Method for cervical videoscopy

• US 5,026,368 A
• Filed: 12/22/1989
• Issued: 06/25/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Micro-Medical Devices, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Edwin L. Adair
• Inventors: Adair, Edwin L.
• Primary Examiner(s): HINDENBURG, MAX F
• Application Number:
  US07/456,469
• Time in Patent Office: 550 Days
• Field of Search: 606/13-16, 128/6, 128/395-398
• US Class Current: 606/15
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/043 for fluorescence imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/05 characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/24 with a catheter A61B18/26, A61B18/28 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/008 for smoke evacuation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0071 by measuring fluorescence emission
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence

Abstract

A simple yet highly useful cervical videoscope has been provided which can easily be used by the doctor to examine the cervix for cancerous lesions or other abnormalities. Also, because of the small size of the camera there is sufficient space between the camera and the blades of the speculum for inserting forceps and other instruments that may need to be used. By using the cervical videoscope in combination with a monochromator the physician can step the wavelength of light from one end of the light spectrum to the other until he observes florescence which identifies abnormal cells. Thereupon, he can destroy the cells by use of a laser beam. When he observes that no more florescence is occurring, then he can discontinue the operation of the laser, knowing that the lesion has been completely eradicated. Also, a channel for drawing a suction to remove smoke created by the destruction of the lesion can be provided. Finally, the camera is adjustable along a guide on the fixed blade of the speculum to focus it.

Claims

1. A method of locating and removing cervical lesions, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a light source to supply light over a wide spectrum of frequencies;

successively stepping through each frequency to sequentially illuminate the cervix with light of each successive frequency;

observing the cervix as it is illuminated with each successive light frequency;

locating lesions by their florescence or reflectance to one of the selected light frequencies; and

removing the lesions which have been located.

2. A method, as claimed in claim 1 including the further step of:

using a laser to vaporize the lesions to remove them.

3. A method, as claimed in claim 2, including the further step of:

terminating the use of the laser on each lesion in response to the termination of any florescence at the lesion site.

4. A method, as claimed in claim 1, including the further step of:

identifying the type of lesion by the wavelength at which it becomes florescent.