Abstract: A user wearable device for providing a sterile environment for connecting a user's catheter to a fill-drain tube for performing an exchange of used and fresh peritoneal dialysis fluid includes a pouch. The pouch has exposeable openings for inserting the catheter and a fill-drain tube into the interior of the pouch from the exterior of the pouch. The user connects the catheter to the fill-drain tube within the interior of the pouch for draining and feeding dialysis fluid in a sterile environment. Hand covering elements in communication with the exterior of the pouch are disposed internal to the pouch such that the user can insert his hands into the hand covering elements and connect the catheter to the fill-drain tube within the interior of the pouch. The hand covering elements enable the user to manipulate the catheter and the fill-drain tube from a non-sterile environment external to the pouch.

Abstract: A urinary catheter package takes the form of a pouch containing a catheter and a lubricating device. The lubricating device comprises a housing with distal and proximal end portions and a lubricant-containing chamber therebetween. A frusto-conical collar at the proximal end of the device performs dual functions of preventing lubricant leakage into the pouch and unintentional sliding movement of the catheter when the package is in use.

Abstract: Rectal insertion device (1) for treating disorders of the digestive tract of a human or animal body such as colic comprising an elongate shaft (3) which is insertable into the anal canal of the human or animal body and a receptacle (12) for collecting feces discharged when the elongate shaft is inserted into the anal canal.

Abstract: A sterilizable device for draining urine includes a collecting bag sealed until the moment in which the catheter is to be used. The bag, in turn, includes an elongated neck-like portion and a collecting portion, joined to the elongated portion and designed for collection of urine drained by the catheter. The catheter is packed inside the collecting bag in the region corresponding to the elongated portion, and can be extracted therefrom when the device is to be used. The elongated portion has an opening at its distal end for allowing extraction of the catheter. The device includes also a segment of liquid-impermeable material removably fastened to the elongated portion at its distal end, so as to seal the opening.

Abstract: A bowel irrigation system having a probe connected to a reservoir that contains irrigating liquid. The reservoir is a sealed container acted upon by a pumping element. The user operates the pumping element to create pressure on the sealed container and thereby displace the liquid from the reservoir into the probe. An inflatable cuff may also be included for securing the position of the probe when in use. The system is portable and may be employed by a user without outside assistance.

Abstract: A liquid waste collection chamber assembly adapted to be worn in the crotch region of a user includes a triangular collection chamber with a rigid inlet tube and a back flow valve. The inlet tube attaches to a condom catheter by way of a flexible tube. Liquid waste from the user flows into the collection chamber in response to gravitational force. The collection chamber is worn, attached and supported to the wearer in the crotch region by way of straps connected to a top portion of the collection chamber. The collection chamber also includes an outlet tube disposed above the inlet tube at a top portion of the collection chamber attached. The outlet valve is actuatable to open and allow expulsion of liquid waste from the collection chamber.

Abstract: A cannula is described for insertion within the nose of a patient to provide drainage or to allow for postoperative suction of the sinus after surgery. The cannula is formed as an elongated tubular section with an anchoring end for insertion into the sinus. At the anchoring end of the cannula reinforced leaflets are provided as drainage channels and to serve as the anchoring aspect of the cannula.

Abstract: A feces control device includes a tubular member in which an inflatable balloon is positioned on one interior sidewall for closing the passageway to movement of feces when the balloon is expanded and allowing flow when the balloon is contracted against the sidewall to which it is attached. A second balloon on the inner end of the tubular member when inflated presses against the inner end of an umbrella mounted on the inner end of the tubular member thereby expanding the umbrella to a radially outwardly and forwardly extending sealing position in the stoma or rectum. When the umbrella balloon is deflated, the umbrella memory causes it to collapse to a position coaxial with the tubular member. Inflation passageways in the sidewall of the tubular member may include tube portions for inflating the balloons or removing the device from the rectum.

Abstract: An insertion device is provided for use in assessing urinary function. The insert device includes an insert member for at least partial insertion into a patient's urethral canal having a length such that it is positioned distal of the urethral sphincter, and having an outer surface at least a portion of which is configured to engage the inner wall of the urethra to substantially prevent fluid flow therebetween. The insert member has a channel therethrough through which fluid from a fluid source can be introduced into the urethral canal. Also provided is a device for introducing fluid into a patient's urethral canal including a hand-sized casing having a fluid conduit therein between a fluid inlet and a fluid source assembly. The device further includes an activation device movable between a first position wherein it does not obstruct the fluid conduit and a second position wherein it does obstruct the fluid conduit.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device for placement in the thoracic cavity of a patient. The device is a cannula, tube or catheter for chest drainage. The device serves as a conduit for drainage of excessive fluid or air buildup in the chest to a receptacle outside the body. The device also serves to prevent influx of fluid or air into the chest cavity, thus preventing pneumothorax or infection. The device incorporates systems for anchoring the chest drainage cannula to the chest.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of improving kidney function, whereby a negative pressure is induced in the kidney. One embodiment useful in this regard comprises a balloon catheter having at least one lumen therethrough where the proximal end of the lumen is connected to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A urethral profile apparatus, assembly and appurtenant methodology is provided. The apparatus includes an elongate member having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end including a probe. The probe is selectively positionable within a urethral passageway by axial translation of the elongate member via the distal end, with the probe dimensioned so as to indicate constrictures of the urethral passageway.

Abstract: Cervical cells can be sampled in such a way as to retain the spatial relationships that existed between the cells prior to sampling. The cells can be collected by using a cervical cell collector that samples a cervix in a spatially resolved manner. The cervix is sampled by placing a sampling balloon in position adjacent to a cervix and inflating the sampling balloon to force a sampling surface of the sampling balloon into contact with the cervix, thereby transferring cervical cells from the cervix to the sampling surface of the sampling balloon. The sampling balloon is then deflated and withdrawn. Then, the adhered cervical cells are treated with a marker and are optically analyzed.

Abstract: A wetting apparatus (110) for wetting a hydrophilic urinary catheter (103) comprises a wetting receptacle (101) which defines a wetting fluid receiving area (102) for receiving the hydrophilic urinary catheter and a hydrophilic urinary catheter wetting fluid container (106) having a discharge outlet (126) movable from a closed position to an open position on application of a predetermined condition thereto to enable the wetting fluid to be discharged from the wetting fluid container.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyurethane film comprising two steps is disclosed. The first step comprises preparing a nonionic prepolymer formulation, the prepolymer formulation comprising a diisocyanate, an active hydrogen containing material, and a monol. The second step comprises preparing an aqueous dispersion of the prepolymer, in the presence of a surfactant. Both steps occur in the substantial absence of an organic solvent. Also disclosed is a polyurethane film and an aqueous dispersion useful for preparing such films. The present invention has the advantage of having increased shear stability. The dispersions of the present invention do not settle or coagulate prematurely. Moreover, the films of the present invention do not include the dermal irritants which occur in natural rubber latex. The films and dispersions of the present invention are thus suitable for use in applications such as, for example, medical applications.

Abstract: The urine collection device of the present invention is an open collection system designed to collect and transfer a liquid urine specimen into a non-evacuated tube through a valve. The device is designed to be user friendly and has a finger placement platform so that one can hold the container without risk of contaminating the inside of the container or becoming exposed to the specimen. The specimen is transferred into the non-evacuated tube when the tube is connected to the valve port. A blunt cannula is used on the collection tube to transfer the specimen thereby avoiding exposure to sharps. The collection tube is attached to the urine collection device at an oblique angle. Gravity allows the specimen to be transferred into the tube and automatically stop at a pre-determined volume based on the oblique angle. The urine collection device with the tube attached may be placed on a flat surface without tipping over.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a surgical instrument for the removal of biological material through an opening within a patient, wherein biological material being larger than the opening within the patient. The surgical instrument includes a specimen retrieval bag having at least one wall. The specimen retrieval bag has an open end, a closed end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, wherein the open end is for receiving biological materials therein. The instrument further includes at least one material transfer member attached to the wall adjacent to the open end. The material transfer member extends radially from the wall and is in fluid communication with the bag.

Abstract: A catheter movement control device is presented having therein a resilient biasing member and a tube gripper which mount on a catheter tube. The biasing member and tube gripper are contained within a housing having a shoulder proximate the catheter tube. As the catheter tube is free to move in a forward direction through the housing, upon attempted rearward movement the biasing member engages the tube gripper causing it to pivot against a shoulder within the housing. Upon pivoting the tube gripper tightly engages the catheter tube preventing any further rearward movement of the catheter tube.

Abstract: A catheter movement control device is provided which allows forward, extending movement of the catheter tube contained within a flexible package to the exterior thereof as required during insertion. The method of use includes moving the catheter tube through the control device to exit the catheter package where it is inserted into the urethra. If resistance is encountered during insertion a stop member firmly engages the catheter tube to prevent rearward movement of the catheter tube under normal urging.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treating disease in a urinary bladder. The devices include a bladder liner for insertion into the urinary bladder and catheters positioned within the urinary bladder to carry urine from the ureters to an outside collection container. The bladder liner and catheters are constructed of biocompatible materials and are configured to create a seal with the urethra and ureters. The bladder liner may be adapted to deliver medicinal agents to the urinary bladder. Methods of treating disease in the urinary bladder include isolating urine from the bladder wall to allow sufficient time for the bladder wall to heal e.g., by implanting the aforementioned devices. Healing or pain relief may be enhanced by instilling pharmaceutical agents between the liner and bladder wall without dilutional effects.

Abstract: The female urine collection device includes a formable ring and a collection receptacle. In one embodiment, the receptacle is an external catheter with a flexible neck that passes through and folds back over the ring. In another embodiment, the ring and collection receptacle are integrally formed. In all embodiments, the ring may be placed against the tissue around the urethral meatus to form a seal with the neck, permitting voiding into and through the collection receptacle. The ring may be manually held in place against the tissue around the urethral meatus to form a good seal. A protruding tip or probe may be included and inserted slightly into the vaginal opening or entrance to assure proper placement of the ring. In such embodiments, the ring may be integrally formed with the probe. An adjustable, inflatable pessary anchor may also be provided to help secure the collection receptacle adjacent the genital tissue.

Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.

Abstract: A device for collecting menstrual flow has a cup shaped to fit over the cervix and has an attached pouch defining a reservoir that contains an absorbent material. A port having a fabric cover permits menstrual flow from the uterus to pass into the reservoir. The device, which is flexible and resilient, is folded in one end of an applicator used to insert the device into the vagina. The device is shaped to automatically fit into and remain in position over the cervix after the device is ejected from the applicator.

Abstract: A ureteral access sheath adapted for insertion into a urethra includes an elongate tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A handle assembly is disposed at the proximal end and includes enlarged portions which inhibit migration of the sheath into the urethra. The enlarged portions are shaped like the bell of a horn with a concave, distally-facing outer surface and a convex, proximally-facing inner surface. The inner surface functions as a funnel while the outer surface is sized and configured to receive adjacent fingers of a user's hand held in its natural position. In an associated method, this shape of the handle assembly facilitates maintaining the sheath in a stationary position during insertion and removal of instrumentation. The handle assembly can be movable on the tube to facilitate variation of the sheath link in situ.

Abstract: A waste evacuator (2) to vacate waste products from a stoma having an inlet (3) adapted to seal over the stoma and when operated to vacate waste products from the shortened bowel. The waste evacuator could be battery or manually operated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intravaginal catamenial device having a distensible member for sealingly engaging walls of a vagina. Inflating the distensible member provides immediate expansion after insertion into the vagina, thereby minimizing the potential for any by-pass leakage of bodily fluids. The device of the present invention employs a valve mechanism capable of two-way fluid communication that enables both inflation and deflation of the device. The distensible member may be of any shape that is useful for blocking and/or collecting bodily fluids.

Abstract: Metallic silver is deposited upon the surface of a nonconducting substrate using a multi-step wet deposition process. The surface is cleaned, and then activated in an aqueous solution containing stannous tin. The silver is deposited as a colloidal material from an aqueous solution of a silver-containing salt, a reduction agent that reduces the salt to form the metallic silver, and a deposition control agent that prevents the silver from nucleating throughout the solution. After the substrate is coated, the coating is stabilized in an aqueous solution of a salt of a metal from the platinum group or gold, dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid. The process is particularly effective for depositing uniform-films of 2 to 2000 Angstroms thickness, which strongly adhere to the substrate.

Abstract: A catamenial collector, in an embodiment, has a receptacle with a flexible hollow rim capable of inflation and has a handle with substantially the length of a female vagina. The collector may have a string, in one embodiment, extending through the rim and at least a portion of the handle so that a pulling force axially applied to a string end causes the receptacle to close. In another embodiment, an elastic member is so configured that deflation of the rim also causes the receptacle to close. The collector and associated methods of use provide for the sanitary collection and disposal of menses.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence appliance constructed according to the invention includes hydrophilic absorbing media encased in a water-impermeable sheath having a closed end that is inserted into the vagina of the user and an open end external to the vagina that is form fit to cover the urethra of the user. The external open end portion acts to funnel any urine that may escape from the urethra into the interior of the sheath where it is captured and wicked by the absorbent media within the vagina.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for draining and collecting fluid from a body cavity has a container having an inner containment space defined therewith. An elongate tubular catheter extends longitudinally through the container. A tip member/lubricant reservoir is mounted to the catheter passage opening. A quantity of lubricant is disposed within a tip member/lubricant reservoir and lubricate the catheter as it is extended from the container.

Abstract: A fecal collector which comprises an elongated, flaccid pouch having an entrance end; an anchor attached to the pouch entrance end to anchor the entrance end in the lower bowel, and; a positioner attached to the pouch in spaced relation to the anchor O-ring, to remain outside the lower bowel and adjacent the body, for blocking tilting of the anchor in the bowel.

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: A catamenial device in the form of a menstrual cup. The menstrual cup is an integral one-piece structure formed of soft, resilient, fluid-proof material. The menstrual cup comprises a hollow body having open upper and lower ends. The body is symmetrical about its long axis, is of circular transverse cross-section throughout its length, and is approximately parabolic in cross section taken along a plane in which its long axis lies. The body, adjacent its open upper end has an external, outwardly extending, annular, rim arrangement adapted to engage the vaginal wall to prevent by-pass leakage. The device has a plurality of small pressure equalizing perforations formed in and evenly spaced about the body adjacent the rim arrangement. A tubular withdrawal extension projects from the lower end of the body and is substantially coaxial therewith. The withdrawal extension has a closable drainage passage therethrough communicating with the open lower end of the body.

Abstract: A laparoscopy bag of a flexible material with traction strings of drawstrings is provided at its opening or mouth, in particular for use in a trocar, and in which the bag consists of a working section to which a hose-shaped part or extension is attached or which is provided with a hose-shaped extension.

Abstract: A rubberized sealing ring has a flat smooth broad bottom sealing surface for sealing with and spreading the pressure over an area of the rectal mucosal tissue. A peaked top surface has a wide inwardly sloping face for funneling the fecal matter into a tapering funnel-shaped neck. The sealing ring compresses together in a linear shape for anal insertion and expands resiliently into a sealing ring inside the patient past the interior anal sphincter. An external receptacle connects to the neck for collecting excretions. The receptacle may be formed integrally with the neck and sealing ring or may be detachable. A gas release valve is built into the top of the receptacle. An enema tube may be inserted in the neck. A spring may be built into the center of the sealing ring. A coil spring, flat spring, or combination spring may be used.

Abstract: A female incontinence device according to the present invention includes one or more rings of water swellable gel forming material mounted on a female incontinence plug or catheter. The water swellable ring swells upon insertion of the device into the urethra and non-traumatically secures the device in the urethra while providing a seal between the device and the walls of the urethra. The water swellable ring may be replaced by other stimuli sensitive materials which allow the ring to be swollen and later reduced in volume for removal of the device. The stimuli sensitive materials which may be used in the invention include materials sensitive to light, pH, electrical field, mechanical stress, temperature, and solvent interaction.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a human urethra comprises an elongated open-ended hollow body of circular cross-section produced from a suitable synthetic material, and the catheter body has provided along its length at least one, preferably two, resilient thickenings or projections (11; 12, 13; 14) which surround the body and project radially outwards therefrom and which are intended to lie against the inner walls of the urethra. Both the catheter body (10) and the thickening or thickenings (11; 12) are comprised of an electrically conductive synthetic material, or include an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: An evacuation unit and method for using the unit for controlling the release from a body cavity of aerosolized blood and other body fluids or other contaminants contained in the gas present in the body cavity during an endoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. The unit includes a port in fluid communication with the body cavity through which the contaminated gas passes to an evacuation connector having a first end in fluid communication with the port and a second end and an aerosol trap in fluid communication with the second end of the evacuation connector such that the aerosol-containing gas is able to flow from the connector through the aerosol trap whereby the aerosolized fluids or other contaminants in the gas are prevented from entering the atmosphere of the operating room. The connector preferably has a flow control valve between the ends.

Abstract: A device to facilitate self-catheterisation in women suffering from deviation from normal bladder function is provided. The device includes a handle designed for manipulation by a patient and a catheter co-operable with the handle such that the catheter can be inserted into the patient's urethra by manipulation of the handle. The device has a flexion portion to allow the catheter to be positioned in a desired orientation relative to the handle for ease of insertion. The handle and catheter may be designed as a one-piece disposable construction or may be separate elements, the handle being useable with disposable catheters. The flexion portion may be an articulation structure, such as a ball-and-socket joint. Catheterisation is further facilitated by the provision of a mirror and/or light source on or associated with the handle.

Abstract: A urethral catheter designed to employ the principle of urethral irrigation with the patient's own urine to combat rising infection. This irrigation is achieved by having the section of the catheter which lies in the urethra equipped with windows which are arranged so that large surface areas of the urethral mucous membranes are irrigated by urine. Through judicious positioning of a mandrin in the catheter's lumen one can achieve a forced flow of urine through these windows and between the catheter and the urethral mucous membranes, the flow returning through further windows into the hollow interior of the mandrin and proceeding out of the body to a drainage system.

Abstract: A spring is imbedded in a collapsible rubberized ring with a flat broad bottom and peaked top having a wide inwardly sloping top face. The ring compresses together in a linear shape for anal insertion and expands out into a ring inside past the interior anal sphincter. A tapering funnel-shaped resilient neck connects the ring to an external receptacle to collect excretions. The receptacle may be formed integrally with the neck and ring or may be detachable. A gas release valve is built into the top of the receptacle. An enema tube may be inserted in the neck. Reinforcement on two opposing sides of the ring facilitates collapse of the ring by pulling on the neck for easy removal of the device from the patient. The spring may be a coil spring, a flat spring or a combination of the two. A slotted tube with a plunger and handle may be used to insert the compressed ring into the anal opening of a patient. The ring, neck, and receptacle are formed of a non-allergenic polymer such as Latex (TM).

Abstract: A method of shaping polymeric structures by coating a support structure with a bond-preventing agent to attain a particular shape and subsequently coating the shaped structure of the bond-preventing agent with a polymeric bonding composition is provided. Such shaped polymeric structures can have one or more cavities which can be fluid-filled or gel-filled. Also provided is a hand-actuating retention female urinary catheter having an inner tube and an outer overcoat layer encircling the tube with an elastomeric collar with a shroud. A cavity containing a fluid is interposed between the tube and the overcoat layer. The cavity includes a balloon portion and a reservoir portion. The shroud encircles the reservoir section to inhibit the ballooning of the reservoir section when the reservoir section is squeezed to force fluid from the reservoir portion to the balloon portion through the sleeve portion of the cavity. The overcoat layer and the collar with a shroud are made of soft resilient material.

Abstract: A disposable urine bag having sealed cavity members where one cavity stores an extendable catheter and also acts as a urine storage reservoir. A second sealed and peel-away cavity includes a catheter advancement mechanism which provides for lubricated catheter advancement without actual contact of the catheter by the human hand. An absorption member is provided to semi-solidify urine stored in the urine storage reservoir.

Abstract: An implantable device used in treating glaucoma includes a movable plate shaped and sized to fit in a single quadrant of an eye to provide maximum surface area. A drainage tube is attached to the plate and has a distal end for insertion into the anterior chamber of the eye to drain fluid. A valve is disposed in the tube to control the fluid pressure within the eye and prevent hypotony. The plate is made of soft surgical grade polymeric material to prevent extrusion from the body.

Abstract: A malleable vaginal speculum is manually shaped to dilate the inner contour of a vagina sufficiently to allow manipulation of endoscopic surgical instruments within the vagina. The malleable vaginal speculum may optionally be coupled a funnel, apron and splash shield to function as a fluid collector for use during endoscopic surgery. A portion of the splash shield is placed under the patient while the remainder extends to a perforated portion of the funnel wall. Fluid draining into the funnel through its mouth and through the perforated wall is collected in a container, where its volume is measured. By measuring the volume of irrigation fluid dispensed during the surgery and subtracting the measured fluid volume collected, an estimate of the amount of irrigation fluid absorbed by the patient during the surgery is obtained.

Abstract: A containment and disposal bag for human bodily fluids is disclosed which includes a bag having a hollow interior and a top at least partially open to receive the bodily fluids; preferably a funnel structure within the bag to channel said bodily fluids into the interior and to restrict expulsion of bodily fluids from the interior prior to sequestration; a hydrophilic material within the bag which is rapidly gellable upon contact with the bodily fluids in the bag, the gellation serving to essentially completely sequester the bodily fluids and prevent it from thereafter being expelled from the bag; and a closure to close the top of the bag after introduction of the bodily fluids into the bag. The hydrophilic material is commonly a polymer which is activated upon contact with the water-based bodily fluids and which gels rapidly (normally within thirty seconds or less) to sequester the bodily fluids.

Abstract: Methods and devices for collecting at least two separate samples of a body fluid (e.g., blood) simultaneously. The device is introduced into a body of a living being whose blood is to be analyzed at a preexisting accessible cavity of the body which at least temporarily contains blood of the living being. The device has an interior having first and second hollow retaining compartments capable of receiving and holding the blood which is present in the cavity when the entire device is introduced into and remains wholly within the cavity. After the device is removed from the body cavity, blood is removed from the first and second hollow retaining compartments, such that the blood can be simultaneously separately collected and prepared for subsequent separate and different analyses. The first and second hollow retaining compartments are adapted to collect blood having similar characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second retaining compartments each contain an absorbent medium such as a sponge.

Abstract: A urinary catheter and system includes a catheter with a drain lumen which is coated with oligodynamic metal and preferably arranged with a coating of a more noble metal for creating an iontophoretic galvanic couple, which drives antimicrobial ions into solution. The exterior of the catheter is also coated in a similar manner to inhibit microbes migrating toward the bladder along the outer surface of the catheter. The system includes a flow rate control device which may be a one-way valve, a filter or both. A collection bag is coupled to the control device. The interconnecting hoses, the flow rate control device(s) and the collection bag are also coated on the interior with oligodynamic metal, preferably silver, and also with a more noble metal, preferably platinum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed, fluid-modulating receiving system for the conveyance, modulation, and collection of fluid matter from its source. The receiving system may be employed under both in vivo and inanimate use conditions for the collection and disposal of fluids which may be infectious, hazardous, or toxic in and of themselves.

Abstract: A device for reducing swelling of hemorrhoidal tissues comprises an at least partially hollow body member, a hypertonic solution contained in the body member, and a semipermeable membrane defining a wall or surface of the body member. The membrane is positioned along the body member so that the membrane is in substantial direct contact with hemorrhoidal tissues upon insertion of the body member into a rectum.