A MEDICAL DEVICE FOR DISCREETLY PERFORMING A ROUTINE VAGINAL EXAMINATION

摘要

The invention is a system for performing a routine vaginal examination. The examination is carried out using a medical imaging device that is optimally shaped to match the shape of the vaginal canal and comprises an imaging sensor, wide field of view optics, illumination means, electronic circuitry, and communication means. In addition a medical image and analysis (MIUA) unit comprising a processor and a dedicated MIUA algorithm is provided, either as part of the device or as a separate unit. The system is characterized in that the dedicated MIUA algorithm compares the acquired images to a predefined standard of quality and verifies that sufficient images of a predefined region of interest (ROI) have been obtained; saves the acquired images that meet the predefined standard and also show the ROI; and signals the user carrying out the examination when a sufficient number of images having sufficient image quality and taken at appropriate viewing angles of the area being examined have been acquired. The device and MIUA unit enable routine examination of the vagina to be carried out at any location by untrained persons, preferably by the woman herself in the privacy of her own home. The images acquired by the camera are transmitted to an authorized center where trained medical personnel view, analyze, and interpret them.