Patent Publication Number: US-10327813-B2

Title: Vaginal surgical apparatus

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a continuation of International Application PCT/US16/37014 filed on Jun. 10, 2016, and U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/691,194 filed Aug. 30, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/480,227 filed on Apr. 5, 2017, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 15/208,867 filed Jul. 13, 2016, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 15/179,215 filed Jun. 10, 2016, which application is (a) a non-provisional patent application of U.S. provisional patent application 62/174,127 filed Jun. 11, 2015; U.S. provisional patent application 62/193,721 filed Jul. 17, 2015; U.S. provisional patent application 62/252,810 filed Nov. 9, 2015; U.S. provisional patent application 62/257,090 filed Nov. 18, 2015; U.S. provisional patent application 62/265,038 filed Dec. 9, 2015; and U.S. provisional patent application 62/312,069 filed Mar. 23, 2016; (b) a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/852,784 filed May 31, 2013; and (c) a continuation-in-part of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/971,512 filed Dec. 16, 2015. 
     This application claims the benefit of and/or priority to each of the foregoing patent applications and any and all parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent applications thereof. The foregoing patent applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a medical device, and more specifically, to a vaginal surgical apparatus. 
     SUMMARY 
     This invention relates generally to a medical device, and more specifically, to a vaginal surgical apparatus. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion; a vaginal manipulator probe that is at least partly insertable into a vagina, the vaginal manipulator probe extending from the elongated handle portion and including an arcuate end portion, the arcuate end portion including an aperture for accommodating a cervix; and a disk that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe, the disk including a locking mechanism to releasably secure the disk in position to limit vaginal insertion depth of the vaginal manipulator probe. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion that includes a first bollard tab and a second bollard tab for releasably securing a suture; a vaginal manipulator probe extending from the elongated handle portion and including an arcuate end portion having an oval-cross sectional shape and having an aperture channel for accommodating a cervix; and a disk that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe, the disk including a locking mechanism to releasably secure the disk in position to limit vaginal insertion depth of the vaginal manipulator probe. In a further embodiment, an apparatus includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion that includes a first bollard tab and a second bollard tab for releasably securing a suture; a vaginal manipulator probe extending from the elongated handle portion and including an arcuate end portion having an oval-cross sectional shape and having an aperture channel for accommodating a cervix, the arcuate end portion terminating to a bullous tip; a disk including a sleeve and shoulder, the disk being movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe; and a spring loaded latch associated with the disk to releasably secure the disk in position along a length of the vaginal manipulator probe to limit vaginal insertion depth. In yet an additional embodiment, an apparatus includes, but is not limited to, a handle portion; a vaginal manipulator probe that is at least partly insertable into a vagina, the vaginal manipulator probe extending from the handle portion and including an arcuate end portion, the arcuate end portion including an channel for accommodating a cervix; one or more LED lights disposed on the vaginal manipulator probe for illuminating vaginal tissue; at least one camera positioned with a field of view of the channel to permit visualization of a cervix relative to the channel; at least one battery receptacle within the handle portion; at least one button or switch operable to control operation of the one or more LED lights; at least one communication link for transferring image data to at least one display unit, the at least one communication link being either a wired communication link or a wireless communication link; and a disk that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe, the disk including a locking mechanism to releasably secure the disk in position along the portion of the length of the vaginal manipulator probe to limit vaginal insertion depth of the vaginal manipulator probe. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a vaginal surgical apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of a vaginal surgical apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a handle portion of a vaginal surgical apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a vaginal manipulator probe of a vaginal surgical apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a vaginal manipulator probe of a vaginal surgical apparatus inserted into a vaginal space, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a movable handle of a vaginal surgical apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This invention relates generally to a medical device, and more specifically, to a vaginal surgical apparatus. Certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in  FIGS. 1-6  to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present invention may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment, or may have any detail described for one particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described for another embodiment. 
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a vaginal surgical apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, an apparatus  102  includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion  104 ; a vaginal manipulator probe  106  that is at least partly insertable into a vagina, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  extending from the elongated handle portion  104  and including an arcuate end portion  108 , the arcuate end portion  108  including an aperture  110  for accommodating a cervix; and a disk  112  that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 , the disk  112  including a locking mechanism  114  to releasably secure the disk  112  in position to limit vaginal insertion depth of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one particular embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  is a cylindrical shaft  116 . In another embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  includes a recessed waist portion  118 . In certain embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  is releasable from the elongated handle portion  104 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  and the elongated handle portion  104  are a unitary structure. In one embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  includes a first bollard tab  120  and a second bollard tab (not visible) opposite the first bollard tab  120  for releasably securing a suture. In further embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  has an oval cross-sectional shape along a length of a longitudinal axis of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one particular embodiment, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a first portion  122  having a first cross-sectional width that flares to a second portion  124  having a second cross-sectional width that is greater than the first-cross-sectional width, wherein the first portion  122  and the second portion  124  have substantially similar cross-sectional heights. In some embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a notch track (not visible) for interfacing with the locking mechanism  114  of the disk  112 . In additional embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a linear portion  126  that extends from the arcuate end portion  108 . In one particular embodiment, the aperture  110  of the arcuate end portion  108  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  extends as a channel  128  from a top surface  130  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  through to a bottom surface  132  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one embodiment, the aperture  110  is positioned approximately midway along a length of the arcuate end portion  108  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In other embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes an end portion  134  that curls to define a bullous tip (not visible). In one specific embodiment, the aperture  110  measures approximately 2 cm to 4 cm across and/or in length. In some embodiments, the disk  112  is movable along a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  having a notch track (not visible). In further embodiments, the disk  112  includes a sleeve portion  136  that circumscribes the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In other embodiments, the disk  112  includes a shoulder  138  that circumscribes the vaginal manipulator probe  106 , the shoulder  138  being operable to rest against an outside surface of a vulva when the vaginal manipulator probe  106  is inserted within the vagina. In a further embodiment, the disk  112  includes a spring-loaded latch  140  that is tensionally biased against a notch track (not visible) of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus  102  includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion  104  that includes a first bollard tab  120  and a second bollard tab (not visible) for releasably securing a suture; a vaginal manipulator probe  106  extending from the elongated handle portion  104  and including an arcuate end portion  108  having an oval-cross sectional shape and having an aperture channel  110  for accommodating a cervix; and a disk  112  that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 , the disk  112  including a locking mechanism  114  to releasably secure the disk  112  in position to limit vaginal insertion depth of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus  102  includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion  104  that includes a first bollard tab  120  and a second bollard tab (not visible) for releasably securing a suture; a vaginal manipulator probe  106  extending from the elongated handle portion  104  and including an arcuate end portion  108  having an oval-cross sectional shape and having an aperture channel  110  for accommodating a cervix, the arcuate end portion  108  terminating to a bullous tip (not visible); a disk  112  including a sleeve  136  and shoulder  138 , the disk  112  being movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 ; and a spring loaded latch  140  associated with the disk  112  to releasably secure the disk  112  in position along a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  to limit vaginal insertion depth. 
     In one embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  includes a notch  101  on opposing sides to define a surface for securing the apparatus  102 , such as using a locking mechanism, clamp, clasp associated with a table or resting surface. 
     In some embodiments, the cylindrical shaft  116  is non-cylindrical such as oval, square, triangular, or irregular in shape. In other embodiments, the cylindrical shaft  116  is non-linear, such as including a bend or curve along its length. In further embodiments, the notch  101  is omitted or substituted with a hole, channel, or protrusion. Alternatively, a clamp, clasp, or other securing mechanism can be included with the cylindrical shaft  116  to facilitate securing the apparatus  102  to a table, support, stand, or other structure. In some embodiments, the recessed waist  118  is omitted or can be duplicated at different positions along a length of the cylindrical shaft to provide additional grip points. In certain embodiments, the first bollard tab  120  and the second bollard tab  202  can be omitted or positionable on a rotatably lockable or slidable sleeve that permits different alignment/positioning. In an additional embodiment, the cylindrical shaft  116  can be tapped with threads to permit screwing and unscrewing of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . Alternatively, the cylindrical shaft  116  can include a tapered, friction, bearing, post, groove, or other locking mechanism for removably securing the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . 
     In an additional embodiment, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  is arcuate along a substantially entire length (e.g., curved along a majority of the length without having the linear portion  126 ). The arcuate end portion  108  can have a curvature as depicted or alternatively can be curved to a greater or lesser extent as desired to accommodate the vaginal anatomy. In certain embodiments, the arcuate end portion  108  can include an adjustable curvature to permit point-of-use adjustment by a health provider or doctor. Alternatively, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  can be substantially linear along its substantially entire length (e.g., not including the arcuate end portion  108 ). In certain embodiments, the linear portion  126  and the arcuate end portion  108  have a circular, oval, square, triangular, irregular, or other similar cross-sectional shape, which may be the same or different between the two. In another embodiment, the linear portion  126  and the arcuate end portion  108  have substantially similar widths or heights or can have differing widths or heights. In other embodiments, the arcuate end portion  108  can include a larger or smaller flare from the linear portion  126  to define a wider or narrower shape. In some embodiments, the arcuate end portion  108  can have a varying diameter, height, or cross sectional shape along its length. In other embodiments, the end portion  134  is flat, curved, pointed, conical, or has another similar shape. In a further embodiment, the aperture  110  can be a surface indentation or can extend fully or partly through the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one particular embodiment, walls of the aperture  110  are tapered in or out to define a surface for accommodating various anatomical features. The aperture  110  can be square, rectangular, oval, circular, triangular, or another similar shape. The aperture  110  can be positioned further towards the end portion  134  or further towards the linear portion  126 . The aperture  110  can extend further along a length of the arcuate end portion  108  or can be shortened. Additionally, in some embodiments, the aperture  110  can be adjustable in width, height, depth, diameter, or shape. In other embodiments, the disk  112  can include a larger or a smaller diameter shoulder  138 . The sleeve portion  136  can be omitted or extended further forward or aft to cover more of the linear portion  126 . The linear portion  126  can include measurement markings to indicate a distance of insertion from the end portion  134 . The locking mechanism  114  can be omitted or substituted, such as with a threaded disk that rotates, a pin and hole, a screw and track, or another similar structure. 
     In additional embodiments, the apparatus  102  includes one or more cameras  127  positioned at one or more points to provide visual feedback, such as proximate the end portion  134 , along a length of the arcuate end portion  108 , or proximate the aperture  110 , as depicted. In certain embodiments, the one or more cameras  127  can be disposed on a top surface  130  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  or on a bottom surface  132  of the vaginal manipulator probe or even on either side of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one particular embodiment, the one or more cameras  127  are disposed on a top surface  130  and are angled to permit visualization of the aperture  110  relative to the cervix to facilitate proper positioning of the cervix within the aperture  110 . Alternatively, the one or more cameras  127  can be positioned along the vaginal manipulator probe  106 —either on the linear portion  126  or the arcuate end portion  108 —permitting visualization of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  relative to various vaginal anatomical structures and/or one or more needles or surgical tools. In certain embodiments, the one or more LED lights  125  are positioned to illuminate the aperture  110  to facilitate imaging using the one or more cameras  127 . The one or more LED lights  125  are depicted as being proximate the one or more cameras  127  and positioned to illuminate the aperture  110 . However, the one or more LED lights  125  are not limited to being positioned as depicted. For example, in certain embodiments, the apparatus  102  includes one or more LED lights  125  surrounding the aperture  110 , which one or more LED lights  125  emit light that is detectable through the tissue of a cervix and trans-illuminate tissue of the vagina. This positioning of the one or more LED lights  125  facilitates correct positioning of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  relative to the cervix. The one or more LED lights  125  can be disposed around the aperture  110  on the inside diameter walls or near a lip on the top surface  130  or the bottom surface  132 . The one or more LED lights  125  can be positioned anywhere on the arcuate end portion  108  or the linear portion  126 . Alternatively, the one or more LED lights  125  can be disposed anywhere along the vaginal manipulator probe  106  or even along the elongated handle portion  104 . Thus, in certain embodiments, the one or more cameras  127  at a vantage point to visualize the aperture  110 , with the one or more LED lights  125  adjacent. Another location for the one or more LED lights  125  is on the top of a cervical “ring” in a series all around the aperture  110 , which would be in direct contact with the vagina where the vagina attaches to the cervix, thereby trans-illuminating the vagina at that junction for the surgeon/health provider to see from an abdominal perspective. Alternatively, the one or more LED lights  125  could be in a small series of 3 or 4 lights at the junction of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  where it transitions to the aperture  110 . Additionally, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  is configured to change or emit color/light, such as using one or more internal or externally mounted LED lights  125  to provide contrast relative to tissue or blood. Batteries in any of these embodiments can be disposed within the elongated handle portion  104 . 
     In one particular embodiment, a display screen is included to permit display of one or more images/video captured using the one or more cameras  127 . The display screen can be integrated or coupled to the elongated handle portion  104  or can be detachable and removably couplable to the elongated handle portion. The display screen can be pivoted, angled, shifted, moved to permit visualization by a healthcare provider during application. The display screen can be disposable or reusable. The display screen can include or be associated with one or more buttons or switches to permit control of the one or more LED lights  125  or the one or more cameras  127 . For instance, the one or more LED lights  125  can be turned on or off or have varying intensity or color. Additionally, the one or more cameras  127  can be robotically moved, angled, shifted or can even enable zoom, image, video, contrast, etc. changes. 
     In further embodiments, the arcuate end portion  108  includes one or more indentations or grooves on its surface to backstop a needle, similar in function to a thimble. In some embodiments, one or more physiological sensors are disposed on a surface of the apparatus  102  or internally of the apparatus  102 , such physiological sensors can provide data feedback regarding temperature, chemical, coloration, or other similar information. In certain embodiments, the apparatus  102  includes an internal conduit that exits via the end portion  134  or via one or more pores in the vaginal manipulator probe  106  for medication or fluid delivery. The internal conduit can include an attachment point in the elongated handle portion for coupling with a catheter or other conduit for receiving fluids or medication. Alternatively, the internal conduct can extend from a refillable reservoir disposed within the apparatus  102  for containing fluid or medication. The apparatus  102  can further include a processor, computer readable storage, buttons, switches, and/or one or more wireless or wired communication units to enable automatic, programmed, remote, or local control of the operations, such as light, drug administration, sensors, data collection and transmission, size or shape or curvature adjustments, or other similar operations. 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of a vaginal surgical apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, an apparatus  102  includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion  104 ; a vaginal manipulator probe  106  that is at least partly insertable into a vagina, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  extending from the elongated handle portion  104  and including an arcuate end portion  108 , the arcuate end portion  108  including an aperture  110  for accommodating a cervix; and a disk  112  that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 , the disk  112  including a locking mechanism  114  to releasably secure the disk  112  in position to limit vaginal insertion depth of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one particular embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  is a cylindrical shaft  116 . In another embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  includes a recessed waist portion  118 . In certain embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  is releasable from the elongated handle portion  104 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  and the elongated handle portion  104  are a unitary structure. In one embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  includes a first bollard tab (not visible) and a second bollard tab  202  opposite the first bollard tab for releasably securing a suture. In further embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  has an oval cross-sectional shape along a length of a longitudinal axis of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one particular embodiment, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a first portion  122  having a first cross-sectional width that flares to a second portion  124  having a second cross-sectional width that is greater than the first-cross-sectional width, wherein the first portion  122  and the second portion  124  have substantially similar cross-sectional heights. In some embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a notch track  204  for interfacing with the locking mechanism  114  of the disk  112 . In additional embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a linear portion  126  that extends from the arcuate end portion  108 . In one particular embodiment, the aperture  110  of the arcuate end portion  108  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  extends as a channel  128  from a top surface  130  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  through to a bottom surface  132  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one embodiment, the aperture  110  is positioned approximately midway along a length of the arcuate end portion  108  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In other embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes an end portion  134  that curls to define a bullous tip  206 . In one specific embodiment, the aperture  110  measures approximately 2 cm to 4 cm across and/or in length. In some embodiments, the disk  112  is movable along a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  having a notch track  204 . In further embodiments, the disk  112  includes a sleeve portion  136  that circumscribes the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In other embodiments, the disk  112  includes a shoulder  138  that circumscribes the vaginal manipulator probe  106 , the shoulder  138  being operable to rest against an outside surface of a vulva when the vaginal manipulator probe  106  is inserted within the vagina. In a further embodiment, the disk  112  includes a spring-loaded latch  140  that is tensionally biased against a notch track  204  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus  102  includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion  104  that includes a first bollard tab (not visible) and a second bollard tab  202  for releasably securing a suture; a vaginal manipulator probe  106  extending from the elongated handle portion  104  and including an arcuate end portion  108  having an oval-cross sectional shape and having an aperture channel  110  for accommodating a cervix; and a disk  112  that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 , the disk  112  including a locking mechanism  114  to releasably secure the disk  112  in position to limit vaginal insertion depth of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus  102  includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion  104  that includes a first bollard tab (not visible) and a second bollard tab  202  for releasably securing a suture; a vaginal manipulator probe  106  extending from the elongated handle portion  104  and including an arcuate end portion  108  having an oval-cross sectional shape and having an aperture channel  110  for accommodating a cervix, the arcuate end portion  108  terminating to a bullous tip  206 ; a disk  112  including a sleeve  136  and shoulder  138 , the disk  112  being movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 ; and a spring loaded latch  140  associated with the disk  112  to releasably secure the disk  112  in position along a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  to limit vaginal insertion depth. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a handle portion of a vaginal surgical apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  is a cylindrical shaft  116 . In another embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  includes a recessed waist portion  118 . In certain embodiments, the elongated handle portion  104  is releasable from the vaginal manipulator probe (not shown). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe (not shown) and the elongated handle portion  104  are a unitary structure. In one embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  includes a first bollard tab (not visible) and a second bollard tab  202  opposite the first bollard tab for releasably securing a suture. In another embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  includes a notch  101  on opposing sides to define a planar surface for accommodating a clasp, clamp, or other securing mechanism to hold the apparatus in position. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a vaginal manipulator probe of a vaginal surgical apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  has an oval cross-sectional shape along a length of a longitudinal axis of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one particular embodiment, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a first portion  122  having a first cross-sectional width that flares to a second portion  124  having a second cross-sectional width that is greater than the first-cross-sectional width, wherein the first portion  122  and the second portion  124  have substantially similar cross-sectional heights. In some embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a notch track  204  for interfacing with the locking mechanism  114  of the disk  112 . In additional embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a linear portion  126  that extends from the arcuate end portion  108 . In one particular embodiment, the aperture  110  of the arcuate end portion  108  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  extends as a channel  128  from a top surface  130  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  through to a bottom surface  132  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one embodiment, the aperture  110  is positioned approximately midway along a length of the arcuate end portion  108  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In other embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes an end portion  134  that curls to define a bullous tip  206 . In one specific embodiment, the aperture  110  measures approximately 2 cm to 4 cm across and/or in length. In some embodiments, the disk  112  is movable along a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  having a notch track  204 . In further embodiments, the disk  112  includes a sleeve portion  136  that circumscribes the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In other embodiments, the disk  112  includes a shoulder  138  that circumscribes the vaginal manipulator probe  106 , the shoulder  138  being operable to rest against an outside surface of a vulva when the vaginal manipulator probe  106  is inserted within the vagina. In a further embodiment, the disk  112  includes a spring-loaded latch  140  that is tensionally biased against a notch track  204  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a vaginal manipulator probe of a vaginal surgical apparatus inserted into a vaginal space, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, an apparatus  102  includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion  104 ; a vaginal manipulator probe  106  that is at least partly insertable into a vagina  502 , the vaginal manipulator probe  106  extending from the elongated handle portion  104  and including an arcuate end portion  108 , the arcuate end portion  108  including an aperture  110  for accommodating a cervix  504 ; and a disk  112  that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 , the disk  112  including a locking mechanism  114  to releasably secure the disk  112  in position to limit vaginal insertion depth of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one particular embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  is a cylindrical shaft  116 . In another embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  includes a recessed waist portion  118 . In certain embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  is releasable from the elongated handle portion  104 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  and the elongated handle portion  104  are a unitary structure. In one embodiment, the elongated handle portion  104  includes a first bollard tab (not visible) and a second bollard tab  202  opposite the first bollard tab for releasably securing a suture  506 . In further embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  has an oval cross-sectional shape along a length of a longitudinal axis of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one particular embodiment, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a first portion  122  having a first cross-sectional width that flares to a second portion  124  having a second cross-sectional width that is greater than the first-cross-sectional width, wherein the first portion  122  and the second portion  124  have substantially similar cross-sectional heights. In some embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a notch track  204  for interfacing with the locking mechanism  114  of the disk  112 . In additional embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes a linear portion  126  that extends from the arcuate end portion  108 . In one particular embodiment, the aperture  110  of the arcuate end portion  108  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  extends as a channel  128  from a top surface (not visible) of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  through to a bottom surface  132  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In one embodiment, the aperture  110  is positioned approximately midway along a length of the arcuate end portion  108  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In other embodiments, the vaginal manipulator probe  106  includes an end portion  134  that curls to define a bullous tip. In one specific embodiment, the aperture  110  measures approximately 2 cm to 4 cm across and/or in length. In some embodiments, the disk  112  is movable along a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  having the notch track  204 . In further embodiments, the disk  112  includes a sleeve portion  136  that circumscribes the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In other embodiments, the disk  112  includes a shoulder  138  that circumscribes the vaginal manipulator probe  106 , the shoulder  138  being operable to rest against an outside surface of a vulva  508  when the vaginal manipulator probe  106  is inserted within the vagina  502 . In a further embodiment, the disk  112  includes a spring loaded latch  140  that is tensionally biased against the notch track  204  of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus  102  includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion  104  that includes a first bollard tab (not visible) and a second bollard tab  202  for releasably securing a suture  506 ; a vaginal manipulator probe  106  extending from the elongated handle portion  104  and including an arcuate end portion  108  having an oval-cross sectional shape and having an aperture channel  110  for accommodating a cervix  504 ; and a disk  112  that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 , the disk  112  including a locking mechanism  114  to releasably secure the disk  112  in position to limit vaginal insertion depth of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus  102  includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion  104  that includes a first bollard tab (not visible) and a second bollard tab  202  for releasably securing a suture  506 ; a vaginal manipulator probe  106  extending from the elongated handle portion  104  and including an arcuate end portion  108  having an oval-cross sectional shape and having an aperture channel  110  for accommodating a cervix  504 , the arcuate end portion  108  terminating to a bullous tip; a disk  112  including a sleeve  136  and shoulder  138 , the disk  112  being movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106 ; and a spring loaded latch  140  associated with the disk  112  to releasably secure the disk  112  in position along a length of the vaginal manipulator probe  106  to limit vaginal insertion depth. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a movable handle of a vaginal surgical apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, a movable handle  602  includes an elongated portion  604  movably coupled to a handle portion  606  via an articulating joint  610 . The handle portion  606  includes a grip. The elongated portion  604  includes a shaft with a recessed waist  614  terminating at a vaginal manipulator probe attachment end  620 . The shaft  612  can include a first bollard tab  616  and a second bollard tab  618  for securing one or more sutures (not visible). Accordingly, the movable handle  602  can be used in conjunction with various embodiments disclosed herein to provide an alternative handle structure for manipulating a vaginal manipulator probe  106 . 
     In certain embodiments, wherein the elongated portion  604  is a cylindrical shaft. In other embodiments, the elongated portion  604  includes a recessed waist  614  for accommodating a thumb. In other embodiments, the elongated portion  604  is releasable from a vaginal manipulator probe  106 . In further embodiments, the elongated portion  604  and a vaginal manipulator probe are provided as a unitary structure. 
     In some embodiments, the handle portion  606  rotates and/or pivots relative to the elongated portion  604 . The articulating joint  610  can permit movement in one, two, or three directions, such as being capable of adjustably extending from the elongated portion  604 . In certain embodiments, the articulating joint is lockable in one or more positions via friction, a locking mechanism (e.g., pin, screw, jam nut, or similar structure), or is freely movable. In other embodiments, the handle portion  606  includes a shaft grip, a knob, one or more finger holes, or a differently configured grip  608  (e.g., narrower, wider, thicker, thinner, etc.). 
     In further embodiments, the shaft  612  is differently configured, such as shorter, longer, wider, non-linear, squared, or the like. The shaft  612  can be removably coupled to the vaginal manipulator probe as discussed herein, or can be part of a unitary structure with the vaginal manipulator probe. The recessed waist  614  can be differently positioned, duplicated, longer, deeper, shorter, or even omitted. The first and second bollard tabs  616  and  618  can be omitted or differently positioned, such as on a rotatable or movable sleeve. 
     In one particular embodiment, a movable handle  602  is similar to the part that you hold on a child&#39;s red wagon. The movable handle  602  can be an option to slip onto or couple with the vaginal manipulator probe  106 . The movable handle  602  can be secured in place with a spring-loaded button or other simple device, and have a short extension which swivels in the anterior-posterior plane only allowing several handle positions, perhaps three. The movable handle  602  includes an opening (where the surgeon&#39;s fingers would be located) which enables access to the anal canal with a separate probe. 
     In one other particular embodiment, the elongated portion  104  or  604  has a bend or is offset from a midline to define a space that accommodates a rectal probe (which extending straight out of the anus) without conflicting with each other. This allows for easier positioning of the apparatus. It would also allow easier positioning of the apparatus  102  while concurrently suing a rectal probe—maintaining the apparatus  102  in the midline, rather than having it at an eccentric angle. 
     While preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.