US 2019/0133431 A1 · VAGINAL SPECULUM

Abstract

A vaginal speculum, conical in shape made out of clear plastic resin or metal that when closed can easily and gently be inserted into the introitus (vaginal opening). In certain embodiments, an obturator is used to introduce and/or expand the speculum. Various mechanisms are disclosed for dilating the speculum, after it has been inserted, so as to allow inspection of the patient's cervix. Such dilation can be effected relative to multiple axes, or even in substantially continuous, radial fashion about the periphery of the speculum, for improved visualization. In addition, this speculum has a handle that is oriented such that a vaginal exam can be performed on a standard exam table. The handle also includes a receptacle that receives a standard pen light. A light pipe directs light from the pen light to illuminate the cervix.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A vaginal speculum, comprising:

a handle adapted for gripping by a user;
a dilation assembly, connected to the handle, for separating and retaining vaginal walls of a patient so as to permit inspection of a cervix of the patient, said dilation assembly having a proximal end portion proximate to the handle and a distal end portion remote from the handle;
a dilation actuator, operatively associated with the dilation assembly, for moving the dilation assembly between a contracted configuration, wherein the distal end portion has a reduced circumference to facilitate introduction of the dilation assembly with the patient and withdrawal therefrom, and an expended configuration, wherein the distal end portion is expanded to define an enlarged visualization aperture;
and
said dilation actuator being operative to expand said distal end portion of said dilation assembly in relation to at least a first axis and a second axis transverse to said first axis.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vaginal speculum

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Vaginal speculum

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14