Self-Examining Medical Diagnostic Device with Integrated Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for examining anatomical cavities, such as vaginal specula, require a medical professional for insertion and can be uncomfortable for patients, leading to embarrassment and potential undiagnosed medical conditions due to discomfort and the risk of sample contamination during collection.
Innovation Solution
A medical diagnostic device that allows patients to perform self-examinations and sample collection without a clinician, integrating imaging and sample collection functions within a single device, featuring a tubular configuration with a conical proximal section, a distal expansion section, and a sample collecting assembly with a rotatable shaft and ejector pin for safe and efficient sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a medical professional inserts a vaginal speculum and performs examination, then the examination can be conducted with proper equipment, but the patient experiences embarrassment and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform self-examinations using a self-contained device that includes a speculum, imaging device, and sample collection device. The patient inserts the device and operates all functions independently, eliminating the need for a medical professional's physical presence during the examination, thereby reducing embarrassment and discomfort while maintaining examination quality through integrated diagnostic capabilities
2Reliability
If an imaging device is inserted between the blades of the vaginal speculum, then imaging can be performed, but the inserted speculum is disturbed and the patient experiences discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the speculum, imaging device, and sample collection device into a single integrated unit. The imaging device and sample collection device are built into the speculum structure, allowing all functions to be performed simultaneously without requiring separate insertions. This integration eliminates the need to disturb the speculum position for imaging, maintaining patient comfort while enabling comprehensive diagnostic capabilities
3Productivity
If a sample collecting device is inserted within the passage between the blades, then samples can be collected, but the device contacts additional surfaces and potentially contaminates the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sample collection device directly into the speculum structure, creating a unified assembly where the sample collector is positioned to contact only the target area. This integration eliminates the need for separate sample collection insertions and reduces contact with additional surfaces that could cause contamination, while maintaining efficient sample collection through the combined mechanical action of the integrated components
4Reliability
If a vaginal speculum is used for examination, then the cervix can be examined, but the device requires sterilization between uses to prevent contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable components including a disposable speculum body and disposable sample collection devices. These single-use components are discarded after one use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization processes. The disposable nature of these components ensures infection prevention while significantly reducing the operational complexity associated with sterilization protocols
5Ease of operation
If imaging and sample collection functions are integrated within a single device, then operation is simplified and contamination is protected, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the imaging device and sample collection device are housed within the speculum body. The imaging device is positioned in a cavity within the speculum, and the sample collection device is integrated into the distal end, with components nested within each other to minimize space. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functions to be combined in a compact configuration, simplifying operation while managing structural complexity through efficient spatial organization
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for a medical diagnostic device are described herein. The medical diagnostic device can include an outer sleeve having a hollow interior and open distal and proximal ends, the outer sleeve being defined by a substantially tubular configuration including a proximal section having a substantially conical shape. A core is configured to be inserted axially within the outer sleeve. The core includes an axial inner cavity. The core is further defined by a proximal section having a conical shape substantially conforming to the proximal section of the outer sleeve. The core retains a diagnostic assembly, that can include at least one of a sample collecting assembly and an imaging assembly, that can be integrally or interchangeably attached and wherein the device can be utilized for self-patient or single patient use.