WO1998033431A1 - Medical speculum - Google Patents

Medical speculum Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998033431A1
WO1998033431A1 PCT/GB1998/000292 GB9800292W WO9833431A1 WO 1998033431 A1 WO1998033431 A1 WO 1998033431A1 GB 9800292 W GB9800292 W GB 9800292W WO 9833431 A1 WO9833431 A1 WO 9833431A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sleeve
speculum
jaws
parts
elongate parts
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1998/000292
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
James Richard Smith
Elizabeth Marie Carlin
Nicola Aileen Smith
Original Assignee
James Richard Smith
Elizabeth Marie Carlin
Nicola Aileen Smith
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 James Richard Smith, Elizabeth Marie Carlin, Nicola Aileen Smith filed Critical James Richard Smith
Priority to AU58735/98A priority Critical patent/AU733147B2/en
Priority to CA002279347A priority patent/CA2279347A1/en
Priority to JP53263698A priority patent/JP2001509706A/en
Priority to EP98902106A priority patent/EP0966223A1/en
Publication of WO1998033431A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998033431A1/en

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
    • A61B1/303—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 for the vagina, i.e. vaginoscopes
    • 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
    • A61B1/00131—Accessories for endoscopes
    • A61B1/00135—Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
    • 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

  • This invention is concerned with an improved medical speculum, and a sleeve therefor.
  • speculum In the performance of certain medical procedures and inspections on females, instruments are introduced through the vaginal canal. To facilitate such procedures it is usual to use a speculum to retract the walls of the vagina to form a clear passage for the instruments being employed.
  • a known form of speculum currently in common use comprises a pair of jaws which are adjustable, e.g. pivotally, between a closed condition to facilitate insertion into the vagina, and an open position in which the jaws are intended to retain the vaginal walls in a dilated condition.
  • the vaginal walls can prolapse through these openings into the interior of the passage formed through the speculum, whereby unobstructed free movement of the instruments through the passage is hindered.
  • the view of the cervix uteri may be hindered, thus for instance reducing the accuracy of cervical smear taking. In some instances it is important that contact between a medical instrument being used and the vaginal walls should be avoided.
  • the invention addresses the problem explained above and according to a first aspect resides in a speculum having elongate parts adjustable transversely to an open position, and elastic elements extending between the elongate parts for transversing gaps opened up therebetween when the parts are adjusted to the open position.
  • the elastic elements are provided by at least one annular elastic member extending about the elongate parts which may be the jaws of a conventional speculum.
  • a unitary sleeve of elastic material e.g. natural or synthetic rubber, such as polyurethane, neoprene or nitrile, is disposed around the jaws and is arranged to extend over at least a major part of the length of the jaws.
  • the invention resides in a sleeve of elastic material adapted to be applied over the jaws of a speculum for bridging openings which would otherwise be created between the jaws when they are moved apart.
  • the speculum sleeve is preferably a disposable item intended to be discarded after single use. It is conveniently provided in a rolled condition for ease of application to the jaws. To facilitate the rolling action the sleeve may be provided with a bead at one end (similar to the bead commonly found at the open end of a condom), and when correctly applied to the speculum jaws the bead lies adjacent the proximal ends of the jaws. If desired, e.g. for strengthening, beads could be provided at both ends and/or ribs formed by thicker material could be formed at spaced intervals along the sleeve.
  • Sleeves of different sizes can be provided according to the length and circumference of the jaws, but in most cases a sleeve length in the range of 3 to 8 cms, and more specifically, 4 to 7 cms, will be appropriate, and a lay flat width of about 1 to 4 cms, more particularly 2 to 3 cms will be acceptable, although it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these dimensions.
  • the material of the sleeve will be sufficiently elastic to enable the speculum jaws to be opened to their maximum expansion without risk of the sleeve mpturing. If desired the outer surface of the sleeve may be treated or coated to provide a reduced friction coating surface treatments or polymer coatings typically used to assist the donning of surgical gloves may be employed.
  • the speculum sleeves of the invention may be supplied in either sterile or non-sterile condition according to customer requirements.
  • Figure 1 shows in side elevation a vaginal speculum fitted with an elastic sleeve, in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 2 is a section taken along the line II-II in Figure 1.
  • the vaginal speculum illustrated in the drawing has a first jaw 1 integrally attached at its proximal end to an annular frame 3 from which extends an arm 4.
  • a second jaw 2 has its proximal end hinged to the frame for pivotal movement about a transverse axis 5.
  • the second jaw has an integral arm 6 which extends forwardly and downwardly at an angle to the arm 4.
  • the distal ends of the jaws are rounded.
  • a replaceable cylindrical elastic sleeve 10 is provided.
  • the sleeve,- which is made of elastomer, is formed with a bead 11 at one end and is initially supplied in a rolled condition, i.e. rolled up from the bead end.
  • the sleeve is applied to the speculum jaws 1,2 by placing the rolled sleeve over the distal ends of the jaws and then unrolling the sleeve so that it extends along a major part of the length of the jaws.
  • the sleeve 10 With the jaws closed, the sleeve is lightly stretched about the jaws to resist any tendency for the sleeve to ruck up when the jaws are introduced into the vagina in the closed condition.
  • the sleeve 10 stretches and the lateral openings that are formed between the jaws are covered by the sleeve elements 10A,10B extending between the jaws to prevent prolapse of tissue into the tunnel defined between the opened jaws. In this way it is ensured that the tunnel remains clear for unobstructed viewing or passage of medical instruments.
  • the sleeve 10 can be easily removed from the jaws 1,2 by rolling up from the beaded end.
  • the sleeve need not be a continuous film and it could have the form of an elastomeric mesh or be formed to provide a series of strip-like elements to bridge the openings between the speculum jaws.

Abstract

A speculum sleeve (10) is provided and consists of a sleeve of elastic material which is applied over the jaws (1, 2) of the speculum and which stretches when the jaws are opened so that sleeve portions (10A, 10B) span the openings between the jaws to prevent prolapse of tissue into the tunnel defined by the open jaws. The sleeve can be supplied in a rolled condition for ease of application and may have a bead (11) at one end to assist removal from the speculum jaws by rolling up the sleeve from the beaded end.

Description

Medical Speculum
This invention is concerned with an improved medical speculum, and a sleeve therefor.
In the performance of certain medical procedures and inspections on females, instruments are introduced through the vaginal canal. To facilitate such procedures it is usual to use a speculum to retract the walls of the vagina to form a clear passage for the instruments being employed. A known form of speculum currently in common use comprises a pair of jaws which are adjustable, e.g. pivotally, between a closed condition to facilitate insertion into the vagina, and an open position in which the jaws are intended to retain the vaginal walls in a dilated condition. When the jaws are expanded, lateral openings are created between the two jaws and, with some patients, the vaginal walls can prolapse through these openings into the interior of the passage formed through the speculum, whereby unobstructed free movement of the instruments through the passage is hindered. In addition, the view of the cervix uteri may be hindered, thus for instance reducing the accuracy of cervical smear taking. In some instances it is important that contact between a medical instrument being used and the vaginal walls should be avoided.
The invention addresses the problem explained above and according to a first aspect resides in a speculum having elongate parts adjustable transversely to an open position, and elastic elements extending between the elongate parts for transversing gaps opened up therebetween when the parts are adjusted to the open position.
Conveniently, the elastic elements are provided by at least one annular elastic member extending about the elongate parts which may be the jaws of a conventional speculum. Whilst a number of elastic collars positioned along the jaws could be used, most preferably a unitary sleeve of elastic material, e.g. natural or synthetic rubber, such as polyurethane, neoprene or nitrile, is disposed around the jaws and is arranged to extend over at least a major part of the length of the jaws. With the provision of such a sleeve, the expanded speculum with its jaws opened defines a tube which will ensure that the vaginal walls are effectively held against collapsing inwardly around the entire circumference. As a result improved visualisation of the cervix and ease of access for surgical and diagnostic procedures can be gained.
According to a second aspect the invention resides in a sleeve of elastic material adapted to be applied over the jaws of a speculum for bridging openings which would otherwise be created between the jaws when they are moved apart.
The speculum sleeve is preferably a disposable item intended to be discarded after single use. It is conveniently provided in a rolled condition for ease of application to the jaws. To facilitate the rolling action the sleeve may be provided with a bead at one end (similar to the bead commonly found at the open end of a condom), and when correctly applied to the speculum jaws the bead lies adjacent the proximal ends of the jaws. If desired, e.g. for strengthening, beads could be provided at both ends and/or ribs formed by thicker material could be formed at spaced intervals along the sleeve. Sleeves of different sizes can be provided according to the length and circumference of the jaws, but in most cases a sleeve length in the range of 3 to 8 cms, and more specifically, 4 to 7 cms, will be appropriate, and a lay flat width of about 1 to 4 cms, more particularly 2 to 3 cms will be acceptable, although it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these dimensions. The material of the sleeve will be sufficiently elastic to enable the speculum jaws to be opened to their maximum expansion without risk of the sleeve mpturing. If desired the outer surface of the sleeve may be treated or coated to provide a reduced friction coating surface treatments or polymer coatings typically used to assist the donning of surgical gloves may be employed. The speculum sleeves of the invention may be supplied in either sterile or non-sterile condition according to customer requirements.
A better understanding of the invention will be gained from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows in side elevation a vaginal speculum fitted with an elastic sleeve, in accordance with the invention, and Figure 2 is a section taken along the line II-II in Figure 1.
The vaginal speculum illustrated in the drawing has a first jaw 1 integrally attached at its proximal end to an annular frame 3 from which extends an arm 4. A second jaw 2 has its proximal end hinged to the frame for pivotal movement about a transverse axis 5. The second jaw has an integral arm 6 which extends forwardly and downwardly at an angle to the arm 4. The distal ends of the jaws are rounded. By squeezing together the arms 4,6, which together form a handle of the speculum, the jaws 1,2 are adjustable from a closed position in which they are substantially parallel, to an open position in which the jaws diverge towards their distal ends, as shown in Figure 1.
As so far described, the speculum is of known construction. According to the invention a replaceable cylindrical elastic sleeve 10 is provided. The sleeve,- which is made of elastomer, is formed with a bead 11 at one end and is initially supplied in a rolled condition, i.e. rolled up from the bead end. The sleeve is applied to the speculum jaws 1,2 by placing the rolled sleeve over the distal ends of the jaws and then unrolling the sleeve so that it extends along a major part of the length of the jaws. With the jaws closed, the sleeve is lightly stretched about the jaws to resist any tendency for the sleeve to ruck up when the jaws are introduced into the vagina in the closed condition. Upon the jaws being opened apart, as shown, by the arms 4,6 being squeezed together, the sleeve 10 stretches and the lateral openings that are formed between the jaws are covered by the sleeve elements 10A,10B extending between the jaws to prevent prolapse of tissue into the tunnel defined between the opened jaws. In this way it is ensured that the tunnel remains clear for unobstructed viewing or passage of medical instruments. When the inspection or procedure being carried out has been completed and the speculum has been withdrawn from the vagina, the sleeve 10 can be easily removed from the jaws 1,2 by rolling up from the beaded end.
Modifications to the invention are possible without departing from its scope. For example it may be mentioned that the sleeve need not be a continuous film and it could have the form of an elastomeric mesh or be formed to provide a series of strip-like elements to bridge the openings between the speculum jaws.

Claims

1. A speculum having parts (1 ,2) adjustable transversely to an open position, characterised in that elastic elements (10A,10B) are arranged to extend between the elongate parts to span gaps opened up therebetween when the parts are adjusted to the open position.
2. A speculum according to claim 1 , wherein the elements (10A,10B) are provided by an annular member (10) extending about the elongate parts.
3. A speculum according to claim 2, wherein the member (10) is removably mounted over the elongate parts (1,2).
4. A speculum according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the member is a sleeve (10) of elastic material.
5. A speculum according to claim 4, wherein the elongate parts (1,2) have free distal ends and proximal ends, and the sleeve has a bead (11) at the end thereof located adjacent to the proximal ends of the elongate parts.
6. A speculum according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface with reduced frictional properties.
7. A sleeve (10) of elastic material adapted to be applied removably over the jaws (1,2) of a speculum and to be stretched upon opening of the jaws for portions (10A,10B) of the sleeve to bridge openings which would otherwise be created between the jaws (1,2).
8. A speculum sleeve according to claim 7, wherein the sleeve (10) is supplied in a rolled condition for application to the speculum jaws (1,2) by being unrolled along the jaws from their distal ends.
9. A speculum sleeve according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the bead (11) is provided at the end of the sleeve to be located adjacent the proximal ends of the jaws.
10. A speculum sleeve according to claim 7 , 8 or 9, wherein the sleeve length is in the range of 3 to 8 cms.
11. A speculum sleeve according to any one of claims 7 to
10, wherein the sleeve has a lay flat width in the range of 1 to 4 cms.
12. A speculum sleeve according to any one of claims 7 to
11 , wherein the outer surface of the sleeve is treated or coated to provide reduced frictional properties at said surface.
PCT/GB1998/000292 1997-02-03 1998-01-30 Medical speculum WO1998033431A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU58735/98A AU733147B2 (en) 1997-02-03 1998-01-30 Medical speculum and a sleeve therefor
CA002279347A CA2279347A1 (en) 1997-02-03 1998-01-30 Medical speculum
JP53263698A JP2001509706A (en) 1997-02-03 1998-01-30 Medical speculum
EP98902106A EP0966223A1 (en) 1997-02-03 1998-01-30 Medical speculum

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9702147.1 1997-02-03
GBGB9702147.1A GB9702147D0 (en) 1997-02-03 1997-02-03 Medical speculum

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998033431A1 true WO1998033431A1 (en) 1998-08-06

Family

ID=10806991

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1998/000292 WO1998033431A1 (en) 1997-02-03 1998-01-30 Medical speculum

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0966223A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2001509706A (en)
AU (1) AU733147B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2279347A1 (en)
GB (1) GB9702147D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1998033431A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA98873B (en)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999066827A1 (en) * 1998-06-24 1999-12-29 University Of South Florida Lateral wall retractor vaginal speculum
WO2001034019A1 (en) 1999-11-11 2001-05-17 Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg Medical instrument that can be spread, especially a laryngoscope
EP1360928A1 (en) * 2002-05-07 2003-11-12 Richard Wolf GmbH Laryngoscope that can be spread
GB2388547A (en) * 2002-05-18 2003-11-19 Alexander Edosa Oboh Vaginal speculum sheath
WO2006049917A2 (en) * 2004-10-29 2006-05-11 Depuy Spine, Inc Expandable ports and methods for minimally invasive surgery
US7060029B1 (en) 2004-04-14 2006-06-13 Zoya, Inc. Speculum with attachable blades for lateral wall retraction
WO2010076555A1 (en) * 2008-12-29 2010-07-08 University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire Nhs Trust Instrument for dilating a cavity
WO2016059381A1 (en) * 2014-10-16 2016-04-21 Pelican Feminine Healthcare Ltd Sheathed speculum
WO2017117313A3 (en) * 2015-12-29 2017-08-10 CEEK Enterprises Sleeve for speculum and use thereof
US10456016B2 (en) 2017-05-05 2019-10-29 CEEK Enterprises Applicator for a speculum accessory sleeve and use thereof
US11147444B2 (en) 2015-12-29 2021-10-19 Ceek Women's Health, Inc. Speculum with secondary bills
US20220095898A1 (en) * 2015-12-29 2022-03-31 Ceek Women's Health, Inc. Insertable sleeve for speculum and use thereof
USD986415S1 (en) 2020-09-11 2023-05-16 Ceek Women's Health, Inc. Speculum

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0427506D0 (en) * 2004-12-15 2005-01-19 George Samuel Improvements in or relating to specula

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3841317A (en) * 1972-12-18 1974-10-15 G Awais Heat-insulating shield for speculum
US3866601A (en) * 1973-02-20 1975-02-18 James A Russell Telescopic speculum
DE4123418A1 (en) * 1991-07-15 1992-04-09 Alfred Dipl Ing Boeckmann HYPERTHERMY DEVICE
US5228851A (en) * 1991-10-01 1993-07-20 Burton Clarence E Single-use disposable prophylactic elastic sleeve

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3841317A (en) * 1972-12-18 1974-10-15 G Awais Heat-insulating shield for speculum
US3866601A (en) * 1973-02-20 1975-02-18 James A Russell Telescopic speculum
DE4123418A1 (en) * 1991-07-15 1992-04-09 Alfred Dipl Ing Boeckmann HYPERTHERMY DEVICE
US5228851A (en) * 1991-10-01 1993-07-20 Burton Clarence E Single-use disposable prophylactic elastic sleeve

Cited By (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6432048B1 (en) * 1998-06-24 2002-08-13 University Of South Florida Lateral wall retractor vaginal speculum
WO1999066827A1 (en) * 1998-06-24 1999-12-29 University Of South Florida Lateral wall retractor vaginal speculum
WO2001034019A1 (en) 1999-11-11 2001-05-17 Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg Medical instrument that can be spread, especially a laryngoscope
DE19954442A1 (en) * 1999-11-11 2001-06-13 Storz Karl Gmbh & Co Kg Expandable medical instrument, especially a laryngoscope
US6749563B2 (en) 1999-11-11 2004-06-15 Karl Storz Gmbh Co. Kg Medical instrument that can be spread, especially a laryngoscope
US7066881B2 (en) 2002-05-07 2006-06-27 Richard Wolf Gmbh Spreading laryngoscope
EP1360928A1 (en) * 2002-05-07 2003-11-12 Richard Wolf GmbH Laryngoscope that can be spread
GB2388547A (en) * 2002-05-18 2003-11-19 Alexander Edosa Oboh Vaginal speculum sheath
US7060029B1 (en) 2004-04-14 2006-06-13 Zoya, Inc. Speculum with attachable blades for lateral wall retraction
WO2006049917A3 (en) * 2004-10-29 2007-12-13 Depuy Spine Inc Expandable ports and methods for minimally invasive surgery
WO2006049917A2 (en) * 2004-10-29 2006-05-11 Depuy Spine, Inc Expandable ports and methods for minimally invasive surgery
US7594888B2 (en) 2004-10-29 2009-09-29 Depuy Spine, Inc. Expandable ports and methods for minimally invasive surgery
WO2010076555A1 (en) * 2008-12-29 2010-07-08 University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire Nhs Trust Instrument for dilating a cavity
WO2016059381A1 (en) * 2014-10-16 2016-04-21 Pelican Feminine Healthcare Ltd Sheathed speculum
US11147444B2 (en) 2015-12-29 2021-10-19 Ceek Women's Health, Inc. Speculum with secondary bills
WO2017117313A3 (en) * 2015-12-29 2017-08-10 CEEK Enterprises Sleeve for speculum and use thereof
US20220087512A1 (en) * 2015-12-29 2022-03-24 Ceek Women's Health, Inc. Sleeve for speculum and use thereof
US20220095898A1 (en) * 2015-12-29 2022-03-31 Ceek Women's Health, Inc. Insertable sleeve for speculum and use thereof
US11896201B2 (en) * 2015-12-29 2024-02-13 Ceek Women's Health, Inc. Insertable sleeve for speculum and use thereof
US11931002B2 (en) * 2015-12-29 2024-03-19 Ceek Women's Health, Inc. Sleeve for speculum and use thereof
US10456016B2 (en) 2017-05-05 2019-10-29 CEEK Enterprises Applicator for a speculum accessory sleeve and use thereof
US11395577B2 (en) 2017-05-05 2022-07-26 Ceek Women's Health, Inc. Applicator for a speculum accessory sleeve and use thereof
USD986415S1 (en) 2020-09-11 2023-05-16 Ceek Women's Health, Inc. Speculum

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ZA98873B (en) 1998-10-19
GB9702147D0 (en) 1997-03-26
AU733147B2 (en) 2001-05-10
CA2279347A1 (en) 1998-08-06
AU5873598A (en) 1998-08-25
JP2001509706A (en) 2001-07-24
EP0966223A1 (en) 1999-12-29

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