Ergonomically designed vaginal speculum

#The present invention relates generally to the field of medical speculum.

#A speculum is a medical tool used to provide visualization into a body cavity. Speculums or specula are traditionally used for viewing the vaginal cavity for gynecology patients. The traditional vaginal speculum consists of two bills with a hinge and a handle. The bills are inserted into the body cavity in a closed position and separated by squeezing two pieces of the handle together, or depressing a thumb lever, thereby dilating the vagina and providing visualization and accessibility of the vagina, the cervix, and surrounding areas. Once opened, the speculum can be locked in an open position using a screw based mechanism so an operator (e.g., physician, nurse, mid-wife, etc.) does not need to continue squeezing the pieces of the handle, or depressing the thumb lever, during the inspection. The operator can then proceed with inspecting the vagina, conducting a Pap smear or any other medical procedures that may need to be provided.

#Embodiments herein generally relate to improved speculum devices, components of the same, and methods of making and using the same. The devices and components overcome many drawbacks of existing speculum devices. For example, described herein according to some embodiments are speculum devices that provide a more comfortable and easily manipulated handle design, decreasing the repetitive stress injuries that routinely occur with providers, while also reducing discomfort for the patient.

#FIG. 1 is a side view of a speculum according to an exemplary embodiment.

#FIGS. 2A-2B are end views of various embodiments of the bills of the speculum of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the bills of the speculum of FIG. 1.

#In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. The detailed description is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments which may be practiced. The term “exemplary,” as used herein, means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form part of this disclosure.

#Referring to the figure generally, a speculum system is shown. The speculum is an updated design relative to the antiquated, traditional two-bill design. The speculum has an ergonomic handle for increased comfort during use. Without being limited thereto, in some embodiments, the handles described herein can have one or more features selected from a greater angle between the grip or the handle portion and the bills of the speculum, a textured grip on the handle, the size of the handle, etc. As one example, the larger angle can be beneficial so that the handle does not interfere or contact patient as readily while being inserted, while inserted, or when removed and also can be more comfortable for the user by providing a neutral position for the wrist. As another example, the ergonomic handle with a textured grip can provide for improved precision during use, for example, due to ergonomic touch points. The improvements can minimize hand fatigue or other stresses to the hand including carpel tunnel problems for the user. In addition, an improved locking mechanism can allow the speculum to be used with one hand, as opposed to locking mechanisms that require the use of two hands. In some embodiments, the profile of the speculum, for example the bill portion, may be narrower than traditional speculum while still maintaining an equal or greater level of usability. In some embodiments, the speculum may be used with a sleeve that can be placed over the bill portion to provide side wall support. The sleeve may be disposable, reusable, lubricated, or include a therapeutic agent.

#FIG. 1 depicts a speculum 100 having an upper bill 102, a lower bill 104, a handle 106, a viewing window 110, and an actuation mechanism. The speculum 100 shown in FIG. 1 has an updated ergonomic design in accordance with certain embodiments of an updated speculum. The speculum 100 may be made of any sturdy biomaterial including metals and plastics. The lower bill 104 and the handle 106 are formed together as a unitary body portion. The upper bill 102 is rotatably coupled to a transition portion 104a between the lower bill 104 and the handle 106 such that the upper bill is movable between an open position and a closed position when the actuation mechanism, such as the actuation tab 108 is manipulated. When the bills 102 and 104 are in the closed position, the speculum 100 can be inserted in a patient's vagina. The user places the end 118 in line with an opening of the vagina and applies a force along a longitudinal axis of the bills 102 and 104 to push the bills 102 and 104 into the vagina. The user may position the speculum 100 at a depth of the vagina to provide a clear view of the cervix when the bills 102 and 104 of the speculum are opened. The speculum 100 may be inserted with the handle portion in a substantially vertical direction, as in the orientation of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the speculum 100 may be inserted with the handle portion in a substantially horizontal direction and rotated to a vertical position once inside the vagina. The speculum may also be inserted with the bills at a downward 45 degree angle for patient comfort. The speculum 100 may be inserted so that the end 118 of the bills 102 and 104 are located below the cervix. Once the bills 102 and 104 are separated, the cervix may then fall into the viewing window created by the separation of the bills 102 and 104. Alternatively, the speculum may need to be shifted in different directions in order to view the cervix properly.