation and for facilitating abortions, comprises a catheter 10 having at least two lumens 24, 26, a cylindrical dilating balloon 46 about 5cm to 6cm long and having a diameter, when deflated, approximately equal to that of the catheter 10 and being inflatable to a diameter between about 1.5 cm and 4 cm, and an anchoring balloon 44 inflatable to approximately the same diameter as the dilating balloon 46, the lumens 24, 26 communicating with the interior of the balloons 44 and 46 respectively. The catheter 10 is made from a biologically inert and smooth elastomeric material and has a diameter between about 5 mm and about 7 mm and a rounded distal end 12 about 5 mm long, adjacent which apertures 30 communicating with a third lumen (28), Fig. 3, (not shown) are formed and through which the uterus can be evacuated. The balloons 44, 46 are spaced by about 1cm to about 1.5 cm. A second anchoring member 50 is formed about 1cm from the balloon 46 and about 30-32cm from the proximal end of the catheter 10, and consists of two loops about 3mm long, which may be sutured to hold the catheter 10 in place in the uterus. The catheter 10 is sterilised and packaged in a sealed envelope. The lumens 24, 26 may be closed by releasable membranes or Luer locks. Various modes of use of the device are described for different stages of pregnancy. In use, the balloons 44, 46 are inflated using sterilised water.