CERVICAL DILATORS
United States Patent 3747603
A surgical kit includes a set of cervical dilators having probes of different diameters and handles of identical size and configuration and color coded to the probe diameter. Each dilator is integrally formed of a synthetic polymer and includes a downwardly angulated probe of uniform diameter except at its distal end where it is tapered to the axis between 0.5° and 1.5° from between 0.5-2.0 inches from its rounded tip for a distance between 0.5 and 2.0 inches. A handle is formed at the probe proximate end and is relatively flat with a finger accommodating depression in its lower face and is provided with a circular shield adjacent the probe.
US Patent References:
/1144220.html
Maguire - June 1915 - 1144220
REVERSIBLE INTRA-VAS DEVICE
Brodie - March 1972 - 3648683
/1144220.html
Maguire - June 1915 - 1144220
REVERSIBLE INTRA-VAS DEVICE
Brodie - March 1972 - 3648683
Application Number:
05/195138
Publication Date:
07/24/1973
Filing Date:
11/03/1971
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
606/193
International Classes:
A61M29/00; A61B17/00; A61M29/00; A61B17/36
Field of Search:
128/341,303.11,304
Other References:
Comprehensive Guide to Purchasing Cat. No. 65 Mueller & Co. 1963 Page 250 RD76M8 1963..
Primary Examiner:
Medbery, Aldrich F.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. A surgical dilator comprising:
2. The surgical dilator set forth in claim 1, wherein said probe comprises a section of uniform diameter contiguous to said tapered section.
3. The surgical dilator set forth in claim 2, further including a flat handle at the end of said probe remote from said rounded tip, said handle having a finger depression therein.
4. The surgical dilator set forth in claim 2, wherein said probe is bent intermediate its ends at an angle of between 8° and 18°, forming a first probe portion comprising said handle and part of said section of uniform diameter and a second probe portion comprising said rounded tip, said tapered section and the remaining part of said section of uniform diameter.
5. The surgical dilator set forth in claim 4, further including a circular shield between said probe and said handle.
6. The surgical dilator set forth in claim 1, wherein said probe is formed of a synthetic organic polymeric resin.
7. A plurality of surgical dilators as set forth in claim 1 assembled into a kit, the probe diameters of each of said dilators being different and the configurations thereof being otherwise substantially the same.
8. The kit set forth in claim 7, wherein said probe diameters are graduated in one millimeter increments.
9. The kit set forth in claim 8, further including indicia on each dilator denoting its probe diameter.
10. The kit set forth in claim 9, wherein said indicia comprises color coding.
1. A surgical dilator comprising:
2. The surgical dilator set forth in claim 1, wherein said probe comprises a section of uniform diameter contiguous to said tapered section.
3. The surgical dilator set forth in claim 2, further including a flat handle at the end of said probe remote from said rounded tip, said handle having a finger depression therein.
4. The surgical dilator set forth in claim 2, wherein said probe is bent intermediate its ends at an angle of between 8° and 18°, forming a first probe portion comprising said handle and part of said section of uniform diameter and a second probe portion comprising said rounded tip, said tapered section and the remaining part of said section of uniform diameter.
5. The surgical dilator set forth in claim 4, further including a circular shield between said probe and said handle.
6. The surgical dilator set forth in claim 1, wherein said probe is formed of a synthetic organic polymeric resin.
7. A plurality of surgical dilators as set forth in claim 1 assembled into a kit, the probe diameters of each of said dilators being different and the configurations thereof being otherwise substantially the same.
8. The kit set forth in claim 7, wherein said probe diameters are graduated in one millimeter increments.
9. The kit set forth in claim 8, further including indicia on each dilator denoting its probe diameter.
10. The kit set forth in claim 9, wherein said indicia comprises color coding.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to improvements in surgical instruments and it relates particularly to an improved set of cervical dilators.
In the performance of therepeutic abortion the dilation of the cervix is the most time-consuming and dangerous part of the procedure, the greatest problems occurring with dilation in the nulliporous patient. In dilating the cervix, once the cervix opens and admits the dilator, there tends to be a thrust as a result of the pressure applied by the surgeon and the consequent leap forward is the cause of perforation and there is a very high incidence of laceration. The cervical dilators heretofore available and proposed possess numerous drawbacks and disadvantages. While cervical dilators are generally provided in graduated sizes they are of such construction as to be awkward to handle and manipulate and difficult for complete control by the operator and they are usually highly uncomfortable and frequently painful to the patient who generally requires either general or local anesthesia. Furthermore, with the conventional cervical dilator, it is difficult to sense its position and the state and condition of the surrounding surface and these dilators otherwise leave much to be desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved surgical instrument.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved cervical dilator.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved set of cervical dilators of different sizes which may be manipulated and handled with optimum sensing and control independently of the size thereof.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved cervical dilator in which minimum pain and discomfort is caused the patient and the need for either local or general anesthesia is generally obviated.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide cervical dilators of the above nature characterized by the minimum danger of perforation or laceration with their use, their high reliability, versatility and adaptability and their low cost.
The above and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In a sense the present invention contemplates the provision of a surgical kit comprising a plurality of cervical dilators, each dilator including a nonlinear elongated probe terminating at its distal end in a rounded tip and provided at its proximate end with a handle of greater width than said probe, said dilator handles being of similar shape and dimensions and said probe being of different diameters.
Advantageously each cervical dilator is integrally formed as a unit of a synthetic organic polymer resin and comprises an elongated angulated probe terminating in a rounded tip and of substantially uniform diameter from its proximate portion to a point between 0.5 and 2.0 inches of the distal end of the probe and then tapers forwardly in a first tapered section between 0.5 and 2.0 inches long at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the probe of between 0.5° and 1.5°. The probe is preferably bent intermediate its ends to form a curved elbow delineating the probe into linear proximate and distal sections. The handle is substantially flat and provided with a finger accommodating recess in its top face and is separated from the probe by a circular shield. The handles are color coded to correspond to the different probe diameters.
The improved cervical dilators permit a procedure with optimum sensing and control and a minimum danger of perforation or laceration, substantially independently of the nature and condition of the patient. The patient experiences a minimum of pain and discomfort thereby greatly obviating the need for local or general anesthesia.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a cervical dilator embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3 - 3 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the dilator handle section;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6 - 6 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of another dilator which with that shown in FIG. 1 - 6 form part of an improved kit;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8 - 8 in FIG. 7; and
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged view of the tip thereof, the corresponding portion of the first dilator being shown by broken line.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawing which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reference numeral 10 and 10A generally represent two of the improved cervical dilators of a kit or set thereto which differ from each other primarily in the diameters of the probe sections of the dilators and are otherwise substantially identical in shape and dimensions as will be hereinafter set forth. The improved set of cervical dilators may include any desired number of dilators, the probe diameters varying by any desired uniform or varying increment, for example, the probe diameters may vary by 1 or 1/2 millimeter increments and, for example, from 5 millimeters to 12 millimeters diameter. Each of the cervical dilators 10 is advantageously formed by injection molding of a synthetic organic theremoplastic polymeric resin, such as nylon, polyolefins, for example medium or high impact polypropylene or the like.
The cervical dilator includes a handle 11, a probe 12 and a shield 13 between the handle 11 and probe 12. The handle 11 extends longitudinally from shield 13 and has a curved trailing free edge 14 parallel longitudinal side edges 16 and leading edges 17 which converge from side edges 16 to the rear face of shield section 13 proximate its outer border. The handle 11, for a major part of its length from shield 13 is transversely upwardly convex and of substantially uniform thickness to provide a finger accommodating recess 18 in its underface, the leading face 19 of the recess 18 being downwardly curved and the rear face 20 thereof being likewise downwardly curved to a flat underface at the trailing end of handle 11. The top face 22 of handle 11 is smoothly curved along its border to the handle peripheral face. The handle 11 has a number or other indicia 23 formed in a face thereof identifying the diameter of the probe 12, for example it may be a number equal to the probe diameter in millimeters. In addition the handle 11 is colored in whole or in part to likewise provide an indication of the probe diameter.
The probe 12 is an elongated angulated rod of circular transverse cross section and includes a linear proximate section 24 and a linear distal section 26 joined by an intermediate curved elbow section 27, the proximate section being colinear with handle 11 and the distal section 26 being downwardly forwardly inclined. The angle between the proximate and distal sections 24 and 26 is advantageously between 8.0° and 18.0°, for example 12° in the illustrated embodiment. The diameter of the probe 12 is, except for the distal end portion 28 thereof, of substantially uniform diameter, for example 0.256 inch.
The distal end portion 28 starts between 0.5 and 1.5 inches from the distal end of the probe, for example 1 inch, and tapers uniformly at a section 29 for at least 0.5 inch for example, 0.7, at an angle A to the probe longitudinal axis (see FIG. 9) of between 0.5° and 1.5°, for example 0°49'. Thereafter the taper increases at an increasing rate as at 30, for example at a radius of curvature of 0.650 inches to a rounded tip 32. It is important to note that the slight taper at section 29 a short distance rearwardly of the probe tip greatly improves the application and manipulation of the cervical dilator.
The length of the probe section 26 is advantageously between 1.5 and 3.2 inches, for example, 2.7 inches, and the length of the handle is about 1 3/4 inches and its width is about 3/4 inch.
The cervical dilator 10A is, except for the diameter of the probe 33 thereof and the specific dimensions of the distal portion 34 of probe 33, identical with the dilator 10 and is another of the set of cervical dilators. For example, in the dilator 10 the diameter of the probe 12 is about 0.256 inch and in the dilator 10A the diameter of the probe 33 is about 0.453 inch. In both probes 12 and 33 the tapered distal portions 28 and 34 respectively start 1 inch rearwardly of the ends of the probes. The length of the uniform tapered section 28 is about 0.7 inch and the diameter decreases from a diameter D1 of 0.256 to a diameter D2 0.236 inch or about 0.02 inch and the length of the uniform tapered section 34 is about 0.58 inch and decreases from a diameter D1' of 0.453 inch to a diameter D2' of 0.433 inch, likewise about 0.02 inch. In the illustrated embodiment the dilator kit includes eight dilators in which the probes vary in diameter by 1 millimeter increments from 0.217 inches to 0.472 inches, it being noted that other increments may be used, for example, 0.5 millimeter increments. The handle 36 and shield 37 of dilator 10A is similar in shape and dimensions to handle 11 and shield 13 as are the handles and shields of the other dilators. The handle 36 is colored and carries indicia indentifying the probe diameter.
The improved cervical probe is employed in the known manner. However by reason of the construction and the uniformity of the handles much higher and informative sensing is realized, a much greater degree of control in handling and manipulation achieved. Moreover, considerably less pain and discomfort is experienced by the patient.
While there have been described and illustrated preferred embodiments of the present invention it is apparent that numerous alterations omissions and additions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof
The present invention relates generally to improvements in surgical instruments and it relates particularly to an improved set of cervical dilators.
In the performance of therepeutic abortion the dilation of the cervix is the most time-consuming and dangerous part of the procedure, the greatest problems occurring with dilation in the nulliporous patient. In dilating the cervix, once the cervix opens and admits the dilator, there tends to be a thrust as a result of the pressure applied by the surgeon and the consequent leap forward is the cause of perforation and there is a very high incidence of laceration. The cervical dilators heretofore available and proposed possess numerous drawbacks and disadvantages. While cervical dilators are generally provided in graduated sizes they are of such construction as to be awkward to handle and manipulate and difficult for complete control by the operator and they are usually highly uncomfortable and frequently painful to the patient who generally requires either general or local anesthesia. Furthermore, with the conventional cervical dilator, it is difficult to sense its position and the state and condition of the surrounding surface and these dilators otherwise leave much to be desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved surgical instrument.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved cervical dilator.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved set of cervical dilators of different sizes which may be manipulated and handled with optimum sensing and control independently of the size thereof.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved cervical dilator in which minimum pain and discomfort is caused the patient and the need for either local or general anesthesia is generally obviated.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide cervical dilators of the above nature characterized by the minimum danger of perforation or laceration with their use, their high reliability, versatility and adaptability and their low cost.
The above and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In a sense the present invention contemplates the provision of a surgical kit comprising a plurality of cervical dilators, each dilator including a nonlinear elongated probe terminating at its distal end in a rounded tip and provided at its proximate end with a handle of greater width than said probe, said dilator handles being of similar shape and dimensions and said probe being of different diameters.
Advantageously each cervical dilator is integrally formed as a unit of a synthetic organic polymer resin and comprises an elongated angulated probe terminating in a rounded tip and of substantially uniform diameter from its proximate portion to a point between 0.5 and 2.0 inches of the distal end of the probe and then tapers forwardly in a first tapered section between 0.5 and 2.0 inches long at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the probe of between 0.5° and 1.5°. The probe is preferably bent intermediate its ends to form a curved elbow delineating the probe into linear proximate and distal sections. The handle is substantially flat and provided with a finger accommodating recess in its top face and is separated from the probe by a circular shield. The handles are color coded to correspond to the different probe diameters.
The improved cervical dilators permit a procedure with optimum sensing and control and a minimum danger of perforation or laceration, substantially independently of the nature and condition of the patient. The patient experiences a minimum of pain and discomfort thereby greatly obviating the need for local or general anesthesia.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a cervical dilator embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3 - 3 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the dilator handle section;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6 - 6 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of another dilator which with that shown in FIG. 1 - 6 form part of an improved kit;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8 - 8 in FIG. 7; and
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged view of the tip thereof, the corresponding portion of the first dilator being shown by broken line.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawing which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reference numeral 10 and 10A generally represent two of the improved cervical dilators of a kit or set thereto which differ from each other primarily in the diameters of the probe sections of the dilators and are otherwise substantially identical in shape and dimensions as will be hereinafter set forth. The improved set of cervical dilators may include any desired number of dilators, the probe diameters varying by any desired uniform or varying increment, for example, the probe diameters may vary by 1 or 1/2 millimeter increments and, for example, from 5 millimeters to 12 millimeters diameter. Each of the cervical dilators 10 is advantageously formed by injection molding of a synthetic organic theremoplastic polymeric resin, such as nylon, polyolefins, for example medium or high impact polypropylene or the like.
The cervical dilator includes a handle 11, a probe 12 and a shield 13 between the handle 11 and probe 12. The handle 11 extends longitudinally from shield 13 and has a curved trailing free edge 14 parallel longitudinal side edges 16 and leading edges 17 which converge from side edges 16 to the rear face of shield section 13 proximate its outer border. The handle 11, for a major part of its length from shield 13 is transversely upwardly convex and of substantially uniform thickness to provide a finger accommodating recess 18 in its underface, the leading face 19 of the recess 18 being downwardly curved and the rear face 20 thereof being likewise downwardly curved to a flat underface at the trailing end of handle 11. The top face 22 of handle 11 is smoothly curved along its border to the handle peripheral face. The handle 11 has a number or other indicia 23 formed in a face thereof identifying the diameter of the probe 12, for example it may be a number equal to the probe diameter in millimeters. In addition the handle 11 is colored in whole or in part to likewise provide an indication of the probe diameter.
The probe 12 is an elongated angulated rod of circular transverse cross section and includes a linear proximate section 24 and a linear distal section 26 joined by an intermediate curved elbow section 27, the proximate section being colinear with handle 11 and the distal section 26 being downwardly forwardly inclined. The angle between the proximate and distal sections 24 and 26 is advantageously between 8.0° and 18.0°, for example 12° in the illustrated embodiment. The diameter of the probe 12 is, except for the distal end portion 28 thereof, of substantially uniform diameter, for example 0.256 inch.
The distal end portion 28 starts between 0.5 and 1.5 inches from the distal end of the probe, for example 1 inch, and tapers uniformly at a section 29 for at least 0.5 inch for example, 0.7, at an angle A to the probe longitudinal axis (see FIG. 9) of between 0.5° and 1.5°, for example 0°49'. Thereafter the taper increases at an increasing rate as at 30, for example at a radius of curvature of 0.650 inches to a rounded tip 32. It is important to note that the slight taper at section 29 a short distance rearwardly of the probe tip greatly improves the application and manipulation of the cervical dilator.
The length of the probe section 26 is advantageously between 1.5 and 3.2 inches, for example, 2.7 inches, and the length of the handle is about 1 3/4 inches and its width is about 3/4 inch.
The cervical dilator 10A is, except for the diameter of the probe 33 thereof and the specific dimensions of the distal portion 34 of probe 33, identical with the dilator 10 and is another of the set of cervical dilators. For example, in the dilator 10 the diameter of the probe 12 is about 0.256 inch and in the dilator 10A the diameter of the probe 33 is about 0.453 inch. In both probes 12 and 33 the tapered distal portions 28 and 34 respectively start 1 inch rearwardly of the ends of the probes. The length of the uniform tapered section 28 is about 0.7 inch and the diameter decreases from a diameter D1 of 0.256 to a diameter D2 0.236 inch or about 0.02 inch and the length of the uniform tapered section 34 is about 0.58 inch and decreases from a diameter D1' of 0.453 inch to a diameter D2' of 0.433 inch, likewise about 0.02 inch. In the illustrated embodiment the dilator kit includes eight dilators in which the probes vary in diameter by 1 millimeter increments from 0.217 inches to 0.472 inches, it being noted that other increments may be used, for example, 0.5 millimeter increments. The handle 36 and shield 37 of dilator 10A is similar in shape and dimensions to handle 11 and shield 13 as are the handles and shields of the other dilators. The handle 36 is colored and carries indicia indentifying the probe diameter.
The improved cervical probe is employed in the known manner. However by reason of the construction and the uniformity of the handles much higher and informative sensing is realized, a much greater degree of control in handling and manipulation achieved. Moreover, considerably less pain and discomfort is experienced by the patient.
While there have been described and illustrated preferred embodiments of the present invention it is apparent that numerous alterations omissions and additions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof