GB2578723A

GB2578723A - Vaginal speculum

Info

Publication number: GB2578723A
Application number: GB1818004.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gauden Neil
Original assignee: Robinson Healthcare Ltd
Current assignee: Robinson Healthcare Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-05
Filing date: 2018-11-05
Publication date: 2020-05-27
Also published as: GB201818004D0

Abstract

A vaginal speculum comprising a pair of pivotally connected components A and B, each of which comprises a handle 11, 13and a beak element 12, 14. In which the closed edges 26, 27 of the beak elements 12, 14, which face one another, are located inboard of the outer beak profile 28, so as to avoid pinching any body tissue during use of the speculum. The beak elements 12, 14 may blend seamlessly into the handles 11, 13. The speculum may comprise a threaded runner and locking nut mechanism. One of the handles may be formed with a dished recessed to receive the nut.

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 closed edges of the beak elements, which face one another, are located inboard of the outer beak profile, so as to avoid pinching any body tissue during use of the speculum.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a speculum, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the speculum, Figure 3 is a side view of the speculum, Figure 4 is a sectional view of the speculum along the line V-V of Figure 3, Figure 5 is another perspective view of the speculum, and Figure 6 is an enlarged view of part of the speculum.

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 at pivot point 10. 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 2, 3 and 5, towards their closed positions, the beak elements 12 and 14 will be opened.

The beak elements 12 and 14 blend seamlessly into the handles 11 and 13 ensuring that, on insertion of the speculum into a vagina, there is a smooth, comfortable surface in contact with the patient. This is particularly important if the speculum is rotated during insertion or when fully inserted into the vaginal cavity, thereby minimising discomfort whilst in contact with the mucosal surfaces of the vulva and the vaginal wall.

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 runner C is rotatably mounted within the handle 13 with the ends of the runner C fitting in pivot mountings 15. Handle 11 is formed with an opening 16 through which the threaded runner C is arranged to pass and upper and lower runner guides 17 and 18 are provided within the opening 16. There is a dished recess 19 in the rear handle 11 and the nut D sits within this recess 19 when the handles 11 and 13 are in their open positions.

There is a slightly larger diameter thread 20 at the end of the runner C adjacent the nut D and this end of the runner C is formed with upper and lower guide channels 21 and 22. There is a domed profile 23 at the end of the runner C (see Figure 2).

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 lubricating gel pockets which are designed specifically to retain lubricating gel applied to the speculum prior to insertion in a vagina. The enhanced flow, distribution and quantity of lubricating gel serves to effect a significant reduction in patient discomfort during insertion of the speculum.

As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the closed edges 26 and 27 of the beak elements 12 and 14, which face one another as shown in the drawings, 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 closed edges of the beak elements, which face one another, are located inboard of the outer beak profile, so as to avoid pinching any body tissue during use of the speculum.
2. A vaginal speculum as claimed in Claim 1, in which the profiles of the beak elements blend seamlessly into the handles.
3. A vaginal speculum as claimed in either of the preceding claims, which includes a threaded runner and locking nut mechanism for effective relative pivotal movement of the two elements and in which one of the handles is formed with a dished recess to receive the nut.