A speculum includes, in part, an iris aperture. The iris aperture includes, in part, an actuator and a multitude of blades. Each blade is adapted to vary the opening of the aperture in response to an applied force. Each blade includes, in part, a wing extending outwardly from the aperture. Each wing has a base that is larger than the wing's tip. Each wing has a curved surface along at least a portion of the wing's height. In one embodiment, the at least portion of the wing's height is the entirety of the wing's height. Each blade and its associated wing are optionally formed from the same material. Therefore, a single piece of the material may be shaped to include both the blade and its associated wing. The blades may optionally be made from a material that is different from the material from which the wings are made.

A speculum includes, in part, an iris aperture. The iris aperture includes, in part, an actuator and a multitude of blades. Each blade is adapted to vary the opening of the aperture in response to an applied force. Each blade includes, in part, a wing extending outwardly from the aperture. Each wing has a base that is larger than the wing's tip. Each wing has a curved surface along at least a portion of the wing's height. In one embodiment, the at least portion of the wing's height is the entirety of the wing's height. Each blade and its associated wing are optionally formed from the same material. Therefore, a single piece of the material may be shaped to include both the blade and its associated wing. The blades may optionally be made from a material that is different from the material from which the wings are made.

A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.

A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.

A tongue maneuvering apparatus has a body, a first attachment site, and a second attachment site. The body includes a bulb, a tongue receiving portion, a tongue aperture, and a slot. The body may be a thin, pliable plastic, such as silicone, so as to create proper suction with the tongue when inserted into the tongue receiving portion. A healthcare provider is able to extend and manipulate a patient's tongue so as to clearly view the mouth and throat without activating the gag reflex and maintaining control of the tongue by the provider.

The instant disclosure describes a novel dental appliance and methods of use thereof for taking orofacial photos.

An attachment apparatus to an arthroscopic tool, comprising at one axial distal end of the attachment, a slider end collar of tubular cross section with a hook or fastening provision at one axial distal end of said slider end collar to connect to a force applicator and, rigidly attached at the other axial distal end of the slider end collar, are at least two pairs of substantially rod-like, closely located structures termed “sliders,” wherein each pair of said sliders are tangentially situated at opposite ends of the slider end collar and extends away from the slider end collar into channels or grooves of a slider guide sleeve with tubular cross section, wherein one distal end of the slider guide sleeve is at least a pair of cutouts for a plurality of lifting tabs placed at opposite radial distal ends along the circumference of the slider guide sleeve.

An attachment apparatus to an arthroscopic tool, comprising at one axial distal end of the attachment, a slider end collar of tubular cross section with a hook or fastening provision at one axial distal end of said slider end collar to connect to a force applicator and, rigidly attached at the other axial distal end of the slider end collar, are at least two pairs of substantially rod-like, closely located structures termed “sliders,” wherein each pair of said sliders are tangentially situated at opposite ends of the slider end collar and extends away from the slider end collar into channels or grooves of a slider guide sleeve with tubular cross section, wherein one distal end of the slider guide sleeve is at least a pair of cutouts for a plurality of lifting tabs placed at opposite radial distal ends along the circumference of the slider guide sleeve.

An intraoral imaging apparatus, a medical apparatus, and a program capable of providing auxiliary data for determination regarding diseases having differences in intraoral findings are provided. The intraoral imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device that acquires an intraoral image; a light source that emits light to a subject of the imaging device; a storage apparatus that stores an algorithm for performing determination of a specific disease; and an arithmetic apparatus, in which the arithmetic apparatus executes: a determination process of determining a possibility of the predetermined disease based on the image and the algorithm; and an output process of outputting a result of the determination process.

A vaginal examination device includes a hollow cylindrical body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the hollow body is partitioned into two or more channels; one or more inner channels, wherein the inner channels allow insertion and removal of examination modules; one or more extendable blades, wherein the blades are attached to the distal end of the body; one or more levers at the proximal end of the body configured to actuate the one or more extendable blades; and one or more handles at the proximal end of the body. Also provided are methods of self-performing pelvic examination using a vaginal examination device.