Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M31/00—Devices for introducing or retaining media, e.g. remedies, in cavities of the body
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
  • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
  • A61F13/20—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor
  • A61F13/2022—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the shape
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
  • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
  • A61F13/20—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor
  • A61F13/2051—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the material or the structure of the inner absorbing core
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
  • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
  • A61F13/20—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor
  • A61F13/2074—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor impregnated with hydrophobic, hydrophilic, skin enhancers, medicinal etc. substances
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10S604/00—Surgery
  • Y10S604/904—Tampons

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the transfer or circulation of an active liquid in or inside an intracorporeal cavity of the human body or of an animal, in particular in contact with the mucosa of said cavity.
• intracorporeal cavity any body cavity, in particular an elongated one, which can be accessed externally for various purposes, in particular clinical, therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic, but also for cosmetic or personal hygiene purposes.
• intracorporeal cavity mention may be made of the woman's vagina which extends from the vulva to the cervix, into which one wishes to transfer or circulate an active liquid, in contact with the mucous membrane or tissues of said cavity.
• active liquid any treatment liquid or fluid, both topically local and systemic, generally comprising a liquid or fluid phase in which an agent is distributed, in solution or suspension. treatment.
• the latter is chosen from the group consisting of wetting agents, solubilizing and fluidifying agents, in particular of a liquid or bodily fluid present in the intracorporeal cavity, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic agents, cosmetic or hygiene agents body, antiseptic agents, bactericides, fungicides, and spermicides (in the case of the woman's vaginal cavity for example).
• the present invention relates to a disposable device, allowing increased availability of the active ingredient (s) in contact with the mucosa of the wall of the intracorporeal cavity, when in particular the treatment agent is a therapeutic agent.
• the invention also relates to a device ensuring an almost total absence of external flow, of the active liquid and / or of the bodily fluid, or of any liquid present in the intracorporeal cavity considered, during the whole time when said device is present or maintained in this cavity, by simple constriction of the latter.
• the single-use device has a sufficient intrinsic consistency, to allow its introduction by thrust into the intracorporeal cavity, and comprises:
• a central element at the source of at least part of the active liquid, in that it comprises a relatively solid substrate, at ambient temperature and outside the intracorporeal cavity, and becoming relatively liquid or fluid, inside this same cavity and at body temperature, so that, within the latter, the central element at least partially liquefies, to generate at least part of the liquid phase of the active liquid,
• peripheral element disposed around the central element, in the solid state, comprising a buffer arranged to collect and absorb the active liquid having circulated in the intracorporeal cavity, expanding and thereby coming in sealed support against the mucosa of said intracorporeal cavity.
• FIG. 1 shows a disposable device according to the invention, in position in an intracorporeal cavity, and just after its introduction by pushing in the latter, and this according to a first embodiment of the invention
• Figure 1 is an axial section of a device according to the invention, the latter having a symmetry of revolution about an axis
• - Figures 2 to 4 show respectively three other embodiments of the present invention, still in axial section.
• a disposable device In accordance with FIG. 1, a disposable device according to the invention is referenced by the reference numeral 1. In general, it makes it possible to dispense or release an active liquid, as defined above, in an intracorporeal cavity designated by the reference numeral 2.
• This device has an intrinsic and overall consistency, relatively solid but soft, and sufficiently stiff or resistant to allow its introduction by pushing into the cavity, and this without altering the structure of said device, in particular dissociating its various components and / or breaking any capsule containing a liquid, which can be included inside said device (cf. embodiment according to figure 4).
• the device according to the invention essentially comprises two components assembled to each other definitively, namely: - a central element 3, at the source of at least part of the liquid, active as defined above; - And a peripheral element 4, arranged around the central element 3, comprising a pad 5 arranged to absorb the active liquid having circulated or dispensed in the intracorporeal cavity, by expanding and thereby coming into relatively tight support against the mucosa of the intracorporeal cavity (cf. conformation in dotted lines according to Figure 1).
• the central element 3 comprises a substrate, for example based on gelatin, relatively solid at room temperature and outside the intracorporeal cavity and at body temperature, and becoming relatively liquid, inside the intracorporeal cavity and at body temperature, so that, within the latter, the central element at least partially liquefies, to generate at least part of the liquid phase of the active liquid.
• Gelatin can be replaced by any other substrate having the same properties, for example a lipid. Consequently, according to an essential characteristic of the present invention, it is therefore the substrate of the central element which makes it possible to obtain by liquefaction within the intracorporeal cavity, and therefore of the human or animal body, all or part of the liquid phase of the active liquid.
• an agent for treating the intracorporeal cavity is distributed in discrete form in the solid substrate of the central element, and this regardless of the physical form or the nature of said treatment agent outside the substrate.
• an agent for treating the intracorporeal cavity is distributed in discrete form in the solid substrate of the central element, and this regardless of the physical form or the nature of said treatment agent outside the substrate.
• an oily, solid, or liquid physical form, or its hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature can be made by incorporating it into the previously defined substrate, in the liquid state, during the manufacture of a disposable device according to the invention.
• the central element 3 is in a way a molded part, by solidification of the liquid substrate, for example gelatin.
• the pad 5 is a sleeve also molded or shaped, from a material capable of absorbing a liquid or fluid while expanding. This material is for example a foam of a biocompatible plastic material, or else a fibrous material (cellulosic for example), worked (for example folded) around the central element 3.
• the central element 3 and the peripheral element 4 are thus adjusted relative to each other, to fit into one another, by simple axial thrust from the central element towards the peripheral element, or vice versa.
• the peripheral element 4 has a hole 4a, or bore, in particular a blind hole as shown in FIG. 1, the shape and dimensions of which are adapted for the corresponding reception of the body 3a of the central element 3.
• the head 3b of the central element 3, of convex external shape, for example spherical, comprises a collar 6, while the peripheral element 4 comprises a neck 7 whose shape and dimensions are adapted to definitively retain the collar 6, by axial thrust of the elements central 3 and peripheral 4, one towards the other.
• the neck 7 includes a draft receiving the collar 6 directed inwardly, and also externally convex, for example spherical.
• the foot 3c of the central element 3 has a bulged shape, while the peripheral element 4 has a flared part 4d in correspondence, the shape and dimensions of which are adapted for retaining the foot 3c of the central element 3.
• the absorbent material of the pad 5 is expandable and / or spongy, and consists for example of filaments, hair fibers, or natural fibers (cellulose or viscose, for example), etc. As indicated above, it is the liquefaction or melting of the substrate of the central element 3, which at least partially generates the liquid phase of the active liquid within the intracorporeal cavity 2, then allows the expansion of the buffer 5, by collecting said liquid in the latter, and this at body temperature and in the intracorporeal cavity 2.
• the buffer 5 is hollowed out for example by four radial channels 1 1 in cross, arranged below of the hole 4a, opening onto the outer face of the pad 5, and possibly communicating with the bottom of the hole 4a.
• the collar 6 extends towards the base 3c of the central element 3 by a skirt 6a covering the part 4b of the peripheral element 4 opposite the neck 7.
• a link 1 2 attached to the peripheral element 4 makes it possible to extract the device 1 for single use from the intracorporeal cavity 2, after treatment of the latter, that is to say after liquefaction of the substrate of the central element 3.
• an envelope 1 0 of temporary protection closed, envelops the central 3 and peripheral 4 elements assembled together as described above.
• This envelope is constituted for example by a substrate having the properties described above, for example based on gelatin.
• the envelope is constituted by a relatively solid material, at room temperature and outside the intracorporeal cavity, so that within the latter and at body temperature, this material melts and thus constitutes another part of the liquid phase of the active liquid previously defined.
• this envelope 1 0 may consist of a solid and hard excipient, for example sucrose, as used in galenic form to obtain sugared almonds, and capable of dissolving or disintegrating on contact with any body liquid present in the cavity 2.
• the central element 3 is a capsule, the wall 8 of which is constituted by the previously defined substrate, and the interior of which comprises another liquid 1 5, active or not, the wall 8 being closed and sealed, at room temperature and outside the body.
• the liquid thus contained in the capsule makes it possible to increase the quantity of liquid phase of the active liquid.
• This liquid 1 5 can have any suitable form, oily for example, and contain all or part of a treatment agent as defined above, in solution or suspension in said liquid.
• the casing 1 0 shown in Figure 4 can be omitted, while the wall 8 forms a breakable appendage at its end opposite to the pad 5, which allows the user to open the capsule just before the introduction of the device into the intracorporeal cavity, and to benefit from a small amount of the liquid 1 5 for moisten the exterior of said device at the time of its introduction into said cavity.
• a device according to the invention before its introduction into the intracorporeal cavity 2, comprises a proximal part 1 a, through which the introduction into the intracorporeal cavity 2 takes place, and a distal part 1 b , the largest transverse diameter of which is smaller than the largest transverse diameter of the distal part 1 a. This allows the device to be temporarily held in the cavity, before the active liquid takes over by swelling the buffer 5.
• the absorption of the treatment agent (s) by the mucosa of the intracorporeal cavity is more complete and rapid; the incorporation of this treatment agent into the substrate of the central element makes it possible to have a precise and uniform quantity of the treatment agent, which is moreover protected by the substrate, which makes it possible to remove it from any oxidation or hydrolysis for example; a complete contact is obtained between the mucosa of the cavity, and the active liquid.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Vascular Medicine (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Dermatology (AREA)
• Anesthesiology (AREA)
• Hematology (AREA)
• Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
• Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
• Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
• Medicinal Preparation (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=9541702

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (11)

Families Citing this family (31)

Family Cites Families (40)

• 1999
  • 1999-02-03 FR FR9901419A patent/FR2788987B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2000
  • 2000-02-02 WO PCT/FR2000/000245 patent/WO2000045887A1/fr not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2000-02-02 EP EP00901703A patent/EP1150737A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2000-02-02 BR BR0007981-2A patent/BR0007981A/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2000-02-02 CA CA002361491A patent/CA2361491A1/fr not_active Abandoned
  • 2000-02-02 CN CN00803445A patent/CN1338957A/zh active Pending
  • 2000-02-02 JP JP2000597006A patent/JP2002536082A/ja active Pending
  • 2000-02-02 AU AU23019/00A patent/AU763780B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2000-02-02 US US09/830,426 patent/US6558362B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2001
  • 2001-08-02 NO NO20013793A patent/NO20013793L/no unknown
• 2002
  • 2002-05-06 HK HK02103429.3A patent/HK1043948A1/zh unknown
• 2003
  • 2003-03-28 US US10/400,446 patent/US20030191439A1/en not_active Abandoned

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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