Abstract: A device for delivering an agent into breast milk while breastfeeding. In one embodiment, the device includes a breast shield modified to engage a non-woven material which has been impregnated with a milk soluble active agent such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). A lactating animal, e.g. a woman, uses this agent-delivering breast shield during breastfeeding to administer prophylactic or therapeutic agents to a suckling infant. The inventions are particularly well suited to preventing transmission of HIV virus from mother to child. Alternatively, the agent-laden material could be used with a baby bottle nipple or pacifier.

Abstract: A vaginal drug delivery system includes a device formed of porous material that holds a flowable therapeutic formulation. The device, preferably in a soft, prewetted state, is inserted into the vagina to reside typically at or near the cervix where it continuously releases the flowable therapeutic formulation through its outer surface which is in contact with the vaginal surfaces. In operation, the flowable therapeutic formulation migrates via capillary forces from a reservoir that is centrally located in the device and through a covering that envelopes the reservoir.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which forms a physical barrier between the two ends of a cut vas during a vasectomy procedure, comprising a biodegradable, polymeric cap that is applied over at least one prostatic end of the vas, the cap including a fastener for preventing premature dislodgement.

Abstract: A vaginal drug delivery system includes a device formed of porous material that holds a flowable therapeutic formulation. The device, preferably in a soft, prewetted state, is inserted into the vagina to reside typically at or near the cervix where it continuously releases the flowable therapeutic formulation through its outer surface which is in contact with the vaginal surfaces. In operation, the flowable therapeutic formulation migrates via capillary forces from a reservoir that is centrally located in the device and through a covering that envelopes the reservoir.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which forms a physical barrier between the two ends of a cut vas during a vasectomy procedure, comprising a biodegradable, polymeric cap that is applied over at least one prostatic end of the vas, the cap including a fastener for preventing premature dislodgement.

Abstract: A vaginal drug delivery system includes a device formed of porous material that holds a flowable therapeutic formulation. The device, preferably in a soft, prewetted state, is inserted into the vagina to reside typically at or near the cervix where it continuously releases the flowable therapeutic formulation through its outer surface which is in contact with the vaginal surfaces. In operation, the flowable therapeutic formulation migrates via capillary forces from a reservoir that is centrally located in the device and through a covering that envelopes the reservoir.

Abstract: A vasectomy procedure is performed using a vas irrigation solution having a spermicidal agent that (a) acts to reduce the viability of downstream sperm following a vasectomy procedure and (b) has been established as safe and non-toxic in humans when administered by intravenous or other routes of injection for the treatment of other conditions. Preferred spermicidal agents are methylene blue and diltiazem. A kit having a pair of single-use, pre-filled injection devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vaginal device provides physical and chemical barriers to contraception or protection against sexually transmitted diseases, or both. The device includes a towelette having approximately 1 to 10 ml of preventive formulation incorporated therein by absorption. During intercourse, the towelette rests in the upper vagina and effectively functions as both a physical and chemical barrier to contraception. In some embodiments, the towelette may become compressed into a crumpled, disc-like shape, which may enhance its properties as a physical barrier. In other embodiments, the vaginal device includes a flexible ring that is affixed to the towelette to define a dome-shaped towelette portion on one side of the ring and a depending skirt on the other side, with the dome portion being designed to cover the cervix. Means to facilitate insertion and removal of the device are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of female sterilization including delivery of a macrolide antibiotic or a pharmacologically acceptable salt of a macrolide antibiotic to the uterine cavity or fallopian tube of the female. The present invention also relates to a method of endometrial ablation including delivery of a macrolide antibiotic or a pharmacologically acceptable salt of a macrolide antibiotic to the uterine cavity of a female. The endometrial ablation effected in this manner may be used to treat the conditions of excessive menstrual bleeding or menstrual pain in women. A preferred macrolide antibiotic is erythromycin, or its pharmacologically acceptable salts.

Abstract: Personal oral hygiene of the general population is improved by making flossing considerably easier and less time consuming than it is when performed pursuant to current recommendations of the dental profession. This invention is an improved method for cleaning the interproximal tooth surfaces, comprising alternating the flossing of the lower teeth and the upper teeth in separate flossing sessions. A preferred embodiment is to floss the lower teeth on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and the upper teeth on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (or Sundays). This invention can maintain gingival health with less than half the time and effort of currently recommended methods. An alternative embodiment is to floss the lower and upper teeth on alternate days, irrespective of the day of the week. The invention may be carried out with any type of dental floss, and with any mechanical or electrical flossing aid, as well as other kinds of interdental cleaners.

Abstract: A vaginal device provides physical and chemical barriers to contraception or protection against sexually transmitted diseases, or both. The device includes a towelette having approximately 5 ml of preventive formulation incorporated therein by absorption. During intercourse, the towelette rests in the upper vagina and effectively functions as both a physical and chemical barrier to contraception. In some embodiments, the towelette may become compressed into a crumpled, disc-like shape, which may enhance its properties as a physical barrier. Means to facilitate insertion and removal of the device are described.