DEVICE FOR EXAMINING MUCUS IN CERVICAL CANAL Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: medical engineering, gynecology. SUBSTANCE: device comprises two cylindrical, coaxially arranged electrodes insulated from each other and connected to instruments for electrical measurements, and to a reduced pressure source. One of electrodes is rigidly fixed inside capillary canal of transparent graduated tube serving as casing, while other electrode is rigidly fixed inside extension piece having limiter and secured to casing by means of two screws. Lateral surface of extension piece is provided both outside and inside with plurality of openings of different configurations intended for drainage and for receiving one or several sensors responsive to temperature, surface tension, etc. Provision is also made for light emitter and light detector placed in opposition to each other in openings formed to receive them at end of lateral surface of said extension piece. This structural arrangement offers number of advantage, namely: photosensitive elements are placed in immediate contact with mucus, their surfaces are not soiled, light coming from light emitter is neither scattered nor absorbed, whereby photometric parameters of mucus can be measured more accurately. Limiter is provided with randomly shaped openings which make it possible to insert device into cervical canal more accurately and quickly. Slidably movable wiring contact is provided inside transparent graduated tube. Axial movement of this contact makes it possible to measure time it takes to fill capillary with mucus during mucus viscosity measurements. Beginning and end of measurements can be registered by electronic chronometer. Casing is enveloped by vacuum tube which is connected, in series, to electric valve, to receiver provided with digital depression sensor, to gate valve and to vacuum pump. EFFECT: more accurate and rapid measurement of mucus parameters in cervical canal. 3 cl, 2 dwg