Abstract A simple yet highly useful cervical videoscope has been provided which can easily be used by the doctor to examine the cervix and vagina for cancerous lesions or other abnormalities. Also, because of the small size of the video camera unit there is sufficient space between the video camera unit and the blades of the speculum for inserting forceps and other instruments that may need to be used. By using the cervical videoscope in combination with a monochromator the physician can step the wavelength of light from one end of the light spectrum to the other until he observes florescence which identifies abnormal cells. Thereupon, he can destroy the cells by use of a laser beam. When he observes that no more florescence,is occurring, then he can discontinue the operation of the laser, knowing that the lesion has been completely eradicated. Also, a channel for drawing a suction to remove smoke created by the destruction of the lesion can be provided. The video camera unit also is adjustable along a guide on the fixed blade of the speculum to focus it. The video camera unit can be removed from the speculum and inserted into a sterile sheath for reinsertion into the vagina for examination for lesions and areas covered by the speculum blade. It can also be inserted into the colon and other body passageways where lesions are suspected. The video camera unit can be removed from the sheath, resterilized or disinfected and reattached to a sterile speculum for use with another patient.
A method of examining various internal body surfaces for lesions having predetermined characteristics, said method comprising the steps of: mounting a video camera unit and a source of illumination on a blade of a vaginal speculum, wherein the video camera unit has a cable trailing from the distal end thereof and the light source has an optical bundle trailing from the distal end thereof; inserting the speculum into the vagina of the patient; illuminating the cervix and inspecting it for lesions; removing the speculum from the vagina and removing the video camera unit and illumination source from the speculum; inserting the video camera unit and illumination source into a cylindrical, sterilizable sheath, having a window at a distal end and an accordian-folded cylindrical sleeve adjacent the proximate end; pulling the sleeve over the trailing cable and optical bundle; inserting the sheath, with the video camera unit and light source in place into one or more body passageways to position the video camera unit for viewing a selected site; and examining the site for lesions.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of examining various internal body surfaces for lesions having predetermined characteristics, said method comprising the steps of: mounting a video camera unit and a source of illumination on a blade of a vaginal speculum, wherein the video camera unit has a cable trailing from the distal end thereof and the light source has an optical bundle trailing from the distal end thereof; inserting the speculum into the vagina of the patient; illuminating the cervix and inspecting it for lesions; removing the speculum from the vagina and removing the video camera unit and illumination source from the speculum; inserting the video camera unit and illumination source into a cylindrical, sterilizable sheath, having a window at a distal end and an accordian-folded cylindrical sleeve adjacent the proximate end; pulling the sleeve over the trailing cable and optical bundle; inserting the sheath, with the video camera unit and light source in place into one or more body passageways to position the video camera unit for viewing a selected site; and examining the site for lesions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method, as claimed in claim 1, including the further steps of: removing the sheath from the passageway; removing the sheath from the video camera unit and light source; sterilizing or disinfecting the video camera unit and light source; and attaching the video camera unit and light source to the blade of a sterile speculum for examining another patient.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method, as claimed in claim 1, including the further steps of: removing any lesions found.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method, as claimed in claim 1, including the further step of: supplying insufflation gas through a channel in the sheath to distend the area being examined.