Abstract: An apparatus for releasing congested prostate fluid including a head having a size suitable for fitting in a human rectum and through a sphincter and having a surface suitable for rubbing a prostate gland, and a rod connected to a bottom of the head and extending outwardly therefrom. The rod serves to position the head and guide a movement of the head as the sphincter contracts and relaxes. An abutment surface is affixed to the rod distal the head. The abutment surface serves to contact a perineum area and to push up on the perineum area as the sphincter contracts. The rod is a rigid rod having a generally L-shaped or C-shaped configuration with a radius of curvature such that the head tilts toward the prostate gland as the sphincter contracts and draws the head upwardly. The head has a generally ellipsoidal shape. The head is formed of rubber-like material.

Abstract: A device for determining the contractions of an anal sphincter and associated muscles comprising a core formed in a generally cylindrical configuration from a relatively rigid plastic material having a distal end and a proximal end, the core having a central section of a reduced diameter and an axial length, sheet material formed of a flexible essentially inelastic plastic material with an adhesive securing the sheet material to the core and a head adjacent to the distal end of the core, the proximal end of the head being located adjacent to the distal end of the central section and with the distal end of the head being of a reduced diameter.

Abstract: A device for pushing a scar in the perineal region of a patient so that the scar can be optimally positioned during radiation treatment of the rectal area of the patient. A base is positioned beneath a patient's legs as the patient lies on a radiation therapy support platform. A guide and support member extends upwardly from the base so that the guide and support member is positioned between the thighs of the patient. A slide member is supported by the guide and support member, with the slide member being constrained to slide back and forth along the guide and support member in a direction substantially parallel to the patient's legs so that pressure can be exerted on the patient's perineum by the leading end of the slide member. The slide member can be moved manually, and a retaining mechanism is provided for releasably locking the slide member in any selected position along its movement.

Abstract: A cylindrical anal retractor for examining the inside of an anus of a living body including an inserting valve portion inside of which a substantially circular-shaped opening is formed, a handle which serves to dilate the opening by gripping it, and an auxiliary appliance for making the insertion of the inserting valve portion into the anus smooth; the trivalve inserting portion has three plate-like members, which are curved inside, and two of the members are connected to the handle so as to be rotatable about axes extended in an inserting direction of the inserting valve portion. In the anal retractor according to the present invention, therefore, the pain which is given to the patient when the anal retractor is inserted into his or her anus is remarkably reduced.

Abstract: Fecal leakage and contamination from the vent opening of an animal carcass during slaughtering and processing is eliminated by injecting a highly viscous material comprising a mixture of food grade constituents through the vent opening so as to create a self-adhering plug in the lower colon and rectum of the animal. The plug material preferably comprises a blended mixture of water, gum, modified food starch and a preservative whose viscosity is in the range of from about 220,000 centipoise to 480,000 centipoise. Being formed from food grade constituents, the offal can safely be harvested and used in animal feed as a by-product of the meat processing operation.

Abstract: An insertable intracavity probe for use in magnetic resonance imaging of an area of interest in a relatively inaccessible region of the body particularly the cervix is disclosed. The probe has an inflatable balloon structure with an internal pickup coil carried at the distal end of a shaft for rectal insertion of the coil and an inflatable anti-migration cuff to hold the probe in position and prevent outward migration thereof during a procedure. The balloon structure has an outer balloon shaped to facilitate insertion and accommodation of the coil to areas of the anatomy adjacent the cervix. Internally, the balloon structure has an inflatable balloon which can be used to adjust the shape of the coil to accommodate uniquely shaped anatomical areas.

Abstract: A gynecological speculum for insertion through a vaginal orifice into a vaginal cavity for performing medical examinations or surgical procedures. The gynecological speculum comprises a tubular section having an open insertion end and an open user end and an interior surface and an exterior surface. A projection is provided on the exterior surface to engage the vaginal orifice and retain the speculum within the vaginal cavity after insertion. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular section tapers outwardly from the open insertion end to the open user end. In an alternative embodiment, a vacuum tube is connected to the tubular section for a evacuating the vaginal cavity by suction during medical proceedings.

Abstract: An insertable intracavity probe for use in magnetic resonance imaging of an area of interest in a relatively inaccessible region of the body is disclosed. The probe has an internal pickup coil carried at the distal end of a shaft for rectal insertion of the coil and an inflatable anti-migration cuff to hold the probe in position and prevent outward migration thereof during a procedure. The anti-migration cuff is carried on an outer sleeve which is slidably and rotatably mounted on the shaft. The coil is carried on a resilient tip structure at the distal end of the shaft which is flexible in the plane normal to the plane of the coil. Deflection of the coil assembly is controlled by a pair of control lines attached to the distal end of the tip structure. The lines may be selectively tensioned to deflect the coil in the direction of tension by a thumb wheel control at the handle of the probe.

Abstract: An improved enema insufflation system includes a source of barium sulfate suspension connected, by tubing, to a multi-lumen enema tip and a source of carbon dioxide, connected to the enema tip. The carbon dioxide source contains compressed carbon dioxide. The source is connected to a carbon dioxide reservoir capable of holding a pre-determined volume of carbon dioxide at a relatively low pressure. A hand actuated insufflation bulb is connected to the carbon dioxide reservoir. The insufflation bulb can draw carbon dioxide from the reservoir for delivery, through the enema tip, to a patient. The compressed, high-pressure carbon dioxide is functionally isolated from the patient to ensure patient safety.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for segmental perfusion/aspiration of intestinal segments, including a catheter (1) having one large central channel (10) and several parallel, in relation to the central channel smaller channels (11-21) which, through holes in the outer wall of the catheter, are used for inflation of segment-delimiting balloons arranged along the catheter and around its circumference, for aspiration and perfusion of fluid from and to different segments of the intestine delimited by balloons, and for release of marker substance. The invention is characterized by that the device is shaped for introduction through the anal orifice, that the device includes two intestinal segments which are delimited by four inflatable balloons, that the device is provided with an anchoring device (2), which after introduction of the catheter is inflated in order to firmly fix the catheter to the anal orifice, and that the central channel is designed to receive an endoscope.

Abstract: A device for treating hemorrhoids is formed from a hollow member having integral insertion and collar portions. Controlling means located within the member and running from the collar to at least partially the length of the insertion portion serve to control the maximum transverse section of the device. Reduction of the cross section eases insertion and extraction of the device. Release of the controlling means allows the device to resiliently return to its normal condition.

Abstract: A method for eviscerating pig carcasses comprising insertion of a plug into the anus of the carcass in order to avoid contamination of the carcass.Before the plug is inserted into the anus it is cooled down to a low temperature, such as below -20.degree. C. The plug will freeze on to the area around the anus sealing the anus tightly.In this way the casing contents will not flow out during the cutting or boring-out of the rectum and further treatment of the casings.The plug comprises a sealing section 1 having a large cold capacity.

Abstract: A system for the air reduction of intussusception in infants and children. The system comprises a main tube terminating of its distal end in an enema tip. The proximal end of the main tube is connected to an in-line filter which stops reflux of aerosol and liquid/solid contaminants therebeyond. The filter is connected to a three-way, lever-actuated stopcock which, in turn, is connected to a hand-operated insufflator bulb. The air reduction system is provided with an aneroid gauge. The guage and bulb may constitute a reusable, integral assembly, the remainder of the system being disposable. The entire system may be disposable with a disposable gauge connected ahead of the in-line filter. A reusable gauge may be remotely located and connected to the air reduction system via a branch tube and a T-fitting located between the filter and the three-way valve, all of the system save the remote gauge being disposable.

Abstract: A sphincterogram device used with radiographic equipment for measuring a patient's anal canal length, anal canal pressure, anorectal angle, and fatigability of the anal musculature. The sphincterogram device comprises an elongated expandable balloon having a flexible tubular catheter disposed substantially therein. The balloon is adapted for insertion into the patient's anal canal. The catheter has a plurality of openings spaced along a substantial portion of its length for communicating between the interior of the balloon and the interior of the catheter. The sphincterogram device also includes at least one fluid supply reservoir and at least one fluid flow line interconnecting the reservoir and the balloon for flow of fluid therebetween. The fluid supply reservoir is adapted for adjusting fluid pressure therein and for adjusting fluid pressure and volume in the catheter and balloon, and calibrations are provided for determining fluid pressure within the balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for use during examination of the colon of a patient includes an insertion member and a tube member. The insertion member, which occludes the opening into the colon, has first and second channels extending between inner and outer ends. The first channel receives a colonoscope, while the second channel receives the tube member. Seals are provided to prevent air leakage from inside of the colon out through the two channels. The tube member provides a conduit into the colon that is independent of the colonoscope. The tube member has an inside channel for receiving colonoscopic tools. There is an inflatable balloon at the inner end of the tube member, for blunting the tube member inner end. An inflation channel extending betwen the balloon and the tube member outer end allows the balloon to be remotely inflated. With the insertion member in place in the opening, the tube member is inserted into the colon, via the second channel.

Abstract: A hemorrhoid inflammation reducing device is disclosed. The device has a hollow flexible housing that is shaped to be inserted into and removed from the anus of the rectum of a person having internal/external hemorrhoids. The housing has an enlarged head portion to fit into the rectum, a reduced neck portion that extends from the head portion so that the neck portion can bear against the internal/external hemorrhoids, and an oversized body portion which extends from the neck portion so that the body portion can stick out from the anus allowing the person to grip the body portion for insertion into and removal from the anus of the rectum. A coolant is disposed within the housing for shrinking the internal/external hemorrhoids. A closure is provided for sealing the coolant within the housing after the coolant is placed within the housing. The closure has a pair of handle-like extensions and an aperture formed in the distal end of the body portion opposite the neck portion of the housing.