Abstract: An applicator and method for delivering an object into a body cavity. In particular, the applicator includes a tubular insertion member having an outer surface, an inner surface, an insertion end, a first stop affixed to the inner surface proximate the insertion end, and a trailing end opposite the insertion end. The tubular insertion member containing a cage having an inner surface, an outer surface, a plurality of arms extending from an inner end portion toward the insertion end of the tubular insertion member, and a second stop affixed the outer surface proximate the inner end of the cage. The object is held within the cage until placement into the user's body and the first and second stops are capable of engaging to allow the object to be delivered into the body cavity while the cage remains constrained within the insertion member.

Abstract: A hemostatic agent delivery system, comprising: a suture, pledget or introducer sheath coated or impregnated with a hemostatic agent. A hemostatic agent delivery system, comprising: an introducer sheath; a flow blocking system positioned at the distal end of a deployment device; and a hemostatic agent injection system. A hemostatic agent delivery system, comprising: an introducer sheath; and (a) a plug delivery shaft positionable within the introducer sheath, the plug delivery shaft dimensioned to push hemostatic material in the introducer sheath to a location adjacent to a vessel wall, or (b) a delivery sleeve receivable over the introducer sheath, delivery sheath dimensioned to push a cuff of hemostatic material to a location adjacent to a vessel wall. The hemostatic agent may comprises chitosan.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an intestinal sample of a human or animal patient comprises a holder part (1) and an expandable part (2) supported by the holder part and having one or more sampling areas (8) on the surface thereof. The expandable part (2) is in a non-expanded state rectally insertable into and retractable from the patient's intestine, and in an expanded state, inserted into the patient's intestine, the expandable part is capable of contacting the intestinal wall with at least one sampling area (8; 14). The apparatus further comprises protective livers (7a, 7b) for preventing said sampling area or areas (8) from contact with the intestinal wall and intestinal fluid at least when the expandable part (2) in the non-expanded state is being rectally inserted into the patient's intestine.

Abstract: A tampon applicator is provided having a barrel and/or a plunger molded from a pulp-based material. The barrel can be molded such that it includes a molded fingergrip area having a textured surface, at least one gripping structure, or any combination thereof. Petals may be molded on the pledget ejection end of the barrel. In addition, the exterior surface of the barrel is molded such that it is textured, smooth, or any combinations thereof. The molded tampon applicator exhibits superior flushability and compostability characteristics, without compromising the strength of the barrel or plunger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one is raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member. Longitudinal forces are created during both the insertion step of use, as well as the expulsion step delivering the contained object from the insertion member into the body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member. Longitudinal forces are created during both the insertion step of use, as well as the expulsion step delivering the contained object from the insertion member into the body cavity.

Abstract: A process treats the surface of a polymeric tampon applicator so as to improve its whitening. The process applies electron beam energy to the applicator in sufficient magnitude and time duration to achieve the desired whitening.

Abstract: A tampon is adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body including an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, wherein the absorbency zone includes absorbent material; an application zone adjacent the proximal end and spaced apart from the distal end; and a therapeutic agent positioned substantially within the application zone. A method produces a device for delivering a therapeutic agent, the method including manufacturing a tampon having a body with a distal end, a proximal end, an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, and an application zone adjacent the proximal end; and locating a therapeutic agent substantially within the application zone.

Abstract: A pack insertion device for use with a cavity in the human body, such as a nose cavity, is provided that includes an introducer member and a liquid absorption assembly. The introducer member is preferably one piece that can have a body member with side walls that form a rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the introducer member is a single unit that includes a main body section and a pivotal body section that holds the liquid absorption assembly when positioned for insertion into a nasal or sinus cavity. In this embodiment, the introducer member has side walls that have cut-out portions, an intermediate wall that functions as a floor, and an elongated opening opposite the intermediate wall. In yet a further embodiment, the introducer member includes a single body having tapered side walls, an intermediate wall and an elongated opening opposite the intermediate wall. The liquid absorption assembly includes an absorbent member having a rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: An instrument for filling cavities in a body, such as a cavity within a reamed out spinal disc, with beads includes a cyclical agitator that functions to prompt the introduction of one bead at a time through the fill tube to prevent clogging and to promote compaction within the cavity.

Abstract: A tampon applicator (1) consists of an insertion sleeve (2) in which a tampon (10) is introduced. Slidingly affixed within the insertion sleeve (2) is an ejection sleeve (4) for ejecting the tampon (10). In the insertion sleeve (2), a medicinal agent, which is present in the form of a pill (9), is disposed in such a way that this pill (9) is ejectable together with the tampon (10) by means of the ejection sleeve (4) through the leading end of the insertion sleeve (2).

Abstract: The present invention is an applicator barrel with a taped finger grip. The applicator barrel includes a barrel body having an outer surface. A three-dimensional tape is connected to a portion of the outer surface and includes a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface. The first surface has at least one integrally formed gripping structure extending outwardly from the first surface to provide a gripping surface, and the second surface is adhesive to connect the tape to the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention is an applicator barrel with a taped finger grip. The applicator barrel includes a barrel body having an outer surface. A three-dimensional tape is connected to a portion of the outer surface and includes a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface. The first surface has at least one integrally formed gripping structure extending outwardly from the first surface to provide a gripping surface, and the second surface is adhesive to connect the tape to the barrel.

Abstract: A hemostatic material insertion device is provided for simplifying hemostasis of the puncture wound in a blood vessel. The device comprises a cartridge charged with hemostatic material, a hollow sheath which holds the cartridge, an ejecting piston portion which forms one unit with the sheath at the rear end of the sheath and is used for pushing out the hemostatic material charged in the cartridge, a guide knob to slide the cartridge inside the hollow sheath and a stopping device affixed to the front end of said hollow sheath. Further, methods of using a hemostatic material insertion device are provided.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted wound closure device having a means for identifying infectious agents within a wound site. The vacuum assisted wound closure device includes a screen for placement within a wound site, a sealing means for covering the wound site, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the screen. A canister may be disposed between the screen and vacuum source, such that fluids or other exudates that may be drawn from the wound during application of negative pressure by the vacuum source are collected in the canister for later disposal. A sensing device, which may be a gas chromatograph, sensor array, or other similar device capable of optically sensing the presence of a bacterial agent or other form of infection being drawn from the wound site, is disposed within the screen or interposed between the screen and the vacuum source.

Abstract: A nostril cleaning system for assisting individuals in the efficient cleaning of their nostrils. The nostril cleaning system includes a housing, a control pad having a plurality of control buttons, a plurality of section members pivotally attached within an upper portion of the housing forming a tapered shape, a covering removably positioned about the plurality of section members, and a cover member removably attachable about the upper portion of the housing for enclosing the covering. The covering is preferably comprised of foam material an outer layer and an inner layer wherein the inner layer is denser than the outer layer and capable of absorbing fluids. The control pad is mechanically connected to the section members for controlling their relative positions. When the section members are expanded outwardly, the covering is simultaneously expanded outwardly to engage the inner walls of the nasal passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively delivering a medicament to a target location of the wall of a body cavity, blood vessel, or the like, comprising a compressed hollow cylinder of permeable, expandable foam, attached to the distal end of a delivery device such as a catheter or catheter guidewire. Using the delivery device, the compressed cylinder is advanced to a target location within the body, and the compressed foam cylinder is allowed to expand so as to contact the walls of the body cavity, blood vessel, or the like, while allowing bodily fluids to freely flow through the central lumen of the cylinder. The foam cylinder is provided with means for perfusing it with a medicament so that the medicament is placed in contact with the walls of the patient's anatomy, and is also provided with means for preventing the medicament from entering the patient's bloodstream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic materials which are anaerobically degradable in an active sewage sludge. These materials are melt processable into fibers, films or laminates, and are suitable for use in an absorbent article, particularly flushable interlabial products, tampons and pantiliners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making applicators for inserting materials into body cavities. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereof. The gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end of the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling of the applicator while removing the applicator from the body after the expulsion step has been completed.

Abstract: An applicator for semi-solid medications comprises a tubular body (20) having a rounded dispensing end (21) provided with at least one opening (26) and a grasping end (22), the inner surface of a proximal portion of said tubular body defining a reservoir for the medication, a plunger (30), initially housed inside the tubular body, which plunger is provided with a rod (31) and grasping means (33), a piston (40), positioned in sealing contact with the inner surface of said tubular body providing a closure for the medication reservoir, wherein said piston has a longitudinal hole (45) through which rod (31) of the plunger is disposed, and wherein said piston initially abuts on a stop means (25) when the applicator is received by the user, a coupling means (35, 46) between rod (31) and piston (40), a closure means for sealingly closing off said opening (26) on said dispensing end, wherein the plunger (30) is extractable from the tubular body until the rod (31) becomes engaged with the piston (40) by the coupling m

Abstract: A topical anesthetic solution includes a tetracaine base dissolved in a solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol. A method for anesthetizing the ear canal and tympanic membrane using the anesthetic solution includes providing a dry, expandable applicator which expands as it absorbs a fluid and inserting the applicator, dry or partially wetted, into the ear canal and advancing the applicator into the ear canal to the vicinity of the tympanic membrane. The applicator is then fully wetted with the anesthetic solution, causing the applicator to fully expand within the ear canal, and is left in the ear canal for a period sufficient to effect anesthesia of the ear canal and tympanic membrane. An apparatus for applying a topical anesthetic to the ear canal and tympanic membrane includes an expandable, absorbent applicator that expands when soaked with a liquid, an applicator withdrawal tether attached to the applicator, and an applicator inserting and soaking device.

Abstract: An applicator with a sanitary tampon includes an outer cylindrical tube and an inner plunger axially movable within the outer cylindrical tube for ejecting the tampon out of a front end opening of the outer cylindrical tube, and the outer cylindrical tube is dimensioned to be longer than a length of the tampon by 50˜80 mm.

Abstract: A ball-shaped implant made out of a pliable fiber. The fiber is introduced into the body and when it encounters body tissue it folds upon itself to form a ball-shaped implant. A fluid may be placed around the implant either to hold it in place or to add a biologically active agent to the implant. The fiber of the implant may be biodegradable, or hollow and porous to allow for drugs placed inside the fiber to be administered to the body. One end of the fiber may be long enough to extend out of the body for later removal.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved tampon, particularly suited for use as a digital tampon, having a portion of fibers at a withdrawal end of the tampon displaced towards an insertion end, causing a fiber density in the vicinity of the withdrawal end to be lower than an average fiber density of the tampon. The tampon also includes an indentation in the withdrawal end. In combination, the lower fiber density of the withdrawal end and the indentation in the withdrawal end cause the withdrawal end to be soft and readily flareable. When the tampon is provided with an overwrap the indentation also allows excess overwrap at the withdrawal end to be tucked into the tampon, improving the aesthetic qualities of the tampon and facilitating digital insertion.

Abstract: The problem of the invention is to provide a locking cap for discharge apparatuses for media, which cannot be unintentionally opened or opened by children.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising a unique polymeric compound that provides a soft, flexible product. There is also provided a unique polymeric tampon applicator that is soft and flexible. When used as a tampon applicator barrel, the barrel is more comfortable and has improved ease of insertion. The polymeric compound primarily comprises a thermoplastic resin and a block copolymer that exhibit unique load, energy and modulus of elasticity properties. The polymeric compound should also include a plasticizer and a compatibilizer/flow modifier, and may include a slip/mold release agent, an antioxidant, and even a pigment. There is also provided a method for making the polymeric compound that will be formed into a product, such as an applicator or applicator barrel in which all of the above ingredients, except for the thermoplastic resin, are combined and formed into soft pellets. The soft resin pellets are then dry blended with pellets of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A packing device for use in endoscopic operative procedures is formed of an elongate strip of absorbent, preferably expandable material having a rigid, dry state of a size to permit passage through a narrow endoscopic portal to an internal operative site and having a soft wet state when body fluids are absorbed thereby such that the packing device exposes and isolates tissue to be treated and protects adjacent tissue at the operative site while, in the dry state, is sufficiently rigid to manipulate tissue. A method of packing an internal operative site during an endoscopically performed procedures includes inserting a rigid strip of absorbent, preferably expandable, material through a narrow endoscopic portal and positioning the strip of material at the operative site such that at least a portion of the strip of material absorbs body fluids to become soft and pliable.

Abstract: A tampon device including a medicinal liquid, such as a hemostatic agent solution, and useful for releasing the medicinal liquid into the vaginal cavity after insertion into the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible applicator for inserting an article into a mammalian body cavity. The applicator has an elongate, hollow, structural member suitable for containing the insertable article, and an elongate expulsion member which is slidable within the structural member. The structural member has opposed inside and outside surfaces, and its length dimension is substantially greater than its width and height dimension. In addition, the structural member has a plurality of flex-enhancing elements which are arranged and configured to increase the lateral flexibility of the structural member.

Abstract: An expandable bag catamenial tampon and spreading tampon applicators for such a tampon are disclosed. The catamenial tampon is in the form of a soft, conformable, hollow bag. The applicator is capable of inserting the tampon into the vaginal tract and spreading the tampon open within the vaginal cavity. The applicator has an applicator element with a leading end and a trailing end. The bag-like tampon is placed over the leading end of the applicator when the tampon is in a flaccid initial configuration which defines an initial width, and the applicator is used to spread the tampon to a greater deployed width. In one embodiment, the applicator comprises tube having an interior and a flexible material which has one end that is formed into a flexible and expandable loop. The flexible loop is slidably mounted within the tube. The flexible loop is contained inside the tube until it is desired to deploy the tampon.

Abstract: A tampon inserter is included in a package of about the size used for conventional digital tampons, without, a decrease in the number of such tampons in the package. The inserter provides an alternate means for insertion of digital and other tampons and may be used as a training device for new users.

Abstract: An absorbent pad for absorbing bodily fluid secreted from a user. The absorbent pad includes a base pad having first and second length sides and first and second wings. The first and second wings each extending along a respective one of the first and second length sides. The absorbent pad also includes a tampon extending substantially perpendicular to the base pad at a central portion thereof, wherein, in use, the tampon is positioned within a body opening of the user and the base pad is positioned outside the body opening and between legs of the user to absorb body fluids secreted from the body opening. The tampon may be removably connected to the base pad and a gluteal pad may be connected to extend from an end side of the base pad. The gluteal pad includes a fold positioned within the user's buttocks during use. Lateral borders may be positioned between the sides of the base pad and the wings extending therefrom for providing added absorption of secreted bodily fluids.

Abstract: The present invention improves the conventional tampon assembly, wholly and in parts including the tampon assembly for delivery of medicament with an absorbent body having an improved rounded front-end, improved single plunger and dual, telescopic plunger members both incorporating a dosage measurement scale for medicament dosage administration; further improves the hydrophilic body of the tampon, applicator housing and plungers, inserter devices, withdrawal string and any other movable parts operating independently or sychronously.

Abstract: A tampon reminder in the form of an adhesive sticker is disclosed. The user can remover the sticker and apply it to the users body, clothing, or a suitable object where it will serve to remind the user that the tampon is in use. The disclosed invention prevent tampons from being inadvertently left in place for an excessive time.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising a unique polymeric compound that provides a soft, flexible product. There is also provided a unique polymeric tampon applicator that is soft and flexible. When used as a tampon applicator barrel, the barrel is more comfortable and has improved ease of insertion. The polymeric compound primarily comprises a thermoplastic resin and a block copolymer that exhibit unique load, energy and modulus of elasticity properties. The polymeric compound should also include a plasticizer and a compatibilizer/flow modifier, and may include a slip/mold release agent, an antioxidant, and even a pigment. There is also provided a method for making the polymeric compound that will be formed into a product, such as an applicator or applicator barrel in which all of the above ingredients, except for the thermoplastic resin, are combined and formed into soft pellets. The soft resin pellets are then dry blended with pellets of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A therapeutic applicator comprises a porous media, a string attached to the porous media, and a hollow tube, having a first end and a second end. The string passes through the hollow tube and exits the hollow tube at the first end when the porous media is positioned in proximity of the second end. A therapeutic agent is impregnated in the porous media.

Abstract: A device for insertion into a first opening in a body includes a device body having a longitudinal axis and a flexible first flange provided on an outside surface of the device body. The first flange has a deployed, use orientation in which it projects generally outwardly from the outside surface of the device body and an undeployed, insertion orientation in which it is resiliently deflected toward the device body. A retainer retains the flange in its insertion orientation. The retainer is constructed of a material soluble in a fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laparoscopic insertion and application of a sheet like material (such as an adhesion barrier) and the like products enables the laparoscopic surgeon to utilize large and full size sheets of Interceed (3".times.4") in abdominal (including pelvic) surgery. In laparoscopy surgery of the abdomen (including pelvis), all instrumentation and all surgical products must be introduced through "ports" consisting of valved sleeved or tubes. To properly and efficiently introduce and apply a large or full size sheet of sheet like material, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for grasping and furling the sheet and then unfurling, releasing and applying it after passage into the patient's abdominal cavity. The instrument consists of an operational grasping and furling portion which is rotated to furl the sheet like material. It is then "backloaded" or drawn into a tubular portion of the instrument, an inserter sheath for passage through the valved "port".

Abstract: A disposable device for transfer of an active liquid into an intracorporeal cavity, having a central element able to contact the mucous membrane of an intracorporeal cavity; an absorbent peripheral element arranged around the central element that absorbs liquid; a temporary protective covering, that is sealed with respect to liquids, that prevents fluid communication between the peripheral element and the central element; an active liquid contained in the central element or the peripheral element; and a means for recovering the active liquid, which has circulated in the intracorporeal cavity, that is contained in the peripheral element or the central element, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a wound in soft tissue includes an introducer trocar with a sharpened distal end and a hollow lumen. An elongated pin has a distal end, a proximal end and a central section. The pin is formed of compacted, hydrophilic, cross-linked collagen and introduced into the hollow lumen in a non-deployed state. An advancement member includes a distal end and is at least partially positioned in the hollow lumen. The advancement member advances the elongated pin out of the introducer trocar distal end and into a soft tissue structure in the pin's non-deployed state and across a wound in the soft tissue structure. The pin becomes deployed to a deployed state when the collagen in the pin begins to hydrolyze, anchoring the pin and the wound so that the wound can be healed quickly. This produces a maintenance of position for two non-continuous bodies of soft tissue relative to each other.

Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for inserting a substance into a body cavity. The applicator is especially useful for inserting a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator includes a tubular member formed from at least one layer of paper which has an exterior surface. The tubular member is capable of holding the substance which is to be inserted. The exterior surface of the tubular member is coated with a compostable coating. The coating is comprised of at least 85 percent by weight of a polymeric material, at least 10 percent by weight of additives, and up to about 5 percent by weight of a residual monomer.

Abstract: A sanitary tampon applicator includes an outer cylinder around which there is provided a stopper having differently dimensioned vertical and horizontal extents. The stopper is tilted rearward at a desired angle along the vertical extent thereof.

Abstract: The present invention improves the conventional tampon assembly, wholly and in parts including the tampon assembly for delivery of medicament with an absorbent body having an improved rounded front-end, improved single plunger and dual, telescopic plunger members both incorporating a dosage measurement scale for medicament dosage administration; further improves the hydrophilic body of the tampon, applicator housing and plungers, inserter devices, withdrawal string and any other movable parts operating independently or sychronously.

Abstract: A tampon applicator is disclosed which includes first and second telescopically assembled members. The first member is designed to house an absorbent tampon. The first member has first and second spaced apart ends and is formed from at least two separate and distinct layers. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip is constructed from at least one of the two distinct layers and has a thickness which is less than that of the first member. The second member is telescopically mounted in the second end of the first member and is adapted to expel the tampon through the insertion tip as it is pushed into the first member.

Abstract: A thermoplastic applicator is disclosed which exhibits accelerated breakup when immersed in water. The applicator includes a hollow, cylindrically shaped member which holds a pledget. This cylindrically shaped member is constructed of a water-soluble or water-dispersible material and has a wall with a thickness of less than about 0.05 inches (about 12.7 mm). A plurality of grooves are formed in the wall in a predetermined pattern to accelerate breakup of the applicator into small unrecognizable pieces. The grooves have a depth of between about 5 percent to 75 percent of the thickness of the wall. The deeper the grooves, the shorter the time period needed to breakup the applicator.

Abstract: A reusable tampon includes an interior cavity which can be filled with absorbent material. The absorbent material can be removed and new absorbent material inserted in its place through an opening in an upper portion of the tampon. The tampon has a body which is hollow and formed of flexible, human tissue-friendly material. The lower part of the body is closed and has a semi-circular shape. Inflow apertures in the body of the tampon are inclined inwardly and toward the semi-circular lower portion of the body, allowing menstrual blood to pass into the interior cavity. Axially extending inflow grooves may also be provided. The tampon may have an elliptical cross-section, and a plurality of small balls of highly aborbent material may be disposed in the interior cavity.

Abstract: A reusable, washable, internally worn catamenial device is fabricated by folding a rectangular cloth to produce two elongated side-by-side multilayered cloth tubes. A withdrawal string is looped through both tubes. The folded cloth may be stitched to provide hems along selected edges of the cloth and to provide a central seam which forms and adjoins the tubes.

Abstract: An applicator is disclosed which includes a thin walled member adapted to hold and dispense a substance. The thin walled member is formed from at least two separate and distinct layers and has first and second spaced apart ends. The applicator also has an outwardly extending fingergrip ring integrally formed adjacent to the second end which serves to facilitate control of the applicator, facilitate comfortable insertion of a substance into a body cavity or on an area of the skin, and easy removal of the applicator.

Abstract: A tampon applicator including an insertion tube for accepting a tampon and a discharge tube for discharging the tampon. The discharge tube is displaceable in the insertion tube. Placeable upon the end area of the insertion tube on the insertion side is a container containing a therapeutic or prophylactic medicinal substance. This container is sealed off from the insertion tube by means of a foil. Provided in the insertion tube between an accepted tampon and the foil are pivotable flaps having a sharp-edged projection, and which are pivoted during insertion of the tampon by means of the forward movement of the tampon against the foil and which break through the foil with their sharp-edged projection.

Abstract: A multifunctional device for insertion in an anatomical cavity through a narrow portal includes an expandable bladder, a body of fluid absorbing material carried by the bladder and a mechanism, which can be inflation or mechanical, for expanding the bladder. The device has a cross-sectional size in a compressed state with the fluid absorbing material in a dry state and the bladder contracted to facilitate insertion of the device through the portal. The fluid absorbing material is soft and expandable in a wet state upon absorption of body fluids in the anatomical cavity, and the bladder is movable via the expanding mechanism to move the device to an expanded state wherein the cross-sectional size of the device is increased. The bladder is movable to decrease the size of the device to facilitate withdrawal of the device from the anatomical cavity through the portal.