Apparatus for conducting an episiotomy and method of using the same
OwnerDharmesh Kapoorinventor
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OwnerDharmesh Kapoorinventor
Estimating the term…
An episiotomy guide (2) for use in conducting an epiεiotomy on a subject is provided, the guide comprising a guide means for indicating alignment of the guide relative to a line between the vaginal opening and the anus of the subject; and a guide surface rigidly disposed relative to the guide means so as to extend laterally at an angle from the vaginal opening when the guide means is so aligned, the guide surface extending relative to the guide means appropriate for indicating the angle (0) of the line of a lateral episiotomy incision. The guide preferably comprises first (4) and second (10) guide members extending at an appropriate angle in a V-shape. A method of carrying out an episiotomy is also provided, the method comprising placing a guide means extending between the vaginal opening and the anus of the subject, the guide means having a guide surface rigidly disposed with respect thereto, the guide surface extending laterally at an angle from the vaginal opening; and using the guide surface as a guide for making an incision extending from the vaginal opening at the said angle. The guide surface may be used directly in the making of the episiotomy incision or for making a mark on the skin of the subject, for a later incision if required.
An episiotomy guide for use in conducting an episiotomy on a subject, the guide comprising:
The guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide means comprises one or more slits or slots for aligning with the perineal midline of the subject.
The guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide means comprises a first guide member.
The guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide surface comprises a slit or a slot formed in the guide.
The guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide surface comprises an edge surface of a portion of the guide.
The guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide surface is a surface of a second guide member.
The guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide means and guide surface are in fixed relationship to one another.
The guide according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of guide surfaces, each guide surface arranged to indicate, in use, a different angle for the lateral episiotomy incision.
The guide according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of guide surfaces, the guide surfaces being arranged such that, in use, at least one guide surface extends to each side of the vaginal opening.
The guide according to any preceding claim, comprising:
The guide according to any preceding claim, being formed from a material that is capable of withstanding repeated sterilisation.
The guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the angle is at least 25°.
The guide according any preceding claim, wherein the angle is no greater than 80°.
The guide according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for removably attaching the guide to the tissue surrounding the vaginal opening of the subject.
The use of a guide as claimed in any preceding claim in carrying out an episiotomy.
A method of carrying out an episiotomy, the method comprising placing a guide means extending between the vaginal opening and the anus of the subject, the guide means having a guide surface rigidly disposed with respect thereto, the guide surface extending laterally at an angle from the vaginal opening;
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.