Gynecological examinations have become established as well-care procedures that assist in the early detection of cervical pre-cancerous and cancerous growths. In general, a physician employs a speculum or similar device to expand and support the vaginal vault during the gynecological exam, which enables an unobstructed view of at least the exo-cervical wall.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known speculum as disclosed in Hayes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,600. Speculum 2 is a rigid device that includes a handle 3 and an arm 4 coupled to the handle 3 about a hinge 5. A first blade 6 is integrally formed with handle 3 and a second blade 7 is integrally formed with arm 4. In the orientation shown in FIG. 1, first blade 6 is a lower blade of the speculum and second blade 7 is an upper blade. Each of blades 6, 7 include an inner surface 8 and an outer surface 9, where the outer surfaces 9 are those surfaces oriented to contact tissue of the patient. Movement of a thumb piece 10 results in moving upper blade 7 relative to lower blade 6 about hinge 5. A locking device 11 is provided to secure thumb piece 10 in position to maintain a desired position of blades 6, 7 during the gynecological exam.
For ease of description, operation of prior art speculums in general is illustrated with specific reference to the speculum of Hayes. However, other speculum configurations are known, but each generally includes a handle coupled to a rigid lower blade and a rigid upper blade. Speculum 2 is commonly provided in stainless steel for easy cleaning, although other rigid speculums are formed of plastic materials. During use, blades 6, 7 are brought together and inserted into the vaginal introitus. Thumb piece 10 is depressed to separate upper blade 7 from lower blade 6, thus expanding the walls of the vaginal vault. Locking device 11 is engaged to secure blades 6, 7 in their desired position. In this manner, the physician is able to visualize a portion of the cervix and have access to the endo-cervical canal for examination and/or the removal of samples/cells.
Although generally effective, operation of prior art speculums can undesirably apply pressure along the anterior midline of the pubic symphysis and the apposed internal vaginal walls. In particular, when the blades 6, 7 are parted, an upward movement of a proximal portion 12 of upper blade 7 can cause tissue discomfort during the examination procedure, especially in the sensitive region anterior to the pubic symphysis. In addition, even after blades 6, 7 are secured in their desired position, the weight of handle 3, arm 4, and thumb piece 10 (located outside the vaginal introitus opposite of blades 6, 7) conspire to cause blades 6, 7 to slide out of the desired position, thus displacing speculum 2 and requiring repositioning by the physician often increasing discomfort to the patient.
Improved speculums that are more comfortable will encourage patients to regularly schedule and follow through with these useful gynecological exams.