General uterine manipulator and system

Abstract

A general uterine manipulator 10 incorporates an elongated hollow tube 12 defining an internal passage 14 . Tube 12 has opposite first and second ends 16 and 18 , formed with internal threads T 1 and T 2 ; and a smooth continuous outer surface 20 of constant outer diameter. A first fitting comprising a tail screw 22 is screwed into thread T 1 and a second fitting cervical screw 24 is screwed in thread T 2 . An inner manipulator rod 26 extends through the first fitting 22 , tube 12 , and second fitting 24 . A range of alternate first and second fitting is provided. A forceps holder 70 is attachable to the tube 12 between ends 16 and 18 . The manipulator 10 may also support a cervical funnel 90 and a plug 92.

1 . A double ended medical instrument arranged for insertion into a body cavity comprising:
 a body having a first probe at first end, a second probe at a second opposite end;   the first probe having a cylindrical portion with an first outer circumferential surface of a first diameter, a first circumferential edge distant the first end and a first lip projecting outwardly from the first outer circumferential surface beyond the first circumferential edge and extending for at least a part of a circumference of the first circumferential edge;   the second probe having a cylindrical portion with a second outer circumferential surface of a second outer diameter, a second circumferential edge distant the first probe and a second lip projecting outwardly from the second outer circumferential surface beyond the second circumferential edge and extending for at least a part of a circumference of the second circumferential edge;   wherein the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter are different from each other.   
     
     
         2 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 1  wherein the first and second lips have respective mid-points that are located in axial alignment. 
     
     
         3 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 2  wherein the part of the circumference of the first and second circumferential edges about which the first and second lips respectively extend are the same. 
     
     
         4 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 1  wherein the first probe is provided with a first cavity extending axially from the first circumferential edge toward the second probe and having a first inner diameter. 
     
     
         5 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 5  wherein the second probe is formed with a second cavity extending axially from the second circumferential edge toward the first probe and having a second inner diameter wherein the second inner diameter is different to the first inner diameter. 
     
     
         6 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 1  wherein the first probe is provided with a first platform of constant first outer diameter extending over the first cylindrical portion from a circumferential edge of the first lip toward the second probe. 
     
     
         7 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 6  wherein the first platform is co-extensive in a circumferential aspect with the first lip. 
     
     
         8 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 6  wherein a side of the first platform rearward of the first lip slopes from the first outer diameter to first outer circumferential surface in a direction toward the second probe. 
     
     
         9 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 6  wherein circumferentially opposite sides the first platform transition smoothly from first outer diameter the first outer circumferential surface. 
     
     
         10 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 6  wherein the second probe is provided with a second platform of constant second outer diameter extending over the second cylindrical portion from a circumferential edge of the second lip toward the first probe. 
     
     
         11 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 10  wherein the second platform is co-extensive in a circumferential aspect with the second lip. 
     
     
         12 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 10  wherein a side of the second platform rearward of the second lip slopes from the second outer diameter in a direction toward the first probe. 
     
     
         13 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 10  wherein circumferentially opposite sides the second platform transition smoothly from second outer diameter the second outer circumferential surface. 
     
     
         14 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 10  wherein the platform has a circumferential surface of constant diameter extending coaxially with the first outer circumferential surface. 
     
     
         15 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 1  comprising an intermediate portion that transitions smoothly between the first and second probes. 
     
     
         16 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 15  wherein the intermediate portion has a central region of an outer diameter less than each of the first diameter and the second outer diameter. 
     
     
         17 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 5  comprising an intermediate portion that transitions smoothly between the first and second probes wherein the intermediate portion is formed with an internal bore the bore extending in an axial direction between the first and second cavities and having an inner diameter smaller than each of the first and second inner diameters. 
     
     
         18 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 1  wherein the first lip and second lip extend for the full circumference of first circumferential edge and the second circumferential edge respectively; the first probe being provided with a first platform of constant first outer diameter extending wholly about the first cylindrical portion from a circumferential edge of the first lip toward the second probe; and the second probe being provided with a second platform of constant second outer diameter extending wholly about the second cylindrical portion from a circumferential edge of the second lip toward the first probe. 
     
     
         19 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 18  comprising an intermediate portion that transitions smoothly between the first and second probes. 
     
     
         20 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 19  wherein the intermediate portion has a central region of an outer diameter less than each of the first diameter and the second outer diameter. 
     
     
         21 . The double ended medical instrument according to  claim 19  wherein the intermediate portion is formed with an internal bore the bore extending in an axial direction between the first and second cavities and having an inner diameter smaller than each of the first and second inner diameters.