Adaptive and radially expanding speculum

Abstract

An adaptive and radially expanding speculum is provided. The speculum includes an expansor that is configured for being inserted into an orifice, exerting an outward force against an orifice wall, and retaining the orifice in an expanded state until it is removed. The expansor can take the form of a radial compression spring, and may be adapted for transitioning between at least a compressed state, a partially expanded (or partially compressed) state, and an equilibrium state. The expansor may include generally longitudinally extending members located between proximal transition portions and distal transition portions. The proximal and distal transition portions may include spring characteristics that cause the expansor to exert force on the orifice when it is inserted therein. The speculum may further comprise a drawstring which, when pulled, reduces a cross section of at least a portion of the expansor such that it may be removed from the orifice.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.