US1763939A - Surgical instrument - Google Patents

Description

June 17, 1930. w, TREHARNE I 1,763,939

SURGICAL INSTRUMENVT Filed Sept. 12, 1925 Patented June 17, 1930 UNITED STTES THOMAS W. TREI-IARN E, OF XENIA PIKE, OHIO SURGICAL INSTRUMENT Application filed September The present invention relates to surgical instruments particualrly adapted for use in obstetrical work.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide a simple instrument for effectively lubricating the uterine, and like parts, particularly during obstetrical work.

Other objects will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1 and 2 are front and side elevations respectively of the instrument, parts being shown in section for the purpose of clearer illustration; and

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross section on the line 33 of Fig 1.

Referring to the drawings, showing the lubricating instrument as a whole, designates the stem portion, which merges at its 29 forward end into the flattened or blade portion 21, the instrument having the general outline of a knife.

The body of the instrument is hollow being provided with a longitudinal passage or duct 22 the rearward portion of which is of circular cross section where it passes through the stem 20 and the forward portion of which is flattened corresponding preferably, though not necessarily, with the cross sec- 39 tion of the blade portion of the instrument. As shown in Fig. 1, the front end of the blade portion is sealed and the corners and edges of the blade portion are rounded so that the blade of the instrument may be inserted without harm to the patient. To express lubricant to the desired parts, the instrument is provided with a number of ducts or passages for the escape of the lubricant from the interior of the instrument to the exterior thereof, these ducts preferably opening through the edges of the blade. In the form of the invention illustrated there is a central duct 23 opening through the front edge of the blade and lateral ducts or passages 24 opening through the side edges of the blade, the lateral ducts 24: being inclined forwardly at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the instrument, although this is not necessary.

The rearward end of the stem 20 is pro- 12, 1925. Serial no. 55,978.

vided at 25 with a screw-threaded portion or other form of detachable connection for placing the central duct or passage 22 in communication with a source of suitable lubricant. While various lubricants may be employed, the one preferred is petroleum jelly or other form of semi-solid lubricant of the types known commercially as Vaseline or unguentine, which will adhere to the surfaces to which applied to form a lubricating and protective coating thereon and which have sufficient body to function satisfactorily. The screw-threaded coupling 25 herein illustrated is adapted to screw onto the neck of a small collapsible sealed tube containing the lubricant, so that by merely pressing the tube the lubricant may be forced through the passage 22 and out through ducts 23, 24: of the instrument with considerable pressure.

To use this instrument the blade is carefully inserted between the head or other part of the body of the child and the wall of the uterus to the desired depth and then withdrawn, lubricant being expressed as the blade is being withdrawn. This operation is repeated as often as is necessary to thoroughly lubricate the walls of the uterus and adjacent parts through which the child passes, interiorly of the constrictions tending to retard delivery. The instrument is preferably formed of material which is normally rigid yet capable of being bent, whereby it may be bent by the operator to the shape best suited to the particular patient. It is preferable to use the instruments in pairs one being shaped for the right side and the other for the left side, although it will be understood that lubrication may be accomplished by a single instrument if desired. One very satisfactory material is hard rubber which is sufliciently rigid, normally, and yet may be readily bent and shaped when heated. Where such material is used a reinforcing rib 26 is preferably provided about the end receiving the lubricant container.

The present invention provides a simple and reliable means for lubricating the uterus, thereby greatly facilitating the ease and speed of delivery, it being particularly beneficial in relieving what are known as dry cases. A further advantage resultmg from the use of the present invention is that the passages through which the child passes may be completely covered by the lubricant which, in addition to providing proper lubrication,also forms an antiseptlc and protec-.

tive coating that protects the childagainst infection from the walls of the passages.

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

- What isclaimed is:

1; An intrauterine lubricator adapted for obstetrical use comprising a body having a hollow blade portion having a duct opening at the narrow edge of the blade for the conveyance of lubricant.

2. An intra uterine lubricator adapted for obstetrical use comprising a normally rigid body having a hollow stem portion and a hollow blade portion in extension of said signature.

stemportion, said blade portion having ducts therein for the conveyance of lubricant opening through the narrow side edges thereof,

the forward end ofsaid blade portion being rounded at the corners and edges thereof.

In testimony whereof I hereto aflix my THOMAS w. TREHARNE.

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