An artificial insemination system and its use requires a sheath which has a
first lumen for receiving and holding an endoscope, and a second lumen
through which semen can be injected into the uterus of the animal to be
inseminated. Additionally, the sheath includes a blunt guide probe which
extends distally from the distal end of the sheath. A window covers the
distal end of the first lumen so that the user can use the endoscope to
view the guide probe and the general area surrounding the guide probe.
When using the system, the endoscope is initially inserted into the first
lumen of the sheath. The combination of sheath and endoscope are then
inserted into the vagina of the animal and, using the endoscope, the guide
probe is position at the cervical os. While continuing to view the guide
probe with the endoscope, the guide probe is directed through the cervix
until the distal end of the second lumen is positioned in the uterus.
Next, an injector filled with semen is connected in fluid communication
with the proximal end of the second lumen and the semen is injected into
the uterus through the second lumen. The entire system is then withdrawn
and the sheath can be discarded is desired.