Cervix Measurment Device with Disposable Tip
The present invention provides several devices and methods for determining dimensions of female reproductive organs. In one embodiment, a device for determining a dimension of a female reproductive organ includes a hollow member having a body, a distal end, and a portion extending substantially perpendicular to the body, a measurement member having a body, a proximal end, a closed distal end, and a measurement scale along a length of the body, and a probe member having a body, a distal end, a proximal end, and a light-emitting element. The probe member is configured to be inserted into the body of the measurement member, and the measurement member is configured to be inserted into the body of the hollow member. The measurement member and the hollow member may be disposable and may be discarded after use.
1 . A device for determining a dimension of an organ comprising:
a hollow member having a body, a distal end, and a portion extending substantially perpendicular to the body,
a measurement member having a body, a proximal end, a closed distal end, and a measurement scale along a length of the body, and
a probe member having a body, a distal end, a proximal end, and a light-emitting element,
wherein the probe member is configured to be inserted into the body of the measurement member, and the measurement member is configured to be inserted into the body of the hollow member.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the measurement member interlocks with the hollow member to secure a position of the measurement member within the hollow member.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the hollow member extending substantially perpendicular to the body is disposed on the distal end of the hollow member.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the hollow member extending substantially perpendicular to the body comprises a shape chosen from the group consisting of a tear-drop shape and a circular shape.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the probe member comprises a handle disposed on the proximal end.
6 . The device of claim 5 , wherein the handle is coupled to the proximal end of the measurement member with a clamping cap.
7 . The device of claim 5 , wherein the handle comprises a cavity and a battery disposed in the cavity.
8 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the battery is connected to the light-emitting element.
9 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the body of the probe member is formed from a metal.
10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the body of the probe member is formed from plastic.
11 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the hollow member and the measurement member are formed from plastic.
12 . A method for measuring a length of a cervix, comprising:
inserting a device into a vagina, the device comprising a hollow member having a body and a distal end having a flange, a measurement member having a body, a proximal end, a closed distal end, and a measurement scale along a length of the body, and a probe member having a body, a distal end, a proximal end, and a light-emitting element, wherein the probe member is configured to be inserted into the body of the measurement member, and the measurement member is configured to be inserted into the body of the hollow member,
advancing the device distally within the vagina until the flange contacts a cervix at an external uterine opening,
advancing the measurement member until the distal end of the measurement member contacts a cervical-uterine junction at a fornix vaginae, and
observing a position of the proximal end of the hollow member along the measurement scale to determine the length of the cervix in the fornix vaginae.
13 . The method of claim 12 , comprising illuminating the vagina using the light-emitting element.
14 . The method of claim 12 , comprising locking the measurement member relative to the hollow member prior to observing a position of the proximal end of the hollow member along the measurement scale.
15 . The method of claim 12 , comprising prior to inserting the device into the vagina positioning the measurement member within the hollow member such that the distal end of the measurement member does not extend distally beyond the distal end of the hollow member.