Speculum for obstetrical and gynecological exams and related procedures
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system, comprising:
- a speculum having a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface, and an interior surface, comprising;
a central body portion,at least two wings,two hinges, each hinge configured to affix a different one of the at least two wings to the central body portion, anda ratchet mechanism that releasably locks the wings in an open position; and
a fluid handler affixed to the speculum,wherein the wings are rotatable about the hinges when moving from a closed position to an open position;
wherein the fluid handler comprises a conduit, wherein the conduit comprises a perforated segment, wherein the perforated segment comprises a plurality of holes about a circumference of the conduit, and the perforated segment extends along a direction formed by the distal end of the speculum and the proximal end of the speculum;
wherein the fluid handler is configured to remove fluid from or deliver fluid to tissue in the vicinity of the speculum and/or along the perforated segment during use;
wherein the wings, the hinges, and the central body portion form a canopy that creates and only partially surrounds an interior space that is not surrounded by any other portion of the speculum when the wings are in the open position; and
wherein no portion of the speculum obstructs any portion of a length of the interior space opposite the central body portion between the proximal end and the distal end when the wings are in the open position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This application presents structurally-adjustable vaginal specula, which provides visualization and access to the vagina and the cervix. The specula may be lightweight and compact, and may also be configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The specula may comprise built-in light sources. The specula may comprise a fluid handler, for example, to remove fluids from the vagina during medical interventions. The specula may retract the labia as well as the vaginal walls. The speculum may also be used as a retractor.
178 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system, comprising:
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a speculum having a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface, and an interior surface, comprising; a central body portion, at least two wings, two hinges, each hinge configured to affix a different one of the at least two wings to the central body portion, and a ratchet mechanism that releasably locks the wings in an open position; and a fluid handler affixed to the speculum, wherein the wings are rotatable about the hinges when moving from a closed position to an open position; wherein the fluid handler comprises a conduit, wherein the conduit comprises a perforated segment, wherein the perforated segment comprises a plurality of holes about a circumference of the conduit, and the perforated segment extends along a direction formed by the distal end of the speculum and the proximal end of the speculum; wherein the fluid handler is configured to remove fluid from or deliver fluid to tissue in the vicinity of the speculum and/or along the perforated segment during use; wherein the wings, the hinges, and the central body portion form a canopy that creates and only partially surrounds an interior space that is not surrounded by any other portion of the speculum when the wings are in the open position; and wherein no portion of the speculum obstructs any portion of a length of the interior space opposite the central body portion between the proximal end and the distal end when the wings are in the open position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification