Vaginal Scope with Integrated Camera and Brush for Remote Examination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gynecological and proctological examination techniques are invasive and uncomfortable, leading to patient avoidance and increased risk of undiagnosed conditions, and pose contamination risks for medical practitioners due to the need for close proximity and uncomfortable patient positions.
Innovation Solution
A vaginal scope apparatus with a sensor body, grip, and brush control mechanism that allows for examinations from lateral or dorsal positions without stirrups, minimizing mechanical stretching and enabling safer, more informative procedures with an optional endoscope and camera for telehealth and record-keeping, and a brush for tissue sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a speculum is used to mechanically stretch the vagina open, then the practitioner can examine and collect tissue samples from the vagina and/or rectum, but the examination becomes invasive and uncomfortable for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the practitioner's face and direct line-of-sight from the examination area by using a camera and display system. This allows the practitioner to view the examination field remotely through electronic imaging, eliminating the need for close facial proximity and direct mechanical stretching with a speculum, thereby reducing patient discomfort while maintaining examination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical speculum system with a camera-based visualization system. Instead of using mechanical instruments to physically open and examine the vaginal and rectal areas, the system uses optical imaging to capture and display images on a remote display device, substituting mechanical intrusion with non-invasive optical observation
2Reliability
If the practitioner is in close proximity to the patient's genitalia during examination, then tissue samples can be collected, but the practitioner is at risk of contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the practitioner from close proximity to the examination area by implementing a remote viewing system with camera and display device. The practitioner can control the examination and view images remotely, maintaining tissue sampling capability while eliminating the contamination risk associated with close facial proximity to the patient's genitalia
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera and display system as an intermediary between the practitioner and the examination field. This intermediary allows the practitioner to observe and guide the examination without direct visual contact with the sensitive area, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining examination and tissue sampling effectiveness
3Loss of information
If a camera and endoscope are integrated into the sensor body, then telehealth and record-keeping capabilities are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera, endoscope, and sensor body into a single integrated apparatus. This merging of components allows the device to perform multiple functions (examination, imaging, and documentation) simultaneously, enabling telehealth and record-keeping capabilities while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than separate components
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for conducting gynecological or proctological exams. The apparatus including a sensor body having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end, a first passage disposed coaxial with the longitudinal axis and passing through the sensor body from the proximal end to the distal end, and a second passage including a first opening disposed proximate the distal end of the sensor body. Additionally, the apparatus includes a grip disposed on the proximal end of the sensor body, the grip including a second opening of the second passage. Further, the present disclosure provides a brush control mechanism having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the brush control mechanism configured to pass through the first passage from the distal end of the sensor body; and a brush disposed on the distal end of the brush control mechanism.