RESILIENT DEVICE

• US 20100218359A1
• Filed: 05/10/2010
• Published: 09/02/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: First Quality Hygienic Incorporated (First Quality Enterprises LLC)
• Original Assignee: David J. Chase, Kevin F. Gironda, Kirsten Freislinger Luehrs, Leonard Rosenfeld, Mari Hou, Michelle Bartning, Pramod Mavinkurve, Raymond J. Hull Jr, Thomas P. Luchino
• Inventors: Hou, Mari, Bartning, Michelle, Mavinkurve, Pramod, Chase, David J., Gironda, Kevin F., Luehrs, Kirsten Freislinger, Rosenfeld, Leonard, Luchino, Thomas P., Hull, Raymond J. JR.
• Granted Patent: US 8,608,639 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/428
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/26 Means for inserting tampons , i.e. applicators
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/005 with pressure applied to urethra by an element placed in the vagina
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 6/08 Pessaries, i.e. devices worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition or prevent conception , e.g. combined with devices protecting against contagion
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Claims

1. A method of making an intravaginal stent comprising the steps of:

a) forming a working portion comprising a shape memory material and having opposed faces to provide support to an associated urinary system; and

b) forming an anchoring portion capable of maintaining the working portion in place during use.

2. A method of making an intravaginal stent comprising the steps of:

a) forming a working portion comprising a wire form having opposed faces to provide support to an associated urinary system, wherein the wire form comprises a shape memory material; and

b) forming an anchoring portion comprising a wire form operatively connected to and capable of maintaining the working portion in place during use.

3. A method of making an intravaginal stent comprising the steps of:

a) forming a working portion comprising a wire form having opposed faces to provide support to an associated urinary system, wherein the wire form comprises a shape memory material;

b) forming an anchoring portion comprising a wire form operatively connected to and capable of maintaining the working portion in place during use;

c) enclosing the wire form of each of the working portion and anchoring portion within a biocompatible material;

d) attaching a withdrawal mechanism to the stent;

e) enclosing the stent within a bag; and

f) placing the bagged stent in an applicator for delivery into the vagina.

4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the biocompatible material comprises silicone.

5. The method according to claim 4 wherein the biocompatible material comprises a tubular silicone sheath.

6. The method according to claim 4 wherein the biocompatible material comprises a silicone coating.

7. A method of making an intravaginal stent comprising the steps of:

a) forming a working portion comprising a shape memory material formed into a wire form having a plurality of struts that at least partially define and support opposed faces of the working portion, which opposed faces are capable of providing support to an associated urinary system;

b) forming an anchoring portion comprising a wire form operatively connected to and capable of maintaining the working portion in place during use;

c) enclosing the wire form of each of the working portion and anchoring portion within a biocompatible material;

d) operatively connecting a proximal end of a withdrawal string to at least two struts of the working portion such that tension on a distal end of the withdrawal string urges the opposed faces of the working portion together;

e) enclosing the stent within a bag; and

f) placing the bagged stent in an applicator for delivery into the vagina.