GB2578622A

GB2578622A - Vaginal speculum

Info

Publication number: GB2578622A
Application number: GB1817871.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Herring Gregory
Original assignee: Robinson Healthcare Ltd
Current assignee: Robinson Healthcare Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-01
Filing date: 2018-11-01
Publication date: 2020-05-20
Also published as: GB201817871D0

Abstract

A vaginal speculum comprising a pair of pivotally connected components A, B each of which comprises a handle 11, 13 and a beak element 12, 14. The presented surface of each of the beak elements 12, 14 is formed with a plurality of indents 30 for the retention of water or a lubricant. The indents may be generally elliptical with atraumatic radiused margins. The beak elements may have a contoured profile.

Description

Vaginal Speculum

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to vaginal specula and is concerned with the provision of an improved form of vaginal speculum.

A vaginal speculum is essentially a hand-operated medical device comprising a pair of pivotally connected components which are movable between closed and open positions and are used to facilitate access to the vaginal cavity, cervix and uterus for examination and interventional clinical procedures.

The components are typically shaped like beaks having handles and can incorporate a device such as a threaded nut and runner mechanism for holding the beaks in a desired relative position.

Many specula at present in use are made of metal and can be reusable. The present invention is, however, more specifically concerned with the provision of an improved design of single use vaginal speculum in which the pivotally connected components are formed as plastic mouldings. The speculum must possess sufficient mechanical strength to guide and retain the vaginal musculature in use.

The beaks are inserted into the vaginal cavity in their closed position and a lubricating gel or water is typically used to facilitate more comfortable insertion of the speculum. After insertion, a gentle force is applied to open the beaks within the vaginal cavity and, if a nut and runner mechanism is included, the nut can be rotated along the thread to rest securely against the adjacent handle, thereby holding the beaks in the required open position.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved form of vaginal speculum that provides enhanced clinical effectiveness, patient comfort, aesthetics and ergonomics.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a vaginal speculum comprising a pair of pivotally connected components each of which comprises a handle and a beak element and in which the presented surface of each of the beak elements is formed with a plurality of indents for the retention of water or a lubricant.

The lubricant may be a water-based lubricating gel.

The indents are preferably of generally elliptical configuration with atraumatic radiused margins and the beak elements preferably have a contoured profile to eliminate sharp or uncomfortable edges that might cause discomfort to the patient or the clinician.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vaginal speculum, Figure 2 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a side view of the vaginal speculum, and Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view along the line V-V of Figure 3.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

The speculum shown in the drawings includes two moulded plastic components A and B, a threaded runner C and a locking nut D. The two components A and B are pivotally connected. Component A comprises a handle 11 and a beak element 12, while component B comprises a handle 13 and a beak element 14. When the handles 11 and 13 are squeezed manually from their open positions, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, towards their closed positions, the beak elements 12 and 14 will be opened.

In use, the beak elements 12 and 14 are inserted into a vagina in their closed positions and then opened. Once the beak elements 12 and 14 have been opened to the required extent, they can be kept in this position by rotation of the nut D along the runner C. The outer surfaces of tip portions of the beak elements 12 and 14 are moulded with a precise pattern of small elliptical indents 30 with atraumatic radiused margins and these form pockets which are designed specifically to retain water or a lubricant such as a water-based lubricating gel applied to the speculum prior to insertion in a vagina. The enhanced flow, distribution and quantity of water or lubricating gel serves to effect a significant reduction in patient discomfort during insertion of the speculum.

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the closed edges 26 and 27 of the beak elements 12 and 14 are located inboard of the outer elliptical beak profile 28 to avoid pinching any body tissue during use of the speculum. This is of particular importance if the speculum is rotated after insertion in a vagina.

Claims

Claims:- 1. A vaginal speculum comprising a pair of pivotally connected components each of which comprises a handle and a beak element and in which the presented surface of each of the beak elements is formed with a plurality of indents for the retention of water or a lubricant.
2. A vaginal speculum as claimed in Claim 1, in which the indents are of generally elliptical configuration with atraumatic radiused margins.
3. A vaginal speculum as claimed in either of the preceding claims, in which the beak elements have a contoured profile to eliminate sharp or uncomfortable edges that might cause discomfort to a patient or a clinician.