Operative Vaginal Scope With Dome-Shaped Insert for Low-Pain Exams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speculums fail to provide comprehensive examination of the vaginal epithelium and cervix, causing significant discomfort and pain during pelvic exams, especially in scenarios like labor induction and for patients with sensitive conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pelvic exam device with a dome-shaped insert and integrated cameras and light sources, allowing for minimally invasive visualization and potential procedural support, such as foley catheter placement, with ergonomic design for reduced pain and improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional speculums are used for pelvic exams, then the exam can be conducted, but significant discomfort and pain are caused to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical speculum system with a camera-based visualization system. Instead of using a physical speculum to mechanically open and visualize the vaginal canal, the invention uses a camera mounted on a slender insert that captures images of the vaginal epithelium and cervix, eliminating the need for mechanical manipulation and thereby reducing patient discomfort and pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the vaginal canal and cervix using a camera system. Rather than requiring direct visual inspection through a speculum, the camera captures images that can be viewed on a display device, allowing the exam to be conducted without inserting a large mechanical speculum into the patient's vagina, thus reducing discomfort while maintaining diagnostic capability.
2Loss of information
If traditional speculums are used for pelvic exams, then visualization is achieved, but the view is not comprehensive and requires significant manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rotatable camera mechanism that can dynamically adjust its viewing angle. The camera is mounted on a rotating joint that allows it to pivot and capture images from multiple angles within the vaginal canal, providing comprehensive visualization without requiring the examiner to manually manipulate a speculum to achieve different viewing positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera-based insert serves multiple functions: it visualizes the vaginal epithelium, captures images of the cervix, and can be rotated to achieve comprehensive coverage of the area. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate manipulation steps required by traditional speculums to achieve complete visualization.
3Loss of information
If cameras are mounted to the distal end of the probe, then visualization capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the camera system within the slender insert structure. The camera is mounted at the distal end of a compact probe that fits inside the insert, creating a nested configuration where the camera assembly is contained within the overall device structure. This nesting approach minimizes the external dimensions and structural complexity while maintaining the visualization capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enhances vaginal and cervical visualization, reduces patient discomfort, and facilitates less invasive procedures, making it suitable for various clinical scenarios including labor induction and sensitive patient populations.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light sources mounted to the probe and configured to illuminate the insert
Data Source
AI summary
A pelvic exam device includes an insert. The insert has a proximal end and a distal end, and the distal end of the insert has a dome shape. The pelvic exam device also includes a probe that mounts to the insert, where the probe includes a distal end that is positioned within the insert. The pelvic exam device also includes one or more cameras mounted to the distal end of the probe.