Abstract: A method and portable apparatus for the visual examination and grading of cervical epithelium by means of a hand-held colposcopy assembly capable of producing a digital image of the cervix. The present invention enables real-time imaging and archiving of images of the entire cervix for the purpose of detecting cancerous and pre-cancerous tissue and by virtue of computerized image processing suggests an objective diagnosis of the cervical epithelium by means of a low cost, portable, hand-held digital colposcope.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for glare removal in digital imaging of a cervix. The apparatus includes a digital camera operable to create first and second digital images having substantially the same field of view; lights associated with the camera for illuminating the cervix with light pulses emitted from two locations, and a digital processor. The light pulses are synchronized so the cervix is illuminated with a first pulse for the creation of the first image and the cervix is illuminated with a second pulse for the creation of the second image. First glare and first non-glare regions are created by the first pulse in the first image, and second glare and second non-glare regions are created by the second pulse in the second image. The processor creates a glare-free digital composite image by replacing the digital elements of the glare region of the first image with the corresponding digital elements from the non-glare region of the second image.

Abstract: An apparatus for digital colposcopy and videography comprises a digital imaging camera that is operably coupled to the optical path of the digital colposcope by means of a beam splitter so that a digital image of the cervico-vaginal tissue can be captured. The digital imaging camera and digital colposcope are mounted to one end of an articulating arm of the apparatus. A digital processing means is operably connected to the digital imaging camera to create a digital image. The digital processing means is housed in a stand of the assembly.

Abstract: A colpotomy assembly 10 is adapted for insertion into a vaginal cavity for use in female pelvic surgical procedures employing the inflation of an abdominal cavity with a gas to facilitate the accessability to and visibility of female pelvic organs. The assembly has a vaginal extender 20, a uterine manipulator 16 and a flexible occluder. The occluder being mounted on a shaft of the uterine manipulator such that it permits relative movement of the shaft 26 during use.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator and associated tip are provided for laparoscopic examinations. The manipulator hereof includes a handle pivotally connected to one end of an elongated frame and a drum positioned at the other end of the frame. The handle is connected to the drum to provide movement of the drum in a plane substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the handle. The handle may be locked relative to the frame in a plurality of desired positions by engagement of a pawl shiftable with the handle in one of a plurality of notches on the frame. The frame is provided with ports along the sides to facilitate cleaning and sterilization. The tip is mounted exclusively remotely to the frame of the uterine manipulator and includes a unique mounting system which maintains the proper orientation of the tip on the drum.