WO2024096906A1

WO2024096906A1 - Lightweight, portable pelvic exam device

Info

Publication number: WO2024096906A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/079199
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pamela Gilley
Original assignee: Schnell Medical Llc
Priority date: 2022-11-03
Filing date: 2022-11-03
Publication date: 2024-05-10

Abstract

A new and useful device is provided, which is lightweight for convenient transport or storage, and is readily used atop existing surfaces in the environment such as a bed and maintains a patient in a dorsal or modified lithotic position for a pelvic examination or procedure. The device comprises a substantially wedge shaped prismatic base with a concave semispherical well along the front surface, over which a patient orients her vulva to create a theatre in which the examiner may observe the anatomy, operate ancillary tools and perform an indicated procedure or exam. Stirrup assemblies may be utilized in concert with the device to support the patient's feet and keep her knees spaced apart from each other and legs in an abducted position. Additionally, the device may contain drawer moveably attached into an aperature in the device, which can be opened or closed and houses therein ancillary tools.

Description

LIGHTWEIGHT, PORTABLE PELVIC EXAM DEVICE

BACKGROUND

[0001] OB/GYN examinations are usually conducted with the patient lying supine in either a dorsal or modified lithotomy position on a dedicated pelvic examination table. The currently used examination tables are generally large, heavy, and designed to be kept in a fixed location. They are not easily transported from location to location; the immobile character of pelvic examination tables requires that patients be moved to the dedicated exam room and onto the table.

[0002] There is a deficiency in the existing and prior art wherein there are no lightweight portable pelvic exam tables or devices that can be carried from exam room to exam room and used easily in concert with existing hospital beds, exam tables or furniture.

[0003] Oftentimes, gynecological examinations must be performed when a proper gynecological exam table is not available. In some cases, pillows or bedpans are used to elevate the patient's buttocks to simulate the lithotomy position. This is often uncomfortable for the patient and many times non- hygienic. Further the use of stacked rigid objects such as bedpans creates a safety hazard as the weight of the patient may cause the items to shift, dislodge or collapse. Without a gynecological exam table and without resorting to the aforementioned unsafe and possibly-septic options, the examiner must attempt to perform a pelvic exam while the patient is on a flat examination table or bed. This maintains the patient in a flat, supine orientation which makes the pelvic exam difficult or impossible to perform. Without the patient in a dorsal or modified lithotomy position, the examiner encounters more difficulty to view the anatomy of the patient and maintain and use the accompanying devices — speculums, swabs, lights, etc. — in a fashion that is comfortable for the patient and effective for the indicated procedure.

[0004] Although wheeled portable pelvic exam carts exist, they are still very large, heavy — approximately one-half the size of a medical bed — and expensive. Portable pelvic exam carts resemble small beds and are moved on wheels from room to room. They are reportedly uncomfortable for the patient and practitioner to use. Also, because they are quite expensive, it makes it unlikely for a medical center or hospital to have more than one.

[0005] There is an OB/GYN chair disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,817. The chair disclosed in the patent is collapsible, intended to be mobile and is essentially a reclining folding chair. However, the chair is still a dedicated and bulky option. It is not intended to be used on top of an existing bed or table upon which the patient may already be laying. The chair still requires the patient to move from a bed and onto the dedicated device. This does not solve the problem posed by patients who are immobile. The chair also requires manipulation in order to unfold the chair and properly engage it for use. This requires extra steps before the device can be used and can impose a safety hazard if it is not assembled correctly prior to use. Furthermore, this chair, when in use by a patient, holds her in a reclining position only a few feet from the ground — approximately the height of the seat of the chair. If this chair is used, the examiner would have to kneel or squat to perform the procedure. Overall this chair does not seem to address portability, ease of use and patient mobility in a similar manner as the present disclosure.

[0006] In the applicant's experience, there is a need for an OB/GYN examination device which is 1) light-weight, 2) easily transportable by one person to the patient, 3) can be used on existing beds or tables, 4) is adapted to house necessary tools for examination procedures, 5) requires little or no assembly prior to use, and 6) is comfortable and safe for the patient. Embodiments of the present disclosure are believed to accomplish all of the foregoing objectives.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present description will be understood more fully when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of various examples of the Lightweight, Portable Pelvic Exam Device. The description is not meant to limit the lightweight, portable exam device to the specific examples. Rather, the specific examples depicted and described are provided for explanation and understanding of the lightweight, portable pelvic exam device. Throughout the description the drawings may be referred to as drawings, figures, and/or FIGs.

[0008] The present description will be understood more fully when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of various examples of a lightweight, portable exam device. The description is not meant to limit the a lightweight, portable exam device to the specific examples. Rather, the specific examples depicted and described are provided for explanation and understanding of a lightweight, portable exam device. Throughout the description the drawings may be referred to as drawings, figures, and/or FIGs.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lightweight portable pelvic exam device according to the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a lightweight portable pelvic exam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a drawer with door cover and sidewalls according to an alternate embodiment of the device;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a stirrup according to an alternate embodiment of the device; [0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a stirrup according to an alternate embodiment of the device; [0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a stirrup according to an alternate embodiment of the device;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a system level view of a lightweight portable pelvic exam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is in use by the patient;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lightweight portable pelvic exam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a front view of a lightweight portable pelvic exam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a top view of a lightweight portable pelvic exam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a top view of a lightweight portable pelvic exam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a lightweight portable pelvic exam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021] FIG. 13 is a side view of a lightweight portable pelvic exam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals may be used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. In some instances identical reference numbers will not correspond to identical elements. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one aspect may be beneficially utilized on other aspects without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] A lightweight, portable pelvic exam device as disclosed herein will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various embodiments of lightweight, portable exam device. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein.

[0024] The present disclosure provides a new and useful portable pelvic exam device which is lightweight, easily transportable, and can be used on existing beds or tables to support an OB/GYN patient in a dorsal or modified lithotomy position for examination or procedure. This device is believed to be useful in hospitals and clinics, wherein OB/GYN examinations may need to be performed, wherein few or no full-size, dedicated pelvic exam tables are available, or in environments where budget or space restrictions require a more frugal or temporary option. A device according to the present disclosure is also believed to be favorable for use with immobile patients or in emergency situations. There is additional need for improvements in the device’s stirrup design to allow for the stirrup to free-move to best avoid occlusion or clunkiness in storage or portability and for maximum comfortability in use of the stirrups by the patient. The following description and accompanying drawings disclose at least one version of such a device.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to FIGs. 1 - 2 and FIGs. 7 - 13, there is shown a portable lightweight pelvic exam device comprising a prismatic base 101 having a top surface 102. A concave semispherical well 103 is formed at an edge formed by the nexus of the top surface 102 and the front surface of the prismatic base 101 and is approximately located in the center of the front surface, centered along the longitudinal axis of the device. The concave semispherical well 103 and its corners should be smooth so as not to negatively contact the patient. [0026] Referring to FIG. 7, a cushion may be removably attached to the top surface of the device. The top surface 102 is angularly disposed to create an incline upon which a patient can be supported in a dorsal or modified lithotomy position. To conduct an examination, the device is transported to an examining room or area. The device is placed on an existing supporting surface, for example a bed or table. The front surface of the prismatic base lOlis aligned substantially near and parallel to an edge of the underlying supporting surface, bed or table. Stirrup assemblies 401 are pivotally attached to side arms 109 that are attached to the prismatic base 101 of the device. A patient is then presented onto the device lying with her back on the removably attached cushion. A portion of her body may also be supported by the underlying supporting surface. Her vulva or pelvic floor is aligned with the upper edge of the front surface, and presents above the semispherical concave well 103 to create a theater within which the examiner may conduct an examination, manipulate tools and observe the anatomy. The patient’s feet are placed in the stirrups 404 which have been previously adjusted to fit the patient. Throughout the examination, the feet remain in the stirrups 404 and the legs in an abducted position, knees apart from each other, to maximize access and visibility for the examiner.

[0027] Referring to FIGs. 8 and 12, the examiner, when seated between the patient’s legs or oriented to face the front surface of the prismatic base 101, the semispherical concave well 103 and the anatomy of the patient, may optionally open the drawer 110 that is mounted on rails to an aperture in the front surface of the prismatic base 101. The examiner may open the drawer by conventional means and then may withdraw indicated ancillary tools from interior compartments that are in the drawer and which may be formed by a plurality of dividers. The examiner may close the drawer again by conventional means. With the patient presented atop the device and indicated tools in hand, the examiner then may conduct a pelvic exam or other procedure with aid of the device. When the examination is done, the patient dismounts the device, the examiner secures the drawer 110, optionally removes the stirrup assemblies 401 and transports the device to the next area of use or storage.

[0028] In further detail, still referring to the embodiment recited in FIGs. 1 - 2 and FIGs. 7 - 13, the dimensions of the top surface 102 of the device are sufficiently wide and long to comfortably support a patient reclining upon it. The dimensions of the top surface 102 can be any size but is envisioned to be about 12 to 48 inches long along the longitudinal axis and 12 to 36 inches wide along a horizontal axis between more than one side surface of the prismatic base 101. The top surface 102 and the removably attached cushion thereon comfortably support the patient's pelvis and hips in a position aligned with the horizontal edge formed at a nexus between the front surface of the prismatic base 101 and the top surface 102. The cushion can be affixed to the top surface 102 of the prismatic base 101 by hook and loop tape, screws, clips, straps or any existing equivalent. On the underside of the top surface, support ribs running substantially perpendicular to the underside of the top surface provide support for the top surface. The prismatic base 101 may be attached to the environment by a plurality of straps sufficiently wide and long to stably attach the device to an existing support surface in the environment. The attaching means can be straps, cords, ropes, vinyl belts, chains or any equivalent known to those skilled in the art and can be any length but preferably at least three times the width of the accompanying device. The length of the top surface 102 is envisioned to be a length that maximizes portability of the device, and comfort and stability for the patient. An envisioned embodiment supports only the pelvis and hips of the patient, while other embodiments of the device may provide support along the entire spine of the patient.

[0029] The patient's perineum, vulva or pelvic floor is supported above the semispherical well 103. The dimensions of the front surface of the prismatic base 101, height and width, can be any measure, but preferably within the range of 1 inch to 36 inches. One embodiment of the disclosure has a front surface of the prismatic base 101 whose height is 10 inches, thereby lifting the patient's perineum, and hips 10 inches above the surface of the underlying supporting surface, table or bed.

[0030] The top surface 102 and bottom surface of the prismatic base 101 are angularly disposed to create an incline that maintains the patient in a dorsal or modified lithotomy position. This angle of incline depends on the dimensions of the top surface 102 and the front surface of the prismatic base 101. The angle of incline can measure any degrees, but is preferably within a range of 0 to 90 degrees. [0031] In one embodiment, the drawer 110 can be any size but is preferable to be smaller in dimension than the corresponding front surface of the prismatic base 101 within which the drawer is mounted. The aperture is preferably marginally larger than the inserted drawer 110.

[0032] The construction details of the present disclosure as shown in FIGs. 1 - 2 and FIGs. 7 - 13 are that the prismatic base 101, side arms 108, 109, and hinge mechanisms may be made of plastic or any other rigid, strong yet lightweight material. The cushion may be made of rubberized foam or any other material that is flexible and is comfortable for the patient to present herself upon. It is preferable, but not a necessary feature, that the cushion be covered in a non-porous and easily-cleaned material such as plastic or vinyl. Further the remaining components of the disclosure, including the drawer 110, the rails, the stirrup assemblies 401, and/or the hinge mechanisms can be made of metal or any other rigid and strong material.

[0033] In another embodiment of the disclosure, referring to FIG. 2, a pair of hinge mechanisms are displaced within the distal corners of the prismatic base 101, the pair of hinge mechanisms being comprised of a hinge pin 206, a hinge washer 207, and a hinge base 205. The hinge pin 206 of each separate corner is in communication with the side arms both left side arm 208 and right side arm 209. This enables the side arms to fold or collapse over one another into the prismatic base 101. In another embodiment the side arms 208, 209, are retractable and may retract into the prismatic base 101 along with the hinge mechanism. In another embodiment where the prismatic base 101 does not contain a retractably mounted drawer 110 the side arms 208, 209 may inwardly fold in half some distance along each side arm 208, 209 utilizing a similar hinge mechanism displaced within each side arm 208, 209. Collapsible and/or retractable side arms 208, 209 enable further portability, ease of storage, and ease of set up for each patient encounter.

[0034] In another embodiment of the disclosure, referring to FIG. 11 in addition to FIGs. 1 and 3, the device may contain a drawer 110 with a front plate 302 and side walls 301 of relative length, and a drawer cover 104. The drawer in toto is mounted to the prismatic base 101 on sliding rails. A drawer cover 4 rests on top of the side walls 1 and controls movement of kits, speculum, and ancillary tools stored in the drawer 4. The drawer cover 4 improves storage optimization and provides utility during transport.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to FIGs. 4 - 6, 10 and 13, the stirrup assembly 401, 501, 601 is comprised of a stirrup mount 406, 506, 606, a stirrup press button 402, 502, 602, a stirrup button 403, 503, 603 a stirrup 404, 504, 604, a torsion spring 605, a linear coil spring 606, a stirrup bolt 607, and a hex nut 608. The stirrup assembly 401 provides for increased displacement of the stirrup 404 by the patient for maximizing patient fit within the device and patient comfort. In FIGs 4 to 5, stirrup press button 402, 502 is contained within the stirrup mount 406, 506 on its outer wall in communication with the stirrup button 403, 503 wherein the OB/GYN may depress the stirrup press button 402, 502 which removes the stirrup button from its locked disposition within the stirrup mount 406, 506 and releases and/or unlocks the stirrup assembly 401, 501 from the side arms 108, 109. Referring to FIG 13, in the unlocked position, the stirrup assembly 401 may move along the side arms 108, 109 to another locking position along the side arms, which enables the OB/GYN to adjust the patient’s fit within the device with ease.

[0036] The previously described versions of the present disclosure have many advantages, including and without limitation, the properties of being i) light-weight, ii) easily transportable by one person to the patient, iii) can be used on existing beds or tables, iv) is adapted to house necessary tools for examination procedures, v) requires little or no assembly prior to use and vi) is comfortable and safe for the patient. The device of the present disclosure is believed to accomplish all of the foregoing objectives. The present disclosure does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment.

[0037] A feature illustrated in one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature illustrated in another of the figures. Similarly, a feature described in connection with one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature described in connection with another of the figures. The same or similar features may be noted by the same or similar reference characters unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, the description of a particular figure may refer to a feature not shown in the particular figure. The feature may be illustrated in and/or further described in connection with another figure.

[0038] Elements of processes (i.e. methods) described herein may be executed in one or more ways such as by a human, by a processing device, by mechanisms operating automatically or under human control, and so forth. Additionally, although various elements of a process may be depicted in the figures in a particular order, the elements of the process may be performed in one or more different orders without departing from the substance and spirit of the disclosure herein.

[0039] The foregoing description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several implementations. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some implementations may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present implementations. Thus, the specific details set forth above are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present implementations.

[0040] Related elements in the examples and/or embodiments described herein may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity and clarity, related elements may not be redundantly explained. Instead, the use of a same, similar, and/or related element names and/or reference characters may cue the reader that an element with a given name and/or associated reference character may be similar to another related element with the same, similar, and/or related element name and/or reference character in an example explained elsewhere herein. Elements specific to a given example may be described regarding that particular example. A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a given element need not be the same and/or similar to the specific portrayal of a related element in any given figure or example in order to share features of the related element.

[0041] It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the present implementations should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0042] The foregoing disclosure encompasses multiple distinct examples with independent utility. While these examples have been disclosed in a particular form, the specific examples disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter disclosed herein includes novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above both explicitly and inherently. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims is to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more of such elements.

[0043] As used herein “same” means sharing all features and “similar” means sharing a substantial number of features or sharing materially important features even if a substantial number of features are not shared. As used herein “may” should be interpreted in a permissive sense and should not be interpreted in an indefinite sense. Additionally, use of “is” regarding examples, elements, and/or features should be interpreted to be definite only regarding a specific example and should not be interpreted as definite regarding every example. Furthermore, references to “the disclosure” and/or “this disclosure” refer to the entirety of the writings of this document and the entirety of the accompanying illustrations, which extends to all the writings of each subsection of this document, including the Title, Background, Brief description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, and any other document and/or resource incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] As used herein regarding a list, “and” forms a group inclusive of all the listed elements. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and D is an example that includes A, includes B, includes C, and also includes D. As used herein regarding a list, “or” forms a list of elements, any of which may be included. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, or D is an example that includes any of the elements A, B, C, and D. Unless otherwise stated, an example including a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude other examples that include various combinations of some or all of the alternatively-inclusive elements. An example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements includes at least one element of the listed elements. However, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes all of the listed elements. And, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes a combination of some of the listed elements. As used herein regarding a list, “and/or” forms a list of elements inclusive alone or in any combination. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and/or D is an example that may include: A alone; A and B; A, B and C; A, B, C, and D; and so forth. The bounds of an “and/or” list are defined by the complete set of combinations and permutations for the list.

[0045] Where multiples of a particular element are shown in a FIG., and where it is clear that the element is duplicated throughout the FIG., only one label may be provided for the element, despite multiple instances of the element being present in the FIG. Accordingly, other instances in the FIG. of the element having identical or similar structure and/or function may not have been redundantly labeled. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize based on the disclosure herein redundant and/or duplicated elements of the same FIG. Despite this, redundant labeling may be included where helpful in clarifying the structure of the depicted examples.

[0046] The Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed examples that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Examples embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same example or a different example and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the examples described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A portable pelvic exam device, comprising: a substantially wedge shaped prismatic base defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces extending upwards from the bottom surface, and a front surface, wherein the top surface and bottom surface are angularly disposed to create an incline that supports a patient in a dorsal or modified lithotomy position; a semispherical concave well located approximately in the center of an edge formed at the nexus of the top surface and the front surface of the prismatic base and is defined by edges of a curve cut into the top surface and the front surface of the prismatic base; a cushion demountably attached to the top surface of the prismatic base; a drawer comprising a face plate, a plurality of side walls, a back wall and a floor, and having a plurality of interior compartments as defined by a plurality of dividers, a handle attached to the face plate, and a lock to keep the drawer closed while being transported or used, wherein the drawer is retractably mounted on a pair of rails into an aperature in the front surface of prismatic base, and is arranged to be withdrawn from front surface of prismatic base by practitioner exerting a pulling force and inserted by practitioner exerting a pushing force; and a pair of detachable stirrup assemblies pivotally mounted to the foldable side arms attached to the prismatic base by a hinge mechanism.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of support ribs running substantially perpendicular to the underside of the top surface to provide support for the top surface.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the prismatic base is made of lightweight and strong material such as plastic.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the cushion is covered in an impermeable and easily cleaned material such as vinyl or rubber.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of removable stirrup assemblies are pivotally mounted to the side walls of the prismatic base by a plurality of receiving adapters for mated fitting with stirrup assemblies.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the prismatic base has a hinge mechanism displaced within each of a distal comer of the front surface and in communication with the foldable side arms.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device has a means to attach the device to an environment.

8. The device as in claim 1 wherein: the top surface of the prismatic base has a length, perpendicular to the edge formed at the nexus of the top surface and the front surface, between 12 and 48 inches and has a width, parallel to the edge, between 12 and 36 inches; and the front surface of the prismatic base has a width, parallel to the edge, between 1 and 36 inches and has a height, perpendicular to the edge, of 10 inches.

9. A device, comprising: a substantially wedge shaped prismatic base defined by a top surface; a bottom surface; a plurality of side surfaces extending upwards from the bottom surface; a front surface, wherein the top surface and bottom surface are angularly disposed to create an incline that supports a patient in a dorsal or modified lithotomy position; a removable stirrup assembly pivotally mounted to each foldable side arm attached to the prismatic base by a hinge mechanism; and a semispherical concave well located approximately in the center of an edge formed at the nexus of the top surface and the front surface of the base and is defined by edges of a curve cut into the top surface and the front surface of the prismatic base, wherein a patient's perineum is aligned and flush with the front surface of the device and wherein the patient's perineum can be presented above the semispherical concave well which creates a theatre for a practitioner to conduct an examination.

10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a drawer retractably mounted on rails fixes to the prismatic based and further disposed into an aperture in the front surface of the prismatic base, the drawer comprising: a face plate; a handle attached to the face plate; a plurality of side walls; a drawer cover; and a back wall and a floor.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the drawer comprises a plurality of interior compartments as defined by a plurality of dividers.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the drawer has a lock to keep the drawer closed while device is being moved or used.

13. The device of claim 9, further comprising a pair of stirrup assemblies pivotably mounted to the foldable side arms attached to the prismatic base by a hinge mechanism.

14. The device of claim 9 wherein the detachable stirrup assembly is comprised of a mounting portion, a detachment portion, and a stirrup.

15. A method, comprising: transporting a device to an environment within which an exam is to be performed; placing the device on a stable surface; aligning a front surface of the device to be substantially parallel and close to an edge of the stable surface; presenting a patient to be examined; instructing the patient to mount the device and the stable surface so as to substantially align the patient's pelvic floor with the front surface of the device and above a semispherical concave well in a dorsal or modified lithotic position, wherein the patient's perineum is flush with the front surface of the device and presents itself above the semispherical concave well formed at the nexus of a top surface and the front surface of the device so as to make an ample theatre for an examiner to conduct an indicated procedure; positioning the examiner to face the pelvis and vulva of the patient, and front side of the device, whereby the indicated procedure can be performed and the anatomy observed; and performing the indicated examination or procedure.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising instructing the patient to place her feet on the stable surface with knees abducted.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the device comprises stirrup assemblies and further comprising instructing the patient to place her feet into the stirrup assemblies with knees abducted.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the device comprises a drawer and further comprising opening and closing the drawer as necessary to withdraw ancillary tools contained therein.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the device comprises a drawer, and further comprising: removing a stirrup assembly from one of each of a foldable sidearm and placing the stirrup assemblies within at least one of a plurality of interior compartments of the drawer; closing and locking the drawer; folding the foldable sidearms into a locked position against a front surface of the device; uncoupling the attaching means of the device from the environment; and transporting the device to a separate environment within which a separate exam is to be conducted.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the device comprises: folding the foldable sidearms with the stirrup assemblies attached into a locked position against a front surface of the device; uncoupling the attaching means of the device from the environment; and transporting the device to a separate environment within which a separate exam is to be conducted.