Segmented Vaginal Speculum for Comfortable Dilation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pelvic exam tools, such as speculums, can cause discomfort and anxiety for women due to their invasive nature and design, which may not adequately retract the vaginal walls, obstructing the view of the cervix and vaginal walls.
Innovation Solution
The development of a vaginal speculum system that includes a flute and an expander, or a tilting hoop speculum, designed to comfortably dilate the vagina and maintain vaginal dilation during a pelvic exam, allowing for improved visualization of the cervix and vaginal walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional speculum is used to dilate the vagina, then the vaginal walls are retracted to some extent, but the view of the cervix and vaginal walls is obstructed and the procedure causes discomfort and anxiety
Solution Approach 1:
The speculum is divided into multiple blades instead of a single structure. Each blade can be independently positioned and adjusted to retract vaginal walls laterally, creating a wider opening without obstructing the view of the cervix and vaginal walls, thereby improving both comfort and visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The speculum blades are made adjustable and reconfigurable during the procedure. The blades can be dynamically positioned at different angles and distances from the cervix to optimize the view while maintaining comfort, allowing the medical professional to adapt the speculum configuration to individual patient needs
2Productivity
If a conventional speculum is used, then the vaginal dilation is achieved, but the procedure takes longer and causes more stress and anxiety
Solution Approach 1:
The speculum is pre-assembled with multiple blades positioned to optimize vaginal dilation before insertion. This preliminary configuration allows for faster insertion and dilation compared to conventional speculums, reducing the overall procedure time and minimizing stress and anxiety for the patient
3Ease of operation
If a conventional speculum design is used, then the vaginal walls are retracted, but the design is invasive and does not adequately maintain dilation
Solution Approach 1:
The speculum uses multiple segmented blades that can be independently positioned to maintain vaginal dilation more effectively than a conventional single-structure speculum. Each blade can be adjusted to maintain optimal separation of the vaginal walls throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The speculum design integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides vaginal dilation, maintains the dilated state throughout the procedure, and facilitates visualization of the cervix and vaginal walls. The adjustable blades serve multiple purposes including retraction, maintenance of dilation, and optimization of viewing angles
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are speculum embodiments and related methods to comfortably dilate a woman's vaginal canal during a pelvic exam. In one aspect, a flute having retractable rods and foldable rings are provided. The flute is configured to transition between an expanded state where the proximal and distal foldable rings are in an unfolded orientation and a collapsed state where the proximal and distal foldable rings are in a folded orientation. A handle maintains the flute in the collapsed state and, in at least one embodiment, a ring collar is provided and configured to engage the flute when the flute is in the expanded state. A light source can be provided in the flute or ring collar.