Operation ear speculum

Abstract

Certain embodiments described herein provide a surgical ear speculum that includes a tubular body having a forward end, a rearward end, and a first length from the forward end to the rearward end. The tubular body has an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer, the outer layer, and the intermediate layer are circumferentially disposed about a central cavity of the surgical ear speculum. The central cavity extends from a front end of the surgical ear speculum to a rear end of the surgical ear speculum. The inner layer includes a first film and the outer layer includes a second film. The intermediate layer includes an expandable and collapsible wire mesh disposed between the first film and the second film.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Many different ear diseases and conditions affect people worldwide. A variety of otological procedures have been developed to diagnose and treat ear conditions. These procedures often require inserting instruments, such as endoscopes or surgical tools, into the ear. To successfully diagnose and treat conditions without causing damage or infection, ear preparation, sterilization, and handling must be precise.

[0002] Such otologic procedures can be complicated by the presence of debris such as earwax, hair, or blood in the ear canal, which can obstruct smooth passage of surgical instruments or obstruct endoscopic visualization. Existing otologic surgical techniques use cutting tools and vacuums to attempt to create a smooth entry path for surgical instruments and prevent physical or visual obstructions. However, using vacuums and cutting tools to prepare the ear in this manner is time-consuming and tedious, and carries the risk of trauma to the ear due to human error during vacuum removal or cutting.

[0003] Furthermore, the ear canal can have natural curvatures and shapes that vary from person to person, and is often subject to trauma during otologic procedures. Therefore, even with proper ear preparation using vacuum and cutting tools, the ear canal remains exposed and at risk of injury during certain otologic procedures, particularly if the ear canal is not straight. For example, a bone drill can damage the inner surface of the ear canal.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the art for an improved tool to assist otological operations and solve at least some of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to specula for use in otological procedures and to methods of using such specula.

[0006] Certain embodiments described herein provide a surgical otoscope comprising a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, and a first length from the front end to the rear end. The tubular body comprises an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer, the outer layer, and the intermediate layer are circumferentially arranged around a central cavity of the surgical otoscope. The central cavity extends from the front end to the rear end of the surgical otoscope. The inner layer comprises a first membrane, and the outer layer comprises a second membrane. The intermediate layer comprises an expandable and contractible wire mesh arranged between the first membrane and the second membrane. When the surgical otoscope is in a contracted state, the surgical otoscope at least partially has a first diameter. When the surgical otoscope is in an expanded state, the surgical otoscope at least partially has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter.

[0007] The following description and the associated drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings depict certain aspects of one or more embodiments and therefore should not be considered to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1 A side view of a surgical ear speculum is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 2 A side view of a surgical ear speculum in a compressed state is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 3 A first end view of a surgical ear speculum is shown, according to certain embodiments.

[0012] Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view of a surgical ear speculum is shown, according to certain embodiments.

[0013] Figure 5 A side view of a portion of a surgical ear speculum including a control member and a cap is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 6A A side view of a portion of a surgical ear speculum including a control member and a solid cap is shown, according to certain embodiments.

[0015] Figure 6B Shown Figure 6A Cross-sectional side view of a portion of a surgical ear speculum.

[0016] Figure 7 A flow chart depicting a method of using a surgical ear speculum according to certain embodiments is presented.

[0017] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure relates generally to specula for use in otologic procedures, and to systems including such specula and methods of using such specula.

[0019] In certain embodiments, a surgical ear speculum as disclosed herein includes a tubular body extending a first length from a front end of the speculum to a rear end of the speculum. The body includes an inner membrane layer, an outer membrane layer, and an intermediate layer of structured wire mesh positioned between the inner and outer layers. When the speculum is placed in the ear canal, the speculum can expand, applying a small amount of pressure to the ear canal walls to help straighten the ear canal. The central cavity of the speculum provides a smooth path for surgical tools, and the membrane layer provides protection, heat resistance, and / or a watertight seal.

[0020] Figure 1 A side view of a surgical ear speculum 100 according to certain embodiments is shown. As shown, the speculum 100 includes a tubular body 110 having a front end 115, a rear end 120, and a first length 125 from the front end 115 to the rear end 120. The tubular body 110 includes a circumferential inner layer 130, a circumferential outer layer 135, and a circumferential middle layer 140. The layers 130, 135, 140 are arranged around a central cavity 145 of the speculum 100. When the speculum 100 is placed in the ear, the central cavity 145 provides a smooth path for surgical tools to enter the ear.

[0021] In some embodiments, the inner layer 130 comprises an inwardly facing heat-resistant or protective membrane (e.g., made of a plastic such as silicone, or a coated plastic / metal). The outer layer 135 comprises an outwardly facing waterproof membrane (e.g., made of a plastic such as silicone, or a coated plastic / metal), and the middle layer 140 comprises a wire mesh 142 that can be contracted for insertion into the ear and then expanded once inserted. In some embodiments, the mesh 142 can expand within the auditory canal, allowing the speculum 100 to apply sufficient pressure to straighten the curvature of the ear canal. The length 125 of the speculum 100 can correspond to the length of the ear canal to protect the portion of the ear canal into which the speculum 100 is inserted from heat and abrasion during the surgical procedure and to provide a smooth passage for surgical tools into the ear. In some embodiments, the wire mesh 142 can be made of thin stainless steel or other suitable materials that allow for contraction and expansion of the wire mesh structure (e.g., nickel-titanium alloy).

[0022] In some embodiments, the length 125 and diameter 150 of the speculum 100 are selected to accommodate the length and diameter of an average adult ear canal (approximately 2.5 cm and 0.7 cm, respectively), an average child's ear canal, an average adolescent's ear canal, an average female ear canal, an average male ear canal, and the like. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the speculum 100 may be approximately in the range of 0.5 centimeters (cm) to 4.5 cm. For example, the length of the speculum 100 may be approximately 2.5 cm. Other lengths of the speculum 100 are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the length of the speculum 100 may be longer or shorter than the ear canal. For example, the length of the speculum 100 may be slightly longer than the length of the ear canal to facilitate grasping and removal of the speculum 100. The length of the speculum 100 may also be longer than the ear canal to provide an access channel extending outside the ear. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the speculum 100 may be approximately in the range of 1 cm to 8 cm. For example, the length of the speculum 100 may be approximately 3.5 cm. Other lengths of the speculum 100 are also contemplated.

[0023] In some embodiments, the expanded diameter 150 of the speculum 100 can be slightly larger than the maximum inner diameter of the ear canal to facilitate applying pressure to the inner wall of the ear canal. The maximum inner diameter of the ear canal refers to the inner diameter of the portion of the ear canal that has the largest inner diameter compared to the inner diameters of the other portions of the ear canal. Note that the inner diameter of the inner ear canal can vary depending on the shape of the ear canal.

[0024] In embodiments where the expanded diameter 150 of the speculum 100 is larger than the diameter of the ear canal, when the speculum 100 is inserted into the ear in a collapsed state and then expanded, the speculum 100 will straighten the ear canal along the length of the speculum 100 and conform to the shape and diameter of the straightened ear canal. Thus, when used in a patient's ear canal, the speculum 100 need not be fully expanded along its entire length. Rather, when in use and expanded, the shape of the speculum 100 can conform to the shape of the ear canal into which it is inserted, such that at various sections along its length, the diameter of the speculum 100 can be between the fully collapsed diameter 152 and the fully expanded diameter 150.

[0025] In situations where it may be desirable to apply more pressure to the inner wall of the ear canal, the expanded diameter 150 may be increased without damaging the ear canal or causing discomfort to the patient. In any case, it will be further apparent that the selected length and diameter may be larger or smaller, such as for people with very large ear canals or for children or infants.

[0026] In some embodiments, a set of speculum 100 can be provided. These speculum 100 can have different lengths and diameters suitable for various ear canal shapes and sizes. The set of speculum 100 can be sterilized individually, placed in a sealed package and discarded after use, thereby eliminating the need for sterilization.

[0027] The inner layer 130 can be made of a variety of suitable materials (e.g., plastics and plastic films) that are sufficiently elastic to stretch and compress as the speculum 100 expands and contracts while still providing heat resistance or abrasion protection. The outer layer 135 can be selected from a variety of suitable materials that are sufficiently elastic to stretch and compress as the speculum 100 expands and contracts while still providing a watertight seal. In various embodiments, the speculum 100 can include additional film layers. In some embodiments, one or more of the film layers 130, 135 can be omitted.

[0028] The wire mesh 142 of the middle layer 140 is expandable and contractible. When the wire mesh 142 is contracted, the speculum 100 has a compressed diameter 152 that is smaller than the diameter of the ear canal and can be easily inserted into the ear canal. The wire mesh 142 can expand to a diameter larger than the diameter of the ear canal, so that when the speculum 100 is inserted into the ear and expanded, the speculum 100 can match the diameter of the ear canal, allowing the outer layer 135 to apply pressure to the inner wall of the auditory canal.

[0029] In some embodiments, the outer layer 135, which presses against the walls of the ear canal, forms a watertight seal around at least a portion of the central cavity 145 of the speculum 100. The watertight seal can help create an aqueous environment in the central cavity 145, which can be beneficial for performing certain surgical procedures that involve the presence of liquid in the ear canal. For example, the presence of liquid during a cutting or drilling procedure can lubricate the blade, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of the cutting or drilling procedure.

[0030] Figure 2 A side view of a surgical ear speculum 100 in a compressed state according to certain embodiments is shown. As shown, the speculum 100 includes a tubular body 110 having a front end 115, a rear end 120, and a first length 125 from the front end 115 to the rear end 120. The tubular body includes a circumferential inner layer 130, a circumferential outer layer 135, and a circumferential middle layer 140. The layers 130, 135, 140 are arranged around a central cavity 145 of the speculum 100.

[0031] As shown, when in a compressed state, the speculum 100 has a compressed diameter 152. In some embodiments, the compressed diameter 152 can be smaller than the smallest diameter of the ear into which the speculum 100 is inserted, thereby allowing for ease of insertion. As previously described, the speculum 100 can be expanded after insertion into the ear. For example, if the expected diameter of the ear canal is 0.6 cm, the compressed diameter can be approximately in the range of 0.2 cm to 0.65 cm (other compressed diameters are also contemplated, particularly for other ear canal diameters). In some embodiments, the expanded diameter can be approximately equal to or greater than the diameter of the ear canal. For example, if the expected diameter of the ear canal is 0.6 cm, the expanded diameter can be approximately in the range of 0.5 cm to 0.85 cm (other compressed diameters are also contemplated, particularly for other ear canal diameters).

[0032] The speculum 100 can be expanded and contracted by the relative expansion and contraction of the wire mesh 142. In some embodiments, the wire mesh 142 is expanded (e.g., lengthwise and / or diametrically) by a user (e.g., a surgeon) twisting a portion of the wire mesh 142 located near the front end 115 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), and the wire mesh 142 is contracted (e.g., lengthwise and / or diametrically) by twisting the portion in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). In other embodiments, the directions of rotation for expansion and contraction can be reversed, i.e., counterclockwise for expansion and clockwise for contraction. In some embodiments, the wire mesh 142 can be expanded by compressing the wire mesh 142 (e.g., by the user pressing the wire mesh against a portion of the inner ear anatomy). In some embodiments, the wire mesh 142 can be contracted by stretching the wire mesh 142 (e.g., by pulling on the ends of the wire mesh 142).

[0033] In various embodiments, the speculum 100 can be expanded or contracted by any suitable means, so long as the speculum can be contracted and then easily expanded once inside the ear. For example, by positioning the expansion / contraction feature at the front end 115, the feature can be accessible even after the speculum 100 is inserted into the ear. In some embodiments, such a feature can be included at the front end 115, the back end 120, or both ends, so that either end 115, 120 of the speculum 100 can be inserted into the ear.

[0034] Figure 3 A first end view of a surgical ear speculum 100 according to certain embodiments is shown. As shown, the inner layer 130 extends circumferentially about a central cavity 145 and has a thickness from a first radius 132 to a second radius 134, the middle layer 140 extends circumferentially about the inner layer 130 and the central cavity 145 and has a thickness from the second radius 134 to a third radius 136, and the outer layer 135 extends circumferentially about the middle layer 140, the inner layer 130, and the central cavity 145 and has a thickness from the third radius 136 to an outer fourth radius 138.

[0035] As previously described, the fully expanded diameter 150 of the speculum 100 can be selected to be the same as, close to, or larger than the maximum inner diameter of the ear canal so that the speculum 100 has a snug fit when inserted into the ear canal in a collapsed state and then expanded.

[0036] Figure 4A cross-sectional side view of a surgical ear speculum 100 according to certain embodiments is shown. As shown, the speculum 100 has been inserted into the ear and expanded so that the outer layer 135 is pressed against the inner wall 170 of the auditory canal. In some embodiments, the speculum 100 at least partially straightens the curvature of the ear canal so that the central cavity 145 provides a substantially straight, smooth path for surgical tools to enter the ear.

[0037] In some embodiments, the speculum 100 can include a guide or control member 175 located at the front end 115 or the rear end 120 of the speculum 100. For example, the rear portion 177 of the control member 175 can be attached to the front end 115 of the speculum 100 and match the expanded diameter 150 or the compressed diameter 152 of the speculum 100. The control member 175 can have a tapered shape, wherein the diameter of the front portion 179 of the control member 175 is larger than the diameter of the rear portion 177. The front portion 179 provides an opening or central cavity (e.g., central cavity 145) for inserting instruments. The control member 175 is a portion that can be grasped by the clinician's fingers to manipulate the speculum and thus facilitate accurate placement and / or removal of the speculum 100. In some embodiments, the control member 175 interfaces with the wire mesh 142 of the speculum 100, allowing the wire mesh 142 to be expanded or contracted by twisting the control member 175 or a portion of the control member 175. For example, the control member 175 can be engaged with the wire mesh 142 such that twisting the control member 175 or a portion of the control member 175 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) expands the wire mesh 142, and twisting the control member 175 or a portion of the control member 175 in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) contracts the wire mesh 142. In some embodiments, the control member 175 can be engaged with the wire mesh by, for example, a friction fit or some other mechanical interference mechanism (such as interlocking / complementary mechanical features on the control member 175 and the wire mesh 142).

[0038] In some embodiments, when the speculum 100 is inserted into the ear with the control member 175 attached, the control member 175 provides a tapered grippable area 160 that extends from the front end 115 of the speculum 100 and protrudes from the patient's ear to facilitate removal of the speculum 100 from the ear. In some embodiments, the front portion 179 of the control member 175 can have a knurled finish to further assist the surgeon in gripping the control member 175.

[0039] In some embodiments, a cap may be positioned within the opening of the control member to prevent fluid or secretions from escaping the ear during surgery. Figure 5 and Figures 6A to 6B Various examples of control members with different cap types are shown.

[0040] Figure 5A side view of a control member 575 coupled to a cap 580 having a central opening 584 is shown, according to certain embodiments. The cap 580 can be fixedly coupled to the control member 575 or can be removable from the control member 575. The cap 580 can be made of a material having suitable rigidity to provide a structure that does not damage surgical instruments as they enter or exit the control member 575. In some embodiments, the cap 580 can be made of silicone or a similar material. The cap 580 can be used over the opening 582 of the control member 575 to prevent fluid or secretions from exiting the ear and beyond the cap 580 of the control member 575 during surgery.

[0041] In some embodiments, the cap 580 may extend only partially across the diameter of the opening 582 of the front portion 579 of the control member 575. In some embodiments, the cap 580 may extend inwardly by one-quarter of the diameter of the opening 582, such that the diameter of the central opening 584 of the cap 580 is half the diameter of the opening 582. The central opening 584 may be configured to be large enough to allow surgical instruments to pass therethrough, but small enough to guide the instruments through the tubular body 110.

[0042] Figure 6A A side view of an exemplary solid cap 686 of another exemplary control member 675 according to certain embodiments is shown. The solid cap 686 can be a central cavity or opening 687 (e.g., Figure 1 The solid cap 686 may be a circular piece of material (e.g., silicone) that is provided to open the central cavity 145 of the ear. In some embodiments, the solid cap 686 may be removable from the control member 675. In other embodiments, the solid cap 686 may be fixedly coupled to the control member 675. The solid cap 686 may be made of a thin and / or pierceable material so that the cannula 690 can be pressed into and pierced through the solid cap 686 to create an opening for inserting instruments while preventing fluid or secretions from escaping the ear during the procedure. In some embodiments, the rear portion 694 of the cannula 690 may be pointed to press into and pierce through the solid cap 686. In some embodiments, the solid cap 686 may be made of silicone or a similar material.

[0043] The length of the cannula 690 can be configured so that when fully inserted, the cannula 690 extends only a portion of the length of the control member 675. The cannula 690 can have a front portion 692 with a lip 696 having a larger diameter than a rear portion 694. When the rear portion 694 is fully inserted into the solid cap 686, the lip 696 acts as a stop and holds the cannula 690 in place. Providing the solid cap 686 provides the surgeon with the flexibility to place the cannula 690, and therefore the instrument opening, in any suitable location within the opening 687 of the front portion 679 of the control member 675. The solid cap 686 can be made of a variety of materials that can be thin enough to allow the cannula 690 to penetrate the material.

[0044] In some embodiments, the solid cap 686 may not be pierced by the cannula 690, but may be pierced by a surgical instrument as the surgical instrument enters the control member 675. In some embodiments, the solid cap 686 may be pierced by a scalpel. Piercing the solid cap 686 with a surgical instrument may be more convenient for the surgeon and require fewer parts.

[0045] Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of the solid cap 686 is shown with the cannula 690 coupled to the Figure 6A The rear portion 694 of the cannula 690 extends into the control member 675 and guides the instrument toward the tubular body 110. The cannula 690 can be made of various materials (e.g., plastic, stainless steel, etc.) that allow the cannula 690 to guide the instrument without damaging the instrument.

[0046] Figure 7 A flow chart is shown depicting a method 700 of using a surgical ear speculum 100 according to certain embodiments. As shown, the method 700 can begin at a start block 705. From the start block 705, the method 700 can proceed to a block 710 where the sterilized ear speculum 100 is removed from a sealed package. For example, the speculum 100 can be a disposable device that is packaged in a sterile state in a sealed package and discarded after use. Although the method 700 is described with respect to the surgical ear speculum 100, the method 700 should not be limited thereto. It should be understood that aspects of the method 700 can be applied to other similar devices or specula without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] After removing the surgical ear speculum 100 from its packaging at block 710 , method 700 may proceed to block 715 , where the diameter of the speculum 100 is retracted to a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ear canal into which the speculum 100 is to be inserted. For example, before removal from its packaging, the speculum 100 may have a first diameter equal to or larger than the diameter of the ear canal. The retraction mechanism of the speculum 100 may then be operated to retract the diameter of the speculum to a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ear canal. The amount of retraction may vary, as long as sufficient clearance exists to allow the speculum 100 to be easily inserted without significant friction from the ear canal walls. In another example, the speculum 100 may be packaged in a retracted state so that it is ready for insertion into the ear canal immediately after removal from its packaging. In some embodiments, a tapered control member 175 may be attached to the front end 115 of the speculum 100 before insertion into the ear. The tapered control member 175 may prevent over-insertion and facilitate subsequent removal of the speculum 100.

[0048] From block 715 of retracting the speculum 100, the method 700 can proceed to block 720 where the rear end 120 of the speculum 100 is inserted into the patient's ear canal. For example, the rear end 120 can be inserted to the length 125 of the speculum 100 such that the front end 115 is positioned proximate to the entrance of the ear canal. In another example, a tapered control member 175 can be attached to the front end 115 of the speculum 100 to prevent over-insertion of the speculum 100.

[0049] From block 720 where the rear end 120 of the speculum 100 is inserted into the ear canal, the method 700 can proceed to block 725 where the speculum 100 is expanded to the diameter of the ear canal. For example, the middle layer 142 of the speculum 100 can be configured such that the middle layer can be expanded directly by twisting, pressing, or pulling a portion of the wire mesh 142.

[0050] In various embodiments, the diameter 150 of the speculum 100 in the fully released, expanded state can be larger than the diameter of some or all of the patient's ear canal. When the speculum 100 is expanded in the patient's ear, the outer layer 135 presses against the inner wall 170 of the ear canal, thereby applying pressure and straightening one or more curved portions of the ear canal.

[0051] From block 725, where the speculum is expanded to the diameter of the ear canal, method 700 may proceed to block 730 where a surgical tool is inserted through the central lumen 145 of the speculum 100. For example, the central lumen 145 may provide an unobstructed path into the ear for an endoscope, bone drill, or other surgical tool.

[0052] From block 730 where the surgical tool is inserted through the central cavity, method 700 may proceed to block 735 where the surgical tool is removed, for example, after the surgical tool has been removed after the procedure is complete.

[0053] From block 735, where the surgical tool is removed, the method 700 can proceed to block 740, where the speculum 100 is removed from the patient's ear. In some embodiments, the speculum 100 can be removed by grasping and pulling the front end 115. In other embodiments, the speculum 100 is removed by grasping and pulling the control member 175 attached to the front end 115 of the speculum 100. Alternatively, the speculum 100 can be recompressed before removal. Both the speculum 100 and the control member 175 can be disposable and discarded after removal.

[0054] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims.

Claims

1. A surgical ear speculum, comprising: A tubular body having a front end, a rear end, and a first length from the front end to the rear end, the tubular body comprising: inner layer; outer layer; and An intermediate layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein: The inner layer, the intermediate layer, and the outer layer are circumferentially arranged around a central cavity of the surgical ear speculum, the central cavity extending from the front end to the rear end; The inner layer includes a first film; The outer layer includes a second film; The intermediate layer comprises an expandable and contractible wire mesh disposed between the first film and the second film; When in the collapsed state, the surgical ear speculum at least partially has a first diameter; and When in the expanded state, the surgical ear speculum at least partially has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.

2. The surgical ear speculum according to claim 1, wherein: The first film includes a heat-resistant film facing the inner side.

3. The surgical ear speculum according to claim 1, wherein: The second membrane includes a waterproof membrane facing outward.

4. The surgical ear speculum of claim 1 , further comprising a tapered control member removably attached to a front end of the surgical ear speculum.

5. The surgical ear speculum according to claim 1, wherein: The expandable and contractible wire mesh is expanded by twisting in a first direction and contracted by twisting in a second direction.

6. The surgical ear speculum according to claim 1, wherein: The surgical ear speculum is sterile and contained in a sealed package.

7. The surgical ear speculum according to claim 2, wherein: The heat-resistant film facing the inner side includes a flexible heat-resistant material.

8. A method comprising: Removing a sterilized ear speculum from a sealed package, the sterilized ear speculum comprising: a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, a first length from the front end to the rear end, a circumferential inner layer, a circumferential outer layer, a circumferential intermediate layer located between the circumferential inner layer and the circumferential outer layer; and a central cavity extending along the first length; contracting the sterilized ear speculum to a contracted state, wherein the contracted diameter of the sterilized ear speculum is smaller than a diameter of an external auditory canal of the patient's ear; inserting the rear end of the sterilized ear speculum in the contracted state into the external auditory canal; expanding the sterilized ear speculum to apply pressure to the wall of the external auditory canal and provide a smooth passage for surgical tools; inserting a surgical tool through the central cavity of the sterilized ear speculum; removing the surgical tool from the central cavity of the sterilized ear speculum; and The sterilized ear speculum is removed from the external auditory canal.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein: The sterilized ear speculum has an inner protective layer, and the method further includes inserting a bone drill through a central cavity of the sterilized ear speculum.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein: The sterilized ear speculum has an outer waterproof layer, and the method further includes introducing a liquid into the central cavity of the sterilized ear speculum to form an aqueous surgical environment.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein: The sterilized ear speculum has an inner heat-resistant layer, and the method further comprises: An otologic procedure that generates heat is performed with a surgical instrument inserted through the central cavity of the sterilized otoscope.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein: The circumferential intermediate layer comprises an expandable wire mesh, and wherein expanding the sterilized ear speculum comprises twisting a portion of the expandable wire mesh at a front end of the sterilized ear speculum.

13. A system comprising: Sealed packaging; a sterile surgical ear speculum disposed in the sealed package, the sterile surgical ear speculum comprising: a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, a first length from the front end to the rear end, a circumferential inner film layer, a circumferential outer film layer, a circumferential intermediate wire mesh layer located between the circumferential inner film layer and the circumferential outer film layer; and a central cavity extending along the first length; and At least one surgical instrument, wherein the at least one surgical instrument is inserted through the central cavity of the sterile surgical ear speculum during a surgical procedure.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a tapered control member having a control member front end having a front diameter greater than a rear diameter of a control member rear end, wherein The rear end of the control member is removably attached to the front end of the sterile surgical ear speculum.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein: The sterile surgical ear speculum is a first ear speculum of a plurality of ear specula having different lengths and diameters.

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