Abstract: Generally, a vaginal insert device used to treat urinary incontinence is disclosed. The vaginal insert device includes a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end and a proximal end. In addition, the support portion has a plurality of foldable areas extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of foldable areas helically curve as the plurality of foldable areas extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest outer circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of foldable areas are compressed and foldable inward and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of foldable areas are extended outward into a maximum in-use diameter position. Desirably, the in-use diameter is larger than the insertion diameter.

Abstract: A vaginal insert device including a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion is disclosed. The vaginal insert relaxes in the vagina to deliver outward compression force against the bladder neck via the anterior vaginal wall to assist prevention of urinary stress incontinence. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior section with a plurality of struts extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of struts helically curve as the plurality of struts extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of struts are twisted together and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of struts are extended outward into a convex position larger than the insertion diameter.

Abstract: A vaginal insert device including a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion is disclosed. The vaginal insert relaxes in the vagina to deliver outward compression force against the bladder neck via the anterior vaginal wall to assist prevention of urinary stress incontinence. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior section with a plurality of struts extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of struts helically curve as the plurality of struts extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of struts are twisted together and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of struts are extended outward into a convex position larger than the insertion diameter.

Abstract: Generally, a vaginal insert device used to treat urinary incontinence is disclosed. The vaginal insert device includes a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end and a proximal end. In addition, the support portion has a plurality of foldable areas extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of foldable areas helically curve as the plurality of foldable areas extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest outer circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of foldable areas are compressed and foldable inward and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of foldable areas are extended outward into a maximum in-use diameter position. Desirably, the in-use diameter is larger than the insertion diameter.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymeric material including subjecting a starting material to conditions under which polymerisation occurs. The starting material includes a group of sub-formula (XIII) where R16 is selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, hydrocarbyl, optionally substituted or interposed with functional groups, or R2 and R3 are independently selected from (CR6R7)n or a group CR8R9, CR6R7CR8R9 or CR8R9CR6R7 where n is 0, 1 or 2 and R6 and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen or alkyl, and either one of R8 or R9 is hydrogen and the other is an electron withdrawing group, or R8 or R9 together form an electron withdrawing group. R4 and R5 are independently selected from CH or CR1o where CR1o is an electron withdrawing group, X1 is a group CX2X3, Y1 is a group CY2Y3, and X2 X3, and, if present, Y2 and Y3, are each a C1 to C4 alkyl group.

Abstract: There is provided a method of forming a barrier over a polar liquid phase or a non-polar liquid phase including the steps of: providing a liquid system including the polar liquid phase or non-polar liquid phase and a monomer having a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion, monomer being located at one or more boundaries of the polar liquid phase or non-polar liquid phase; and polymerising the monomer so as to form a polymeric barrier at the one or more boundaries.

Abstract: Methods of encapsulating a substance including mixing a monomer with the substance to form a desired shape, and polymerizing the monomer.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymeric material, said method including the step of subjecting a starting material which includes a group of sub-formula (XIII) where R16 is selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, hydrocarbyl, optionally substituted or interposed with functional groups, or R2 and R3 are independently selected from (CR6R7)n or a group CR8R9, CR6R7CR8R9 or CR8R9CR6R7 where n is 0, 1 or 2, R6 and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen or alkyl, and either one of R8 or R9 is hydrogen and the other is an electron withdrawing group, or R8 or R9 together form an electron withdrawing group; and R4 and R5 are independently selected from CH or CR1o where CR1o is an electron withdrawing group, the dotted lines indicate the presence or absence of a bond, X1 is a group CX2X3 where the dotted line bond to which it is attached is absent and a group CX2 where the dotted line bond to which it is attached is present, Y1 is a group CY2Y3 where the dotted line bond to which it is attached is absent an