JAMES T CHRISTMAS, MD
Medical Practice at Forest Ave, Richmond, VA

5106369, Apr 21, 1992

Nov 28, 1990

7/619190

James T. Christmas - Richmond VA

Board of Regents, The University of Texas System - Austin TX

A61M 500

604 51

A medical method and apparatus are provided whereby an umbilical cord can be stabilized by being held against an interior uterine wall, and whereby medical procedures can be performed on said stabilized umbilical cord. The apparatus comprises a first needle which is inserted into the uterine cavity and a wire with memory characteristics which passes through the first needle and which forms a curved hook upon being extended from the distal end of the first needle. The hook is used to cradle the umbilical cord without puncturing or otherwise traumatizing the cord, and to hold and stabilize the cord so that various medical procedures can be performed upon the cord. These procedures are performed by inserting a second needle into the uterine cavity either directly through the abdominal and uterine walls, or by passing the second needle through the lumen of the first needle. The curved wire is manipulated by means of a wire grip which is affixed to the proximal end of the wire, and which can either be permanently affixed to the wire or variably locatable upon the wire.