[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2000047105A1 - Speculum - Google Patents

Speculum Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000047105A1
WO2000047105A1 PCT/ZA2000/000023 ZA0000023W WO0047105A1 WO 2000047105 A1 WO2000047105 A1 WO 2000047105A1 ZA 0000023 W ZA0000023 W ZA 0000023W WO 0047105 A1 WO0047105 A1 WO 0047105A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
speculum
members
sheet
condition
lining
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/ZA2000/000023
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul Charl Duminy
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU33990/00A priority Critical patent/AU3399000A/en
Publication of WO2000047105A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000047105A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/32—Devices for opening or enlarging the visual field, e.g. of a tube of the body

Definitions

  • Specula are commonly used in the medical environment for performing medical procedures. Their object is to expose body cavities to be examined or to perform surgical and other appropriate medical procedures. Such procedures include the suturing of vaginal tears sustained or episiotomies cut during childbirth as well as the operation of posterior vaginal repair. As body cavities cannot be opened up to an unlimited extent the access into the body cavity once opened up by a speculum, especially if surgery is to be performed, is always at a premium. Poor exposure of the operative field, which may be further restricted by any constriction down the working zone of a speculum, has the effect of making surgical access very difficult. This can result in the surgical technique and therefore the outcome of the procedure in question being of substandard quality.
  • a further aspect that is becoming more important in present times is the danger of contracting a life threatening disease such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis during medical procedures performed in body cavities even though the person performing the procedure has taken all the usual protective precautions, including the wearing of gloves.
  • a life threatening disease such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis during medical procedures performed in body cavities even though the person performing the procedure has taken all the usual protective precautions, including the wearing of gloves.
  • contamination can occur when, for example, a needle used for suturing penetrates a glove and enters or even only pricks the skin of the health care provider. This is particularly relevant when sutures must be placed in an area such as at the posterior vaginal wall after delivery of an baby where, owing to protrusion of the postpartum lax vaginal walls into the operative field vision is limited.
  • This invention relates to a speculum for use in opening up appropriate body cavities to enable the performance of internal surgical and other appropriate medical procedures.
  • Speculum equipment is commonly known in the art.
  • the object in all cases is thus to provide access for the performance of some or other form of medical procedure down a body cavity.
  • body cavities are small even when stretched open, the working area is normally at a premium. Any obstruction to access thus severely limits the ability of the practitioner to properly perform the intended procedure.
  • the mechanisms presently used to retain a speculum in its opened condition once operatively fitted, such as the commonly used Cusco speculum have the disadvantage of inhibiting access down the body aperture.
  • a further disadvantage of some of the presently know equipment is that it requires a two handed operation.
  • Figure 1 three dimensionally shows one embodiment of a speculum, according to the invention, in its of zone access providing and thus splayed condition
  • Figure 2 shows in frontal end view the figure 1 embodiment of the speculum in its collapsed condition
  • Figure 3 shows in detail the locking facility of the figures 1 and 2 embodiment of the speculum
  • Figure 4 shows the locking facility in sectional view along section line A-A in figure 3
  • Figure 5 three dimensionally shows a further embodiment of the speculum in its splayed condition
  • Figure 6 shows the speculum of figure 5 in its frontal end view collapsed condition
  • Figure 7 shows in detail the locking facility of the figure 5 embodiment of the speculum
  • Figure 8 three dimensionally shows a further embodiment of the speculum in its splayed condition
  • Figure 9 shows in frontal end view an adaptation of the figure 8 embodiment of the speculum. (7) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • a speculum is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.
  • the speculum 10 comprises lining forming means arranged to be displaceable with respect to an axis of displacement in the form of concavely extending sheet-like members provided by mirror image shaped rigid concave blades 12 swivellably secured to one another along adjacent longitudinal edges 12.1 to be swivellable in the direction of arrows 14 about a common axis 16.
  • the blades 12, as presenting smooth outer surfaces and smooth rounded distal ends 12.2, are thus displaceable from a collapsed condition, as shown in figure 2 for the appropriate embodiment, to a zone of access providing condition, as more clearly shown in figures 1 ,5 and 7, in which a zone of access 18 is defined along the blades 12 enabling unobstructed access to a body cavity such as the vaginal cavity to perform surgical and appropriate other work as lined by the blades 12.
  • a zone of access 18 is defined along the blades 12 enabling unobstructed access to a body cavity such as the vaginal cavity to perform surgical and appropriate other work as lined by the blades 12.
  • the blades 12 are formed to present an inverted tear drop shape when viewed in the collapsed condition, as clearly seen in figure 2.
  • the speculum 10 is conveniently of moulded plastic material joined together along their axis of displacement 16 by an integral hinge 20.
  • the integral hinge 20 is conventionally formed by a zone of reduced thickness of the material of which the speculum is manufactured.
  • To promote rigidity of the blades 12 their proximal edges 12.3 are formed with integral reinforcing ribs 22. As the ribs 22 extend along the outside curvature of the blades 12 they do not interfere with the extent of the zone of access 18. Being situated at the proximal edges 12.3 result in the ribs 22 being located outside a body cavity once the speculum 10 is operatively fitted thus not affecting the operative positioning of the speculum 10 down such cavity. To this effect the blades 10 are thus of suitable axial length to enable the speculum 10 to desirably perform its task with the proximal end being located outside the cavity.
  • the speculum 10 makes provision for being maintained in its expanded and thus wall lining and cavity expanding condition by way of a locking facility generally indicated by reference numeral 24.
  • the facility 24 is operable between the outside walls 12.4 towards the proximal ends 12.3 of the blades 12 with part of it, as provided by facing protuberances 26, extending integrally with the ribs 22 and thus the respective blades 12.
  • the protuberances 26 are tiable by means of a tying cord as forming part of the locking facility owing to extending integrally from the inside face of one protuberance 26.1 while being received or receivable against retraction along an aperture 28 in the other protuberance 26.2.
  • the cord is in the form of a conventional one way engaging strap 30 displaying teeth 32 opposing the direction of teeth 34 formed internally within the aperture 28 (as more clearly shown in figure 4).
  • the blades 12 thus become progressively locked in their splayed condition in response to the progressive location of the strap 30 through the aperture 28 by pulling it from its free end.
  • the strap 30 has to be severed thus rendering the speculum 10 inoperative against re-use.
  • the protuberances 26 are tiable by means of a bracket 36.
  • the bracket 36 is fitted with opposing pins 38 receivable into one or more aperture pairs 40 in the respective protuberances 26. Desirable setting of the blades 12 are thus achieved by simply engaging the bracket 36 to the protuberances 26 once suitably splayed.
  • the engagement of the pins 38 and apertures pairs 40 can be arranged to be permanent thus also requiring severing of the bracket 36 to enable its collapse again.
  • the proximal ends of the blades 12 can be formed in the same way as those of the figures 1 to 6 embodiments though dispensing with the locking facility aspect.
  • the protuberances 26 are formed to be of adequate size and shape to permit them being used as single-handed finger grips for opening the blades 12 in response to gripping them from opposite sides.
  • protuberances 26 of the figures 1 to 7 embodiments form part of their locking facilities 24 they are also formed to be of adequate size and shape to permit them being used as single-handed finger grips for opening the blades 12 in response to gripping them from opposite sides. In the case of these embodiments they thus serve a double purpose.
  • the integral hinge 20 can be formed to collapse by breaking after performing one or only a few swivelling actions thus effectively severing the blades 12 from one another. This can, for example, be achieved by making the material thickness of the zone defining the integral hinge adequately thin. The same approach can naturally also be used in the case of the figures 1 to 4 embodiment to supplement the effect of severing the strap 30 and also where the figure 5 to 7 embodiment is configured against re-use.
  • the speculum 10 In use for vaginal surgical procedures the speculum 10, according to any of the described embodiments, is inserted down the vaginal canal in its closed condition and in such a way that the hinge 20 comes to lie immediately inferior to the anterior wall vaginal wall.
  • the blades 12 and the hinge 20 When opened the blades 12 and the hinge 20 form the continuous inwardly extending dome profiled and unobstructed zone of access 18 to the anterior and lateral vaginal walls.
  • Owing to putting the posterior vaginal wall under stretch it is suitably visibly exposed to comfortably and accurately permit the performance operative procedures such as suturing of episiotomies. While giving desirable working space in a confined area, the chances of self- injuring by the practitioner such as by accidental pricking with a needle is reduced. While this increases the comfort in performing the appropriate surgical procedure this aspect has the very important further advantage of reducing the risk of contracting some or other blood related disease such as AIDS.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

Selon cette invention, un spéculum synthétique intégralement formé (10) comprend un organe de formation de doublure constitué de lames concaves (12) fixées l'une à l'autre de manière à pouvoir pivoter autour d'un axe commun (16) au moyen d'un pivot intégral (20). En position ouverte, les lames (12) définissent une zone d'accès (18) le long de laquelle se crée un accès non obstrué vers une cavité du corps. Des nervures de renfort intégrales (22) suivent la courbure extérieure des lames (12). Grâce à leur position aux extrémités proximales des lames (12), elles interférent le moins possible avec la zone d'accès (18) et se trouvent également en dehors d'une cavité corporelle une fois qui le spéculum (10) a été placé de manière fonctionnelle. Des protubérances (26) pouvant être liées au moyen d'une bandelette conventionnelle à usage unique (30) permettent de bloquer progressivement les lames (12) en position ouverte. Comme les lames (12) sont bloquées le long de leurs faces externes, le dispositif de blocage n'empêche pas l'accès à la zone d'accès (18). Le relâchement du spéculum (10) depuis la position ouverte nécessite de trancher la bandelette (30), ce qui rend le spéculum (10) non réutilisable.
PCT/ZA2000/000023 1999-02-12 2000-02-11 Speculum Ceased WO2000047105A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU33990/00A AU3399000A (en) 1999-02-12 2000-02-11 Speculum

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA991132 1999-02-12
ZA99/1132 1999-02-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000047105A1 true WO2000047105A1 (fr) 2000-08-17

Family

ID=25587561

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/ZA2000/000023 Ceased WO2000047105A1 (fr) 1999-02-12 2000-02-11 Speculum

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3399000A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000047105A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3745992A (en) * 1971-08-12 1973-07-17 Medspecs Inc Speculum
FR2444450A1 (fr) * 1978-12-18 1980-07-18 Arts Tech Nles Speculum
US4432351A (en) * 1980-06-26 1984-02-21 Institute For Industrial Research And Standards Vaginal speculum

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3745992A (en) * 1971-08-12 1973-07-17 Medspecs Inc Speculum
FR2444450A1 (fr) * 1978-12-18 1980-07-18 Arts Tech Nles Speculum
US4432351A (en) * 1980-06-26 1984-02-21 Institute For Industrial Research And Standards Vaginal speculum

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3399000A (en) 2000-08-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US12471758B2 (en) Sleeve for speculum and use thereof
US6036638A (en) Vaginal sleeve
US5569288A (en) Safety penetrating instrument
US5464409A (en) Uterine manipulator and protector
US5681265A (en) Cylindrical anal retractor
JP4939433B2 (ja) 検鏡におけるまたはこれに関する改良
US6976992B2 (en) Dual-function medical instrument
US6096046A (en) Surgical instrument
US5749886A (en) Disposable guarded finger scalpel for inserting a line in a patient and blade therefor
US5545175A (en) Disposable quarded finger scalpel for inserting a line in a patent and lock off therefor
EP0980677B1 (fr) Canule utilisée pour l'introduction d'instruments chirurgicaux
US5370647A (en) Tissue and organ extractor
US20050234481A1 (en) Suture cutting device
US12251079B2 (en) Applicator and sleeve accessory for a speculum and use thereof
RU2604948C2 (ru) Усовершенствованный хирургический инструмент, такой как расширитель
US5275177A (en) Urinary catheterization drape and associated method
WO2000047105A1 (fr) Speculum
ZA200105154B (en) Speculum.
KR102070904B1 (ko) 흉강용 트로카
US12484932B2 (en) Laparoscopic hysterectomy specimen retrieval device
US20240398442A1 (en) Laparoscopic hysterectomy specimen retrieval device
CN120641033A (zh) 手术耳窥器
NZ743602A (en) Sleeve for speculum and use thereof
HK1195865B (en) Surgical instrument

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2001/05154

Country of ref document: ZA

Ref document number: 200105154

Country of ref document: ZA

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
DPE2 Request for preliminary examination filed before expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)