Abstract: The invention relates to a vaginal speculum comprising two spoon blades, which are intended for insertion into the vagina, and which are elongated and are located along side and opposite one another;—are mutually hinging in a clamped plane and through the longitudinal direction between a closed and open position; in which a handle is provided with operating means, in which the speculum is constructed in modular fashion with a first and a second module, the first module comprising the spoon blades, and the second module comprising the handle, and in which—the speculum further comprises transmission means that connect the operating means to the spoon blades, for opening and/or closing the spoon blades by means of the operating means; and in which—the speculum comprises connecting means, for connecting the first and second module together is a disconnectable manner.

Abstract: A speculum provides visual access to a body cavity, and such instrument is used by physicians for vaginal examination. The speculum comprises a handle having a frontal portion and a rear portion slidingly secured to the frontal portion. A blade angle positioner is pivotally connected by a pivot connection in a top end portion of the handle rear portion, whereby to angulate a top blade removably secured to a top blade connector anchor at a forward projecting end of the blade angle positioner. The handle frontal portion has a bottom blade connector anchor in a top forward end portion thereof. The top and bottom blades each have a connecting end provided with clamp connectors for removable engagement with a respective one of the top and bottom blade connector anchors.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is disclosed comprising first and second arms, each arm having a utility end and a handle end; first and second blades connected to the utility end of the first and second arms, each blade being pivotally adjustable about the longitudinal axis of the utility end of the associated arm; the first and second arms are adjustably connected between a closed position and an open position. The surgical retractor has particular application as a vaginal speculum.

Abstract: A protective sheath assembly for a vaginal speculum assembly includes a disposable vaginal speculum and a reusable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to the speculum. The sheath assembly is attachable to the handle of said speculum to cover the illumination assembly while the speculum is in use and permits the illumination assembly to be easily released from the assembly following use.

Abstract: An adjustable weighted speculum for use during vaginal surgery to separate the vaginal walls. The speculum includes a telescopic blade including a primary blade having first and second ends and a recess extending therethrough, and a secondary blade having a first and second end telescopically positioned within the recess of the primary blade. A handle extends from the second end of the primary blade. A locking mechanism is contained within the handle and connected to the secondary blade for selectively moving the secondary blade or locking the secondary blade in position. A weighted element is releasably attached to the second end of the handle. A plurality of channels extend along a side of the secondary blade from the first end to a point along a length of the secondary blade and a single channel extending along the side of said secondary blade from the second end to the point along the length of the secondary blade wherein the single channel mates with the plurality of channels at the point.

Abstract: A disposable cover for the opposed blades of a vaginal speculum comprises a tube of sheet plastic or elastomeric material having an opening at one end of the tube to receive the opposed blades of a speculum and pouches adjacent to the open opposite end of the tube for receiving the tips of the speculum blades to prevent rolling back of the sheet tube during vaginal inspection. The ends of the tube adjacent to the pouches terminate in resilient pointed tips to ease insertion of the covered blades in the vaginal area. The sheet cover is preferably prelubricated for ease of use and to eliminate excess lubricant interfering with cervical cytology results or microbiology studies.

Abstract: A disclosed retraction device for gynecological surgery on a patient comprises, in one embodiment according to the invention, a frame hinged on a handle, the frame comprising a track; and at least one retractor slidably mounted on the track by a jig that does not contact the patient. The retraction device may be capable of being retained in position for surgery by the weight of the patient.

Abstract: A cover for a vaginal speculum that prevents the vaginal walls from collapsing and improves a physician's visibility during a surgical procedure or a gynecological examination is disclosed. The cover includes an elongated, generally tubular elastic sleeve made from a biocompatible mesh material. The sleeve has a proximal end and a distal end with an opening located at each end. The sleeve encircles and extends over the length of both of the arms of a vaginal speculum. Strings are located adjacent the proximal end of the sleeve and aid in the removal of the sleeve once the examination or procedure has been completed.

Abstract: A guide is provided for insertion into a surgical incision to create interior access along a preferred plane to an interior surgical site. After inserting the guide into an incision, a retractor or other tool may be inserted though the guide to the interior surgical site. The guide serves as a pathway for the retractor to the interior surgical site of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is disclosed comprising first and second arms, each arm having a utility end and a handle end; first and second blades connected to the utility end of the first and second arms, each blade being pivotally adjustable about the longitudinal axis of the utility end of the associated arm; the first and second arms are adjustably connected between a closed position and an open position. The surgical retractor has particular application as a vaginal speculum.

Abstract: A protective sheath assembly for a vaginal speculum assembly includes a disposable vaginal speculum and a reusable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to the speculum. The sheath assembly is attachable to the handle of said speculum to cover the illumination assembly while the speculum is in use and permits the illumination assembly to be easily released from the assembly following use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a vaginal speculum with a single-lens colposcope for use in a screening process for detecting mucosal abnormalities of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive cancer, e.g., in the vaginal cavity or on the external parts of the genitalia, as an addition to a Pap Smear screening process. The vaginal speculum is identical to a conventional speculum in its shape, dimensions, and function and differs from a conventional instrument only by having on the inner surface of the lower blade a small projection with a slot for guiding a single-loop colposcope. The latter consists of a tubular rod that can be slidingly inserted into the aforementioned slot and support on its distal end an optical lens. The lens may have a central opening for insertion of surgical instruments, e.g., a biopsy sampler. The proximal end of the tubular rod may support a rubber bulb for suction fluids from the distal end of the lower blade via the tubular rod.

Abstract: A disclosed retraction device for gynecological surgery on a patient comprises, in one embodiment according to the invention, a frame hinged on a handle, the frame comprising a track; and at least one retractor slidably mounted on the track by a jig that does not contact the patient. The retraction device may be capable of being retained in position for surgery by the weight of the patient.

Abstract: A speculum (1) for internal examination of a body cavity such as a vagina (25), comprising at least two spoons (3,4), each comprising a spoon blade that can be inserted in the body cavity (25), which spoons (3,4) attached to one another via a hinge pin (7) and are hingeable between a closed position in which the spoon blades (3,4) are essentially in contact with one another and a spread position in which the spoon blades (3,4) are some distance apart, and at least one operating handle (5) which is located outside the body cavity (25) during use, a body rest being provided which, in conjunction with the operating handle (5), effects spreading of the spoon blades.

Abstract: A surgical speculum for use for vaginal insertion that may be used for treatment of a bartholin gland is provided. The speculum has a pair of blades in facing relation to one another and each having a distal end and a proximal end. The blades each undergo an angular transition at a point between their distal ends and their proximal ends. At least one of the blades has an opening in its center that extends on either side of the angular transition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a vaginal speculum with a single-lens colposcope for use in a screening process for detecting mucosal abnormalities of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive cancer, e.g., in the vaginal cavity or on the external parts of the genitalia, as an addition to a Pap Smear screening process. The vaginal speculum is identical to a conventional speculum in its shape, dimensions, and function and differs from a conventional instrument only by having on the inner surface of the lower blade a small projection with a slot for guiding a single-loop colposcope. The latter consists of a tubular rod that can be slidingly inserted into the aforementioned slot and support on its distal end an optical lens. The lens may have a central opening for insertion of surgical instruments, e.g., a biopsy sampler. The proximal end of the tubular rod may support a rubber bulb for suction fluids from the distal end of the lower blade via the tubular rod.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum includes a handle having a fixed duckbill part disposed on top, a frame adjustably secured to the handle and having a rearward extending bolt. Another or a movable duckbill part is pivotally secured to the frame and includes a hand grip having an oblong hole for receiving the bolt, and a lock nut is threaded to the bolt for securing the hand grip to the frame. A light device is secured to the frame or the duckbill parts for lighting an area between the duckbill parts when the duckbill parts are opened from each other.

Abstract: The disposable speculum with included light and complementary mechanisms for examination and gynecological surgery is a device used for medical and surgical procedures in the vagina, neck level and the uterus. It has two separate sheets joined in their own handles; the upper sheet has three cuts to evacuate the gases and smoke produced on the surgery area. It also has a light bulb to give clarity on the surgery area, to optimize the visibility with aluminum reflexive cover; the lower sheet has three cuts connected among themselves for an internal central channel, to evacuate the blood and fluids coming from the surgical area; the upper sheet's handle has some buttons to activate an opening and close mechanism of these sheets.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device camera is removably mounted in a adaptor and the adaptor is removably mounted in the viewing aperture of a speculum. The camera is connected to a display device, such as a video monitor, by a cable. At least one high-intensity light is also mounted in the adaptor with the axis of the light parallel to that of the camera. The light is connected to an adjustable power source by a power supply cord. In one embodiment of the invention, a cervical positioner is provided to allow the physician to align the patient's cervix with the camera's axis for optimal viewing.

Abstract: A speculum (18) including a combined first speculum blade and handle portion (20), a combined second speculum blade and link portion (62), a speculum handle portion and a plurality of combined ribs and links (76). Each of the combined ribs and links (76) is movably coupled to the combined first speculum blade and handle portion (20) and to the combined second speculum blade and link portion (62) to movably couple the combined first speculum blade and handle portion (20) to the combined second speculum blade and link portion (62). The speculum handle portion (46) is movably coupled to the combined first speculum blade and handle portion (20) and to the combined second speculum blade and link portion (62) to actuate the combined first speculum blade and handle portion (20) and the combined second speculum blade and link portion (62) relative to each other between a first orientation (illustrated in FIG.

Abstract: An improved vaginal speculum including a handle and a dilator in which the dilator is preferably positioned at an angle less than 180 degrees with respect to the handle. The dilator preferably includes a first, shorter dilator member and a second, longer dilator member wherein the shorter dilator member is positioned between the longer member and the handle which may be disposed above the patient during use, thereby facilitating examination of a patient position on a horizontal surface such as a bed.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum consists of two pivotally interconnected disconnectable parts. Each part slidingly supports a movable blade moveable in the longitudinal direction of the speculum. In addition to longitudinal movement, one of the blades can be moved circumferentially. Each blade can be completely withdrawn from the speculum, even during the procedure, i.e., without removing the speculum from the vagina. As a result, the same speculum can be used in procedures requiring both as well as only one blade. Furthermore, the entire upper part of the speculum, i.e., the guide portion together with the removable blade, can be completely disconnected from the speculum without removing the latter from the vagina. The remaining lower part can be used as a spatula. Circumferential displacement of one of the blades in both directions makes it possible to observe the vaginal cavity over the entire periphery without rotating the entire speculum or replacing it with another tool.

Abstract: A surgical instrument of the type used for visualizing and carrying out different medical procedures within cavities in the body. The device comprises two rigid blades fitted for retracting tissue layers of the cavity thus foaming a path between the blades with a film of flexible and non elastic material ending between corresponding edges of the blades giving rise to side walls preventing collapse of tissue into the path between the blade.

Abstract: The method of the invention for measuring positions and dimensions of vaginal prolapses is carried out with the use of a vaginal speculum having at least one removable with a scale. Measurements are carried out by manipulating the pivotally connected parts and the removable blade by inserting the moveable blade into the vagina of a female patient until contact with the reference point, e.g., the top of the cervix, and reading the number on the scale for determining the distance L1 from the reference point to the top of the cervix. The speculum is then withdrawn in a direction away from the cervix and expanded by rotating the pivotal parts for exposing the wall of the vagina on the side of the completely removable blade for observation. The exposed prolapse is evaluated with regard to its severity. The removable blade is shifted to the tip of said prolapse, and the distance L2from the reference point to the tip of the prolapse is determined with the use of the scale.

Abstract: A surgical speculum for use for vaginal insertion that may be used for treatment of a bartholin gland is provided. The speculum has a pair of blades in facing relation to one another and each having a distal end and a proximal end. The blades each undergo an angular transition at a point between their distal ends and their proximal ends. At least one of the blades has an opening in its center that extends on either side of the angular transition.

Abstract: A medical device for retracting tissue allows access to the inside of the body by “prying open” an existing or created opening in a body. The device comprises a substantially transparent head having first and second head halves defining a substantially conical surface including a gap when the first and second head halves are joined. Angular motion of the first and second head halves enlarges the existing or created opening and provides an area of access to the inside of the body. The substantially transparent nature of the device allows it to function as a light pipe so that the operator can see the body cavity or tract opened by the device. The device has scissors-like handles to allow an operator to open or close the device with one hand.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved vagina cleaning system. The improved system comprises a vagina opener, a vagina cleaning-solution sprayer, a multiple-functional vagina cleaning solution, and a health-promoting bacteria introducer. The system is used to remove semen from the vagina to prevent pregnancy, to reduce pathogenic microorganisms in the vagina to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, to remove other unwanted materials from the vagina to eliminate discomfort, and to add health-promoting bacteria into the vagina to prevent abnormal colonization of microflora in the vaginal cavity. The present invention also discloses methods of using the system for cleaning the vaginal cavity and for introducing health-promoting bacteria into the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum consisting of two blades pivotally interconnected through a fork-like member so that the blades can be expanded and fixed in an expanded state in order to dilate the vagina for observing the condition of the vaginal cavity. The device is characterized by having a removable ruler, which slides in guides formed on the inner surface of at least one of the blades and can be withdrawn partially or completely or shifted forward beyond the limits of the distal end of the blade. The ruler has a scale applied onto its surface. The blade is made from metal or a transparent plastic and also may have a scale for use separately or in combination with the scale of the ruler. The vaginal speculum with a removable ruler can be used for measuring severity and positions of vaginal prolapses or for other measurements associated with urological or gynecological procedures without the use of additional instruments.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum for retaining loose vaginal tissue in a lateral direction includes a pair of blades that are moveable between an open position and a closed position. The blades in the closed position are adapted for insertion into a vagina and in the open position are adapted for dilating the vagina for providing access to a cervix. The speculum also includes a flexible membrane structure, such as a pair of membranes that extend between the blades, The membranes are adapted to retain the lateral walls of the vagina in spaced relation from a midline of the vagina when the blades are in the open position. The membranes are configured to remain in a generally collapsed configuration when the blades are in the closed position to avoid interfering with insertion or withdrawal of the speculum.

Abstract: A surgical device for expanding and viewing tissue is disclosed. The surgical device includes a handle, an insertion probe, and at least one window disposed within the insertion probe. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end, and the handle is sized and shaped to be held by a surgeon. The insertion probe has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end of the insertion probe is removably attached to the distal end of the handle. The window extends along a length of the longitudinal axis, and has an opening that is sufficient in size to allow tissue to prolapse through the window and into the insertion probe.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for spreading apart openings of natural orifices or surgically made openings to perform procedures on internal structures and/or organs of a patient. The instrument includes a pair of upper and lower blades that open to spread apart the area being examined so that a surgical tool can be inserted therein. A second pair of lateral blades are fixedly mounted between the spaced pair of upper and lower blades. The instruments can be eliminated from the area of view by allowing the surgical tool to pass up into a gate while maintaining the spread-apart condition of the area being examined. The blades can then be restored to their closed position after the tool is withdrawn. The gate may have a plurality of notches for accommodating differing surgical tools.

Abstract: An improved structure for Vagina Speculum, which mainly consists of a first body and a second body which are set two jaws with thin and flat figure and concave surfaces on front ends of the first body and the second body. The first body pivotally joints the second body, and there is a matching structure installed on the first body and the second body that gently held by user to fast stretch and fasten the two jaws on the front ends of the first body and the second body. The invention focuses the matching structure to be improved for better releasing function, therefore, the matching structure can be rapidly released after operation, and the improved structure is then more convenient for moving out from patient's vagina and more practical.

Abstract: A medical instrument for expanding a cavity within a body to perform obstetrical and gynecological examinations and procedures, which includes a handle and pluralities of blades. One plurality of blades includes adjustable longitudinal blades for expanding the vaginal cavity in a vertical direction, and these blades are mounted upon the handle. Another plurality of blades includes adjustable latitudinal blades for expanding the vaginal cavity in a horizontal direction, and these blades are also mounted upon the handle.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an upper and a lower blade member, each of the members having a main generally elongated blade portion, each of the members having spaced upstanding lateral sidewalls, the upper blade member being vertically, movable with respect to the lower blade member to selectively open and close the spacing between the blade members. A light cone may be provided in the upper blade member for connection of an illuminating device for providing light to the surgeon's work area. A port may also be provided in the upper blade member for connecting a suction tube thereto for removing fluids and the like during use of the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an upper and a lower blade member, each of the members having a main generally elongated blade portion, each of the members having spaced upstanding lateral sidewalls, the upper blade member being vertically movable with respect to the lower blade member to selectively open and close the spacing between the blade members.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum consisting of two blades pivotally interconnected through a fork-like member so that the blades can be expanded and fixed in an expanded state in order to dilate the vagina for observing the condition of the vagina cavity. The device is characterized by having adjustable blades, which can be withdrawn partially or completely for replacement with blades of other dimensions without withdrawing the entire speculum from the vagina. In a closed state, the distal ends of the blades form a bifocal lens, which can be used for visually detecting changes, associated with an earlier stage of cancer or erosion. Provision of retractable blades makes it possible for a physician to withdraw the blades in an alternating sequence for exposing one of the walls of the vagina cavity by pressing down with the longer blade on the opposite wall.

Abstract: A vaginal lateral walls retractor for use with a vaginal speculum to retract the vaginal lateral walls during vaginal/cervical examinations includes a generally tubular sleeve having cross-sectional dimensions that allow the sleeve to fit in between blades of the speculum while the blades are inserted and opened within a vagina. The sleeve retracts the vaginal lateral walls that have pushed in under the inserted and opened speculum blades. The cross-sectional dimension also provides an inside working area for examination and sampling of the vagina and cervix area.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum consists of two pivotally interconnected disconnectable parts. Each part slidingly supports a movable blade moveable in the longitudinal direction of the speculum. In addition to longitudinal movement, one of the blades can be moved circumferentially. Each blade can be completely withdrawn from the speculum, even during the procedure, i.e., without removing the speculum from the vagina. As a result, the same speculum can be used in procedures requiring both as well as only one blade. Furthermore, the entire upper part of the speculum, i.e., the guide portion together with the removable blade, can be completely disconnected from the speculum without removing the latter from the vagina. The remaining lower part can be used as a spatula. Circumferential displacement of one of the blades in both directions makes it possible to observe the vaginal cavity over the entire periphery without rotating the entire speculum or replacing it with another tool.

Abstract: In an episiotomy retractor, distal portions of the blades are shaped to diverge away from one another for enhanced retraction and gripping of respective adjacent vaginal walls, proximal portions of the blades are shaped to diverge away from one another to retract the labia as the blades retract respective adjacent vaginal walls, and the proximal inferior longitudinal edges of the blades cooperatively define, when the retractor is in use, an open work area for a surgeon about the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall of a patient.

Abstract: A speculum is provided for examining a body cavity by the use of a one handed, simplistic design which improves visualization, is more comfortable to the patient and which can be manufactured in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: An improved single use vaginal speculum with lateral retracting bills is disclosed. Each of the lateral retracting bills is supported on an axially rotatable shaft mounted to a side of the yoke of the lift mechanism which raises the lower bill assembly away from the lower bill and handle member. The lateral bills separate by action of levers which are moved when the upper bill is rotated about its pivot on the yoke. The lift mechanism may be slid along a channel in the handle when a push button is depressed and latched when the push button is released. The observation opening of the vaginal speculum is enlarged and the lateral bills are supported to prevent their obstructing the observation of the user in examining the cervix and vaginal walls. The handle mounted to the lower bill is rotated rearward from a perpendicular and finger indentations are formed around the handle.

Abstract: A vaginal sleeve used to cover the conventional vaginal speculum, generally comprising an elastomeric sheath having a small orifice at the distal end thereof a flange adapted to cover the pubic region, wherein the vaginal sleeve improves the physician's visibility during gynecological examination and surgical procedures, removes the need for using other medical instruments, such as retractors, by shoring the walls of the vaginal, and labia, from collapse, protects the walls of the vagina, and labia, during gynecological examinations and surgical procedures involving lasers and/or electricity, and further protect the vaginal region from speculum pinching during extraction.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum having an upper blade and a lower blade pivoted together and adjusting screw means mounted operated to close/open the upper blade and the lower blade, wherein a longitudinally extended light guide is formed integral with an inside wall of the upper blade, having a rear end for connection to light source means by an optical fiber tube for guiding in light for illumination.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum has two hinged arms forming jaws at one end, and handles at the opposite end. A locking bar of a soft plastics material is pivotally mounted at one end on one of the handles, its other end projecting through an aperture in the other handle. The aperture has two portions of the aperture of different widths. One portion is wider than the locking bar, so that the bar can slide freely through the aperture to enable the separation of the jaws to be adjusted. The other portion of the aperture is slightly narrower than the locking bar so that the bar can be pushed into this narrower portion at any separation of the jaws to lock the arms in position.

Abstract: An endoscope, in particular a mediastinoscope, in which the handle and the optics guided therein form an inseparable unit and which includes a first and second spatula-like part which can be separated from one another in the longitudinal direction. An adjusting mechanism is provided which permits a separation, a fastenable displacement parallel to the axis and a fastenable pivoting of the two parts relative to one another. In particular by way of the pivotability an expansion of a body cavity to be visually examined or which is to undergo therapy by way of introduced auxiliary instruments is made possible according to requirements.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum comprises two elements (1, 2) having on one hand a spoon part possible to insert in a woman's vagina (3, 5) and on the other hand an oblique handle part (4, 6). After insertion in the vagina, the spoon parts are movable through displacement of the handle parts so that said parts may widen the vagina. There is an aperture of inspection in one handle part (4), the handle parts (4, 6) having co-operating looking means for locking the parts (1, 2) in relation to each other. The upper as well as the lower spoon part (3, 5) have longitudinally curved shape. More precisely, said spoon parts have such a shape that they diverge with at least 30.degree. from concavely curved intermediate portions (17, 17') towards convexly curved portions (18, 18'), the distance between the convexly curved portions (18, 18') being considerably larger than the corresponding distance between the concavely curved portions (17, 17').

Abstract: A charge-coupled device camera is removably mounted in a adaptor and the adaptor is removably mounted in the viewing aperture of a speculum. The camera is connected to a display device, such as a video monitor, by a cable. At least one high-intensity light is also mounted in the adaptor with the axis of the light parallel to that of the camera. The light is connected to an adjustable power source by a power supply cord. In one embodiment of the invention, a cervical positioner is provided to allow the physician to align the patient's cervix with the camera's axis for optimal viewing.

Abstract: A speculum includes manually operated scissor arms with keyed shafts at the ends of each arm adapted to receive speculum jaw or blade members supported on the shaft in a desired, adjustable orientation. The speculum blades include a self-contained fiber optic light source. An optional sleeve with shape memory characteristics may be used in combination with the speculum jaw members.

Abstract: Inflatable dual-walled speculums, used for gynecological examinations, that are controllably inflated by the patient with a warmed fluid are provided. A retaining device inserted after inflation of the speculum provides a base and safety for the use of other instruments during the examination. Control of the device by the patient results in a more comfortable examination environment for the patient.

Abstract: An improved vaginal speculum includes a lower blade member having a straight segment, a curved portion, and a hollow leg portion. The speculum also includes a slide member, an upper blade member rotatably and slidably movable relative to lower blade member, and a light pipe extending from the hollow leg toward the straight segment of the lower blade. The light pipe is adapted to direct light from a light source positionable within the leg, into a region under examination. The upper blade is provided with a smoke evacuation passage formed by a U-shaped channel member positioned adjacent a contoured interior surface of the upper blade member. The U-shaped channel member is provided with a forward end, a rearward end, a bottom surface, and a pair of opposed side walls each having a top edge shaped to fit snugly against the contours of the interior surface or retaining walls formed thereon.