A New or Improved Instrument for Rectifying, and Pessary for Retaining, the Uterus in Position.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Jan., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 26th June, 1894-Accepted, 28th July, 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Instrument for Rectifying, and Pessary for
Retaining, the Uterus in Position.
I, FRANK WOOD HAVILAND of 214, West 123rd Street, New York City,
United States of America, Physician, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
My invention relates to devices for rectifying the uterus, and it has for its object
to provide an instrument through the medium of which a deflected uterus may be
restored to its normal or proper position gradually (if the deflection is excessive
and held by adhesions) or immediately after the application of the instrument (if
the deflection is slight or capable of being carried to completion) and to so construct
the instrument that it will not only be fitted to the cervical canal but also to the
angles of the uterine cavity, the adaptation of the instrument being so calculated
that while it will have constant tendency to remedy the deflection of the uterus to
a predetermined extent it will have neither vertical nor lateral movement; there-
fore, the instrument will produce the least possible friction and may be worn with
safety and likewise with but slight inconvenience. The instrument may be properly
termed a rectifier, and it is so made that it may be folded when introduced into the
uterus, thus enabling it to be readily passed up the cervical canal into the body
cavity, and when fully entered the members or sections of the instrument may be
expanded by manipulation at or near the external oss or mouth of the uterus and
caused to engage with and closely conform to the shape of opposite sides of the
cervical canal and the interior oss and also the opposing angles in the wall of the
uterine cavity. Or if the deflection is very great the members or sections of
the rectifier may be individually and independently introduced in and fitted to the
interior of the uterus and in either event when the members or sections of the
rectifier have been properly placed they may be locked in that_position_at
the exterior of the uterus in a convenient and expeditious manner.
The rectifier
may be as readily removed as it is placed in position and in the same manner and,
further, when the rectifier is withdrawn from the uterus it may be straightened
more or less before it is again introduced. The construction of the rectifier is also
such that it is self-retaining, adjustable, and permits drainage from the uterus.
The invention also relates to a pessary.
The invention consists in the novel construction and combination of the several
parts as will be hereinafter fully set forth.
One of the main objects of the present invention is to provide an instrument for
rectifying a deflection of the uterus which will be adjustable and capable of ready
manipulation and one that will fit close to opposite sides of the cervical canal from
the external to the internal oss and likewise fit close at opposite points to the
inclined side walls or angles of the uterine cavity and, further, to provide that
portion of the instrument adapted to lie within the body of the uterus with an
inclination corresponding to the proper or desired inclination of the uterus body or
approximately so, or the inclination of the upper portion of the instrument may be
practically the same as the angle of deflection in a flexed uterus to be treated, or
the angle of inclination of the instrument may be materially less than the angle of
deflection. In order to properly construct such an instrument it is apparent that
the length of the cervical canal should be known from the external to the internal
oss and also the angles of the uterine cavity. Furthermore the direction and
extent of the deflection in the flexed uterus should likewise be ascertained. This
information may be accurately obtained by employing two instruments, for each of

page_text: which I have made application for Letters Patent. One of the instruments- is
termed an Endograph and the other a Flexometer. The endograph supplies a
drawing or chart representing the exact shape in a given direction of the interior
of the uterus to which it is applied and the flexometer produces a model that
accurately portrays the deflection of hoth the body and neck of the uterus.
The rectifying instrument that has been successfully employed for restoring the
uterus to its normal shape comprises in its entirety a body, a base, and a key, and
the material used in the construction of the instrument may be metal, hard rubber,
or their equivalents, but hard rubber is preferred. The body and base are divided
about centrally and longitudinally into two sections, a base section constituting an
integral portion of each body section. Each body section may be said to comprise
a shank and head, the shank being practically straight, while the head is bent out-
ward and upward from the shank at an angle more or less obtuse. It may be
further remarked with reference to the detail construction of the shank and head
that the rear face is flattened and likewise the inner edge, while the front and outer
side surfaces are cylindrical. The head tapers somewhat in the direction of its
upper end, its inner lower face is somewhat rounded off, while the front face may
be given any desired cross-sectional shape, ordinarily, however, it is slightly
convexed. The shank is usually made widest at its junction with the head, but I
desire it to be understood that in detail the shape of the head and shank sections
may be varied, as occasion may demand. The base of each shank section ordinarily
stands practically at right angles to a shank section of the body, being connected
with its front and outer side surfaces, but this construction may likewise be varied.
The inner forward edge of each base section is straight and is at right angles to
the inner edge of the shank section with which it is connected and in this portion
of the base a recess is produced close to the lower front surface of the shank, while
a slide-way preferably of angular shape is formed in the front portion of the inner
edge of one base section, leading preferably to the recess, the other base section
being provided with a correspondingly-shaped and located projection, whereby an
interlocking connection is formed between the two base sections when the instru-
ment is in rectifying position. The inner edge of each base section has an outward
and rearward inclination, whereby when the sections of the body are in rectifying
position, quite a space intervenes between the opposing edges and when the sections
are brought to the folded position, the two inclined edges of the base are brought
together. A channel is produced transversely in the bottom of each base section
and one side wall of each channel is provided with a groove. The construction of
the base is completed by forming a recess or aperture near each end, adapted to
receive the jaws of a forceps used in placing the instrument. Each base channel
communicates with a longitudinal channel produced in the flattened inner edge of
each shank section. The inner walls of the base channels are curved in the
direction of the opposing walls and two cuts or recesses are made in the said inner
walls, one above and the other below a given point, thereby forming an inwardly
extending lug. The key heretofore alluded to, is adapted to serve the dual purpose
of a hinge for the body sections and a lock. The key is made practically T-shaped
and its shank is provided with a rib at each side edge upon one face, the ribs being
preferably made rounding, and the shank is further provided with a slot located
between the ribs and extending from one rib to the other. The head section of the
key carries upon one of its edges a spring adapted to enter the grooves in the walls
of the base channels, since the head is shaped to fit into said channels.
When constructing the rectifier, the shank of each body section is given a length
corresponding to the distance between the internal and the external oss which is the
length of the cervical canal and the heads of the body sections are given a side
inclination corresponding to the angles of the uterine cavity. Next the heads of
the sections are given an inclination corresponding in direction and somewhat in
degree to the deflection of the body of the uterus, or an inclination more or less
closely approximating a normal flexion. Thus when the instrument is placed in
the uterus it will fit the cervical canal and uterine cavity so perfectly that com-

page_text: paratively little irritation will result from its presence and practically no discomfort
will be experienced by the patient. At the same time the upper or front faces of
the heads of the instrument will bear up the body of the uterus and hold it at an
inclination corresponding to the rearward or corrective flexion of the heads and as
the instrument may be withdrawn from time to time and the rearward flexion of the
heads be corrected to approach more closely the proper degree of deflection of
the uterus, the uterus may be gradually and permanently restored to its normal
position. When the deflection of the uterus is only slightly out of normal, the
heads of the instrument may be given a normal corrective or rearward inclination
at once. By reason of the walls of the uterine cavity being supported by the
instrument at each side of the centre, tension upon the uterus is distributed and the
best results may be obtained. I desire it to be understood that the heads of
the instrument are given two inclinations, that is in direction of the angles of the
uterine cavity which is in a lateral direction and also in direction of the deflection of
the uterus which may be either in a forward or a rearward direction.
When the position of the uterus will admit of the instrument being introduced
folded, that is with the body sections close together and parallel, the parts are
assembled as follows:-The two straight edges of the base sections are placed in
contact, whereupon the shanks of the body sections will be parallel and their
heads will be inclined in opposite directions. The shank of the key is next
introduced between the shanks of the body sections; the ribs on the key being
entered into the body channels they will now serve to connect the two body
sections. The shank of the key, however, is only made to enter the body
channels a sufficient distance to bring its opening opposite the channel lugs. Now
by inserting the jaws of a pair of forceps in the recess near the inclined edge
of the base section, said surface may be brought together and the body sections
folded one toward the other until their inner faces engage and the shank and head.
portions of the body sections will be in close engagement and in parallel positions.
The pivot or hinge upon which the body sections turn is formed by the lugs
entering the openings in the key and turning upon the key ribs. After the
instrument has been introduced into the uterus in its folded position until the
base is practically in engagement with the mouth or external oss, the forceps are
removed and entered into the now outer set of base recesses, whereupon by
drawing the backward separated walls together the body sections will be again
turned upon their pivot and restored to their first position, and each body section
will be in engagement with an opposite side wall, the length of the cervical canal,
and likewise practically the length of the angles in the uterine cavity. The
body sections are then locked in this position by pressing inward the key, until its
spring engages with the keeper in the base. Before removing the instrument, it
may be folded again and removed in that position, or the key may be entirely
disengaged from the body sections and each section turned and moved separately.
The several parts of the instrument, in extreme cases or when the uterus is very
sensitive, may be separately introduced one body section being placed in position
after the other and locked by the addition of the key. When the instrument is
inserted in the uterus and expanded, a slot is formed between the body sections,
through which there is always proper drainage.
I preferably use in connection with my rectifying device a pessary which may be
briefly described as consisting of a body section and stem section. The body
section is shaped substantially as a bottomless shallow cup, widest at its anterior
portion and provided with an opening extending through its posterior portion,
whereby the diameter may be increased or decreased and the plane of the said
section varied as occasion may demand. The stem section is shaped substantially
as a link and connects with the body section at the top of its anterior portion, and
the link is provided with a convexed upper and a concaved lower surface. The
pessary is further provided with a pivot surface which is virtually the front face
of the wider or anterior portion of the body, the said surface being cylindrical and
bevelled or inclined from the top downward in direction of the interior of the body

page_text: section. This formation of the pivot surface renders the anterior wall of the
body quite thick at the top and thin at the bottom. The body section of the
pessary is adapted to receive and support the uterus; the pivot surface rests upon.
the perineum and the stem extends down into the vaginal canal in the vicinity of
the bladder, and the bladder may be said to exert pressure upon it.
The action of the pessary is to hold the uterus, stiffened by the rectifier, by
producing as heretofore stated a bottomless cup or cervical collar, into which the
cervix falls. The front wall of the inside of the collar or body is made as broad
from above downward as the depth of the cervix and therefore it furnishes a
surface against which the front wall of the cervix is pressed and then retained by
the members of the body or collar exten ling around the cervix to its posterior
wall. The pessary also retains the uterus in position by means of the peculiar
shape of that portion heretofore alluded to as the pivot surface and which occupies
the space between the perineum and the cervix. This portion of the pessary is
more or less bulbous and at the same time is triangular in cross section the apex of
the triangle being downward thus permitting this central portion to rest back of
the perineum, causing the cervix to be pressed backward, while the fundus will be
thrown forward. The tilt of the triangular pivot or central portion of the pessary
and its collar or body section can be readily changed by changing the angle of
the forward or link section of the device upon which the anterior vaginal wall and
bladder rest with respect to the body, or the triangular or pivot section. This
change may be accomplished by heating the section to be bent and bending
while hot.
The pessary is not retained within the vagina by the tension of the vaginal
walls exerted upon its sides, as in the case of all other pessaries, but owing to its
position upon and behind the perineum it is retained by that body moving forward
as the perineum relaxes and upward and backward as the perineum is raised, thus
giving the normal tilts to the uterus and acting as an artificial perineum. The
collar or body section of the pessary may be opened more or less by heating it at
its split portion and the members of the collar may be then bent to fit a large or a
small cervix. In correcting a backward or forward displacement of the fundus,
the pessary does not operate by disturbing the vaginal wall for the purpose of
reaching the fundus, but operates directly upon the cervix and indirectly upon the
fundus through the continuity of the uterus walls or by the action of the rectifier.
The bevel of the upper portion of the triangular or pivot section of the pessary
downward and forward permits the examining finger of the operator to be passed
through the forward portion upward and backward for the purpose of examination
while the pessary is in position. The dip of the upper edge of the split portion of
the collar or body section is for the purpose of avoiding pressure upon the lower
edge of the broad ligaments when the pessary is in position.
Dated this 16th day of January 1901
F. W. HAVILAND,
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agente.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Instrument for Rectifying, and Pessary for
Retaining, the Uterus in Position.
I, FRANK WOOD HAVILAND, of 214, West 123rd Street, New York City,
United States of America, Physician, do hereby declare the nature of this invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to devices for rectifying the uterus, and it has for its object
to provide an instrument through the medium of which a deflected uterus may be

page_text: restored to it's normal or proper position gradually (if the deflection is excesssive
and held by adhesions) or immediately after the application of the instrument (if
the deflection is slight or capable of being carried to completion) and to so
construct the instrument that it will not only be fittel to the cervical canal but
also to the angles of the uterine cavity, the adaptation of the instrument being so
calculated that while it will have constant tendency to remedy the deflection of the
uterus to a predetermined extent it will have neither vertical nor lateral movement;
therefore, the instrument will produce the least possible friction, and may be worn
with safety and likewise with but slight inconvenience. The instrument may -
be properly termed a rectifier, and it is so made that it may be folded when
introduced into the uterus, thus enabling it to be readily passed up the cervical
canal into the body cavity, and when fully entered the members or sections of the
instrument may be expanded by manipulation at or near the external oss or
mouth of the uterus, and caused to engage with and closely conform to the shape
of opposite sides of the cervical canal and the interior oss, and also the opposing
angles in the wall of the uterine cavity. Or, if the deflection is very great, the
members or sections of the rectifier may be individually and independently
introduced in and fitted to the interior of the uterus, and in either event, when the
members or sections of the rectifier have been properly placed they may be locked
in that position at the exterior of the uterus in a convenient and expeditious
manner. The rectifier may be as readily removed as it is placed in position, and
in the same manner, and, further, when the rectifier is withdrawn from the uterus
it may be straightened more or less before it is again introduced. The construction
of the rectifier is also such that it is self-retaining, adjustable, and permits drainage
from the uterus.
The invention consists in the novel construction and combination of the several
parts, as will be hereinafter fully set forth and pointed out in the claims.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this
Specification, in which similar figures and letters of reference indicate corresponding
parts in all the views.
Figure 1 is a vertical section of a uterus viewed from the side, illustrating the
rectifier in position within it, the uterus being shown in normal position in positive
lines and in flexed position in dotted lines;
Figure 2 is a vertical section through a uterus viewed from the front, illustrating
the rectifier within it and in front elevation;
Figure 3 is a front elevation of the rectifier when folded and ready for
introduction into the uterus ;
Figure 4 is an edge view of the rectifier when in the position shown in
Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a horizontal section, taken practically on the line 5-5 of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a similar section through the rectifier when it is in expanded and
locked position, the section being taken essentially on the line 6-6 of Figure 2;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a body section or member of the rectifier
viewed from the front; and
Figure 8 is a similar view of a body section or member viewed from the rear;
Figure 9 is a central vertical section through the rectifier, its body sections being
locked in expanded position, and the section is taken practically on the line 9-9
of Figure 2;
Figure 10 is a detail perspective view of the key; and
Figure 11 is a bottom plan view of the complete instrument;
Figure 12 is a sectional view of a portion of the human female body, illustrating
the position of the pessary with relation to the perineum, the uterus, bladder and
vaginal walls;
Figure 13 is a view looking upon the cervix and bottom of the pessary and
bottom of the rectifier;
Figure 14 is a perspective view of the pessary; and
Figure 15 is a longitudinal vertical section through the pessary.

page_text: One of the main objects of the present invention is to provide an instrument for
rectifying a deflection of the uterus, which will be adjustable and capable of ready
manipulation, and one that will fit close to opposite sides of the cervical canal from
the external to the internal oss, and likewise fit close at opposite points to the
inclined side walls or angles of the uterine cavity, and further to provide that
portion of the instrument adapted to lie within the body of the uterus with an
inclination corresponding to the proper or desired inclination of the uterus body,
or approximately so; or the inclination of the upper portion of the instrument may
be practically the same as the angle of deflection in a flexed uterus to be treated;
or the angle of inclination of the instrument may be materially less than the angle
-of deflection.
In order to properly construct such an instrument it is apparent the length of the
-cervical canal should be known from the external to the internal oss, and also
the angles of the uterine cavity. Furthermore, the direction and extent of the
deflection in the flexed uterus should likewise be ascertained. This information
may be accurately obtained by employing two instruments, for which I have
made application for Letters Patent (No. 141 of 1894 dated January 2nd). One
of the instruments is termed an Endograph and the other a Flexometer. The
endograph supplies a drawing or chart, representing the exact shape in a given
direction of the interior of the uterus to which it is applied, and the flexometer
produces a model that accurately portrays the deflection of both the body and the
neck of the uterus.
A rectifying instrument that has been successfully employed for restoring the
nterus to its normal shape is shown in the drawings, and comprises in its entirety a
body A, a base B and a key D, and the material used in the construction of the
instrument may be metal, hard rubber, or their equivalents, but hard rubber is
preferred. The body and base are divided about centrally and longitudinally into
two sections 10 and 11, a base section constituting an integral portion of each body
section. Each body section may be said to comprise a shank a and head a¹; the
shank being practically straight, while the head is bent outward and upward from
the shank at an angle more or less obtuse. It may be further remarked with
reference to the detail construction of the shank and head, that the rear face 12,
is flattened and likewise the inner edge 13, as shown in Figure 8, while the front
and outer side surfaces are cylindrical, see Figure 7. The head a' tapers somewhat
in the direction of its upper end; its inner lower face 14, is somewhat rounded off,
while its front face may be given any desired cross sectional shape; ordinarily,
however, it is slightly convexed. The shank is usually made widest at its junction
with the head, but I desire it to be understood that in detail the shape of the head
and shank sections may be varied as occasion may demand. Likewise the
-construction of the base of each shank section may be changed from that shown
in the drawing; ordinarily, however, the illustrated construction may be retained.
In this event a base section stands practically at right angles to a shank section of
the body, being connected with its front and outer side surfaces.
The inner forward edge 15 of each base section, is straight, as shown in
Figures 7 and 8, and is at right angles to the inner edge of the shank section with
which it is connected; and in this portion of the base a recess 16, is produced
close to the lower front surface of the shank, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, while
a slide-way 17, preferably of angular shape, is formed in the front portion of the
inner edge of one base section, leading preferably to the recess 16, the other base
section being provided with a correspondingly shaped and located projection 18,
as shown in Figures 2 and 8 and in Figure 9, whereby an interlocking connection
is formed between the two base sections when the instrument is in rectifying
position. The inner edge 19 of each base section has an outward and rearward
inclination, whereby when the sections of the body are in rectifying position quite
. a space intervenes between the opposing edges 19, as shown in Figure 11, and when
the sections are brought to the folded position shown in Figure 3, the two inclined
-edges 19 of the base are brought together.

page_text: A channel 20, is produced transversely in the bottom of each base section, being
correspondingly located in each, as shown in Figure 11; and one side wall of each
channel is provided with a groove 21, see Figures 3, 8 and 9. The construction of
the base is completed by forming a recess or aperture near each end that is near
the edges 15 and 19, which recesses are designated as 22 and 23, and are adapted
to receive the jaws of a forceps used in placing the instrument.
Each base channel 20, communicates with a longitudinal channel 24, produced in
the flattened inner edge 13 of each shank section. The inner walls of th
channels 24, are curved in direction of the opposing walls, as shown in Figure 8,.
and two cuts or recesses b and 6' are made in the said inner walls, one above and
the other below a given point, thereby forming an inwardly-extending lug 25, shown.
in Figures 3 and 8.
The key D heretofore alluded to, is adapted to serve the dual purpose of a hinge-
for the body sections and a lock. The key is made practically T-shaped, as shown.
in Figure 10. Its shank is provided with a rib 26 at each side edge upon one face,.
the ribs being preferably made rounding, and the shank is further provided with a
slot 27, located between the ribs and extending from one rib to the other. The
head section of the key carries upon one of its edges a spring 28, adapted to enter
the grooves 21 in the walls of the base channels 20, as shown in Figures 9 and 11,.
since the head is shaped to fit into said channels.
When constructing the rectifier the shank of each body section is given a length
corresponding to the distance between the internal and the external oss, which is
the length of the cervical canal, and the heads of the body sections are given a side
inclination corresponding to the angles of the uterine cavity. Next the heads.
of the sections are given an inclination corresponding in direction and somewhat
in degree to the deflection of the body of the uterus, or an inclination more or less.
closely approximating a normal flexion. Thus when the instrument is placed in
the uterus it will fit the cervical canal and uterine cavity so perfectly that com--
paratively little irritation will result from its presence, and practically no discomfort
will be experienced by the patient. At the same time the upper or front faces of
the heads of the instrument will bear up the body of the uterus and hold it at an
inclination corresponding to the rearward or corrective flexion of the heads, and as
the instrument may be withdrawn from time to time, and the rearward flexion of
the heads be corrected to approach more closely the proper degree of deflection
of the uterus, the uterus may be gradually, and permanently restored to its normal
position. When the deflection of the uterus is only slightly out of normal the
heads of the instrument may be given a normal corrective or rearward inclination
at once. By reason of the walls of the uterine cavity being supported by the
instrument at each side of the center, tension upon the uterus is distributed and the
best results may be obtained. I desire it to be understood that the heads. of
the instrument are given two inclinations, that is, in direction of the angles of the
uterine cavity, which is in a lateral direction, and also in direction of the deflection
of the uterus, which may be either in a forward or a rearward direction.
When the position of the uterus will admit of the instrument being introduced
folded, that is, with the body sections close together and parallel, as shown in.
Figures 3 and 4, the parts are assembled as follows:
The two straight edges 15 of the base sections are placed in contact, whereupon
the shanks of the body sections will be parallel, and their heads will be inclined in
opposite directions. The shank of the key is next introduced between the shanks.
of the body sections; the ribs on the key being entered into the body channels 24
they will now serve to connect the two body sections. The shank of the key,
however, is only made to enter the body channels a sufficient distance to bring its
opening 27 opposite the channel lugs 24. Now by inserting the jaws of a pair of
forceps in the recess 23 near the inclined edge of the base section, said surface
may be brought together and the body sections folded one toward the other until
their inner faces engage, and the shank and head portions of the body sections.
will be in close engagement and in parallel positions. The pivot or hinge upon

page_text: which the body sections turn. is formed by the lugs 25 entering the openings in the
key and turning upon the key ribs, as illustrated in Figure 3.
After the instrument has been introduced into the uterus in its folded position
until the base is practically in engagement with the mouth or external oss, the
forceps are removed and entered into the now outer set of base recesses 22, where-
upon by drawing the backward separated walls together, the body sections will be
again turned upon their pivot and restored to their first position, and will appear as
shown in Figure 2, and each body section will be in engagement with an opposite
side wall, the length of the cervical canal, and likewise practically the length of the
angles in the uterine cavity. The body sections are then locked in this position by
pressing inward the key until its spring engages with the keeper in the base.
Before removing the instrument it may be folded again, and removed in that
position, or the key may be entirely disengaged from the body sections and each
section turned and moved separately. The several parts of the instrument in
extreme cases, or when the uterus is very sensitive, may be separately introduced,
one body section being placed in position after the other and locked by the addition
of the key. When the instrument is inserted in the uterus and expanded, a
slot is formed between the body sections, through which there is always proper
drainage.
In Figure 14 I have illustrated a pessary which I preferably use in connection
with my rectifying device. The pessary may be briefly described as consisting of
a body section 50 and stem section 51. The body section is shaped substantially
as a bottomless shallow cup, widest at its anterior portion and provided with an
opening 52, extending through its posterior portion, whereby the diameter may be
increased or decreased and the plane of the said section varied as occasion may
demand. The stem section is shaped substantially as a link, and connects with the
body section at the top of its anterior portion, and the link is provided with a
convexed upper and a concaved lower surface. The pessary is further provided
with a pivot surface 53, which is virtually the front face of the wider or anterior
portion of the body, the said surface being cylindrical and bevelled or inclined from
the top downward in direction of the interior of the body section. This formation
of the pivot surface renders the anterior wall of the body quite thick at the top
and thin at the bottom.
The body section of the pessary is adapted to receive and support the uterus;
the pivot surface rests upon the perineum and the stem extends down into the
vaginal canal in the vicinity of the bladder, and the bladder may be said to
exert pressure upon it, as illustrated in Figure 13.
The action of the pessary is to hold the uterus, stiffened by the rectifier, by
producing as heretofore stated a bottomless cup or cervical collar, into which the
cervix falls. The front wall of the inside of the collar or body is made as broad
from above downward as the depth of the cervix, and therefore it furnishes a surface
against which the front wall of the cervix is pressed and then retained by the
members of the body or collar extending around the cervix to its posterior wall.
The pessary also retains the uterus in position by means of the peculiar shape of
that portion heretofore alluded to as the pivot surface, and which occupies the
space between the perineum and the cervix. This portion of the pessary is more
or less bulbous, and at the same time is triangular in cross section, the apex of the
triangle being downward, thus permitting this central portion to rest back of the
perineum, causing the cervix to be pressed backward while the fundus will be
thrown forward.
The tilt of the triangular pivot or central portion of the pessary and its collar or
body section can be readily changed by changing the angle of the forward or link
section of the device upon which the anterior vaginal wall and bladder rest with
respect to the body, or the triangular or pivot section. This change may be
accomplished by heating the section to be bent and bending while hot.
The pessary is not retained within the vagina by the tension of the vaginal walle
exerted upon its sides, as in the case of all other pessaries; but owing to its position

page_text: upon and behind the perineum it is retained by that body moving forward as the
perineum relaxes, and upward and backward as the perineum is raised, thus giving
the normal tilts to the uterus and acting as an artificial perineum.
The collar or body section of the pessary may be opened more or less by heating
it at its split portion, and the members of the collar may be then bent to fit a large
or a small cervix. In correcting a backward or forward displacement of the
fundus, the pessary does not operate by disturbing the vaginal wall for the purpose
of reaching the fundus, but operates directly upon the cervix and indirectly upon
the fundus through the continuity of the uterus walls, or by the action of the
rectifier.
The bevel of the upper portion of the triangular or pivot section of the pessary
downward and forward permits the examining finger of the operator to be passed
through the forward portion upward and backward for the purpose of examination
while the pessary is in position. The dip of the upper edge of the split portion of
the collar or body section is for the purpose of avoiding pressure upon the lower
edge of the broad ligaments when the pessary is in position.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is,
1. An instrument for rectifying the uterus, substantially as shown and described.
2. An instrument for rectifying the uterus, comprising an adjustable forked head
and a shank connected with the head, substantially as described.
3. An instrument for rectifying the uterus, comprising a forked head and a shank
constructed in adjustable twin sections, substantially as described.
4. An instrument for rectifying the uterus, constructed of adjustable and
detachable sections, substantially as set forth.
5. An instrument for rectifying the uterus, constructed in sections, which sections
have a pivotal, detachable connection, substantially as shown and described.
6. An instrument for rectifying the uterus, constructed in sections, and a key
having a locking and pivotal connection with the sections, substantially as described.
7. An instrument for rectifying the uterus, comprising a forked head, twin
shanks connected with the members of the head, and a key having locking and
pivotal engagement with the shanks, substantially as shown and described.
8. An instrument for rectifying the uterus, consisting of a forked head, twin
shanks connected with the head, a detachable pivotal connection between the
shanks, and a removable locking device, as and for the purpose specified.
9. An instrument for rectifying the uterus, consisting of a shank of a length
approximating that of the cervical canal, and a head connected with the shank,
having an inclination in direction of and essentially conforming to the angle of the
uterine cavity, substantially as described.
10. An intra-uterine rectifier having a shank or stem approximately the length
of the cervix and having a forked head, the two arms of which are inclined
forwardly and backwardly to correspond to the forward or backward inclination of
the uterus, and laterally to conform to and fit the diverging lateral walls of the
cavity of the body of the uterus, substantially as shown and described.
11. An intra-uterine rectifier, comprising a longitudinally divided shank having
a forked head one arm of which is carried by each shank section, and said arm3
being carried forwardly to correspond to the inclination of the uterus, and also
inclined laterally to conform to and fit the diverging end walls of the uterine
cavity, and means for locking the shank sections in proper positions, said sections
being adapted to be separately or unitedly inserted into the uterus, substantially as
shown and described.
12. The herein described intra-uterine rectifier, comprising parallel shank sections
provided with the bead sections curved or inclined to fit the cavity of the body of
the uterus, and a draining channel formed between the two shank sections, and open
B

page_text: at its outer side to permit the contraction of the cervical walls to expel whatever
may enter said channel, substantially as shown and described.
13. An intra-uterine rectifier, comprising the two longitudinal sections, and an
intermediate longitudinally removable pintle forming a key separably connecting
said sections, substantially as shown and described.
14. An intra-uterine rectifier, comprising the two longitudinal sections, having
recesses or slots in their bases, and a longitudinally removable pintle forming a key,
having a cross piece entering said slots or recesses to lock the sections against
rotation, substantially as shown and described.
15. An intra-uterine rectifier, comprising the two longitudinal sections provided
with recessed or slotted bases, and a longitudinally removable pintle forming a key
separably connecting said sections, having a cross piece entering said recesses to
lock them against rotation, and a fastening device for locking the cross piece in the
said recesses or slots, substantially as shown and described.
16. Au intra-uterine rectifier, comprising the two longitudinal sections having a
projection on their adjacent faces, a longitudinally removable pintle forming a key
having parallel ribs extending behind the said projections to lock the sections and
on which they hinge, the said key having an aperture between the ribs adapted to
register with said projections when the key is partially withdrawn to permit the
said sections to swing on the key and at the same time lock the key against
longitudinal displacement, substantially as shown and described.
17. An intra-uterine rectifier, comprising the two longitudinal sections provided
with transversely slotted bases cut away on their abutting edges to permit the two
sections to turn, said bases also having recesses on their outer edges to receive the
forceps' point, and a longitudinally removable pintle forming a key separably
-connecting said two sections and provided with a transverse cross piece to enter
said slots or recesses and lying within the margins of said base pieces in all of their
.adjustments, substantially as shown and described.
18. A pessary constructed substantially as herein shown and described.
19. A pessary, consisting of a collar or body section capable of expansion and
-contraction, and adapted to receive the cervix, a loop or link section emanating
from the collar, capable of adjustment and adapted to support the bladder, and an
intermediate section, substantially triangular in cross section and adapted to rest
upon the perineum, substantially as described.
Dated this Zorn day Of June lo
Wated this Zorn OAV O June LONG
F. W. HAVILAND,
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agents.