Resilient device

• US 8,608,639 B2
• Filed: 05/10/2010
• Issued: 12/17/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: First Quality Hygienic Incorporated (First Quality Enterprises LLC)
• Original Assignee: McNeil-PPC Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Bartning, Michelle, Gironda, Kevin F., Hou, Mari, Luchino, Thomas P., Luehrs, Kirsten Freislinger, Mavinkurve, Pramod, Rosenfeld, Leonard, Hull, Raymond J. Jr., Chase, David J.
• Primary Examiner(s): MATTHEWS, CHRISTINE HOPKINS
• Application Number:
  US12/776,719
• Publication Number:
  US 20100218359A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,317 Days
• Field of Search: 600 29- 32, 600/37, 128/885, 606/151
• US Class Current: 600/30
• 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 wire form comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending struts that at least partially extend in and define generally parallel anterior and posterior outer faces that provide support to an associated urinary system, wherein the wire form comprises an elastic material;

b) forming an anchoring portion comprising a wire form comprising an elastic material that extends from one end of the working portion and that is 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 a second end, opposite the one end, of the working portion;

e) enclosing the stent within a bag; and

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

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the biocompatible material comprises silicone.

3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the biocompatible material comprises a tubular silicone sheath.

4. The method according to claim 2 wherein the biocompatible material comprises a silicone coating.

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the elastic material comprises a metal or metal alloy.

6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the elastic material comprises a shape memory material.

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

a) forming a working portion comprising an elastic material formed into a wire form having a plurality of struts that at least partially define and support anterior and posterior outer faces of the working portion, said faces capable of providing support to an associated urinary system;

b) forming an anchoring portion comprising a wire form formed into at least one loop extending from and returning to the working portion 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 outer 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.

8. The method according to claim 7 wherein the elastic material comprises a metal or metal alloy.

9. The method according to claim 7 wherein the elastic material comprises a shape memory material.