Cervical videoscope with detachable camera unit

• US 5,143,054 A
• Filed: 05/06/1991
• Issued: 09/01/1992
• 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:
  US07/695,727
• Time in Patent Office: 484 Days
• Field of Search: 128/6, 128/17, 128/18, 128/395-398, 606/13-16
• US Class Current: 600/104
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00147 Holding or positioning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00188 with focusing or zooming features
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4255 Intestines, colon or appendix
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4331 of the cervix A61B5/435 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4337 of the vagina

Abstract

A simple yet highly useful cervical videoscope has been provided which can easily be used by the doctor to examine the cervix and vagina for cancerous lesions or other abnormalities. Also, because of the small size of the video camera unit there is sufficient space between the video camera unit and the blades of the speculum for inserting forceps an 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. The video camera unit also is adjustable along a guide on the fixed blade of the speculum to focus it. The video camera unit can be removed from the speculum and inserted into a sterile sheath for reinsertion into the vagina for examination for lesions and areas covered by the speculum blade. It can also be inserted into the colon and other body passageways where lesions are suspected. The video camera unit can be removed from the sheath, resterilized or disinfected and reattached to a sterile speculum for use with another patient.

Claims

1. A cervical videoscope apparatus including a vaginal speculum having a first fixed blade, a second blade mounted for pivotal movement toward and away from said fixed blade and spring means normally urging said second blade toward said first fixed blade, the improvement comprising:

a track mounted longitudinally along one of said blades;

a video camera unit removably mounted on said track;

a strap, having a first end fixedly attached to a first side of said track, extending around said video camera unit and having a second end with means for releasably attaching it to a second side of said track to secure said video camera unit to said track; and

means for adjustably positioning said video camera unit along said track for focusing.

2. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said releasable attaching means includes:

a pin on said second side of said track;

an aperture in said second end of said strap having a diameter just slightly larger than the diameter of said pin so as to be received thereover; and

removable fastening means attached to the end of said pin to hold said second end in place.