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: A delivery device having a reservoir of variable volume having an outlet through which an included vehicle can be expressed in a liquid form as the volume of the reservoir is actively reduced. There is a tube providing a conduit to the outlet from the reservoir of such length and cross-section as to favor active release over passive release which has the effect of enabling a more positive control of the dispensing of the vehicle. Such a device has diverse applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are bio-active coating compositions for polymeric substrates. In particular, a bio-active coating is described which is the reaction product formed by providing a polymer backbone with at least one free isocyanate group, wherein the isocyanate group is pendant from the polymer backbone. There is further provided a hydrophilic, amine-terminated spacer which has at least one amine group at its first and second ends. One of the amine groups of the spacer is reacted with one or more of the isocyanate groups on the polymer backbone in the presence of an optional catalyst agent. A bio-active agent is then covalently bonded onto an unreacted end of the spacer in the presence of a catalyst. Also disclosed are coating compositions for a substrate and methods of preparing same.

Abstract: A luer-type connector comprising a male-component formed with a locking nozzle having a coaxially extending nozzle lumen, and a locking collar rotatable over said nozzle. The locking collar has a rear end and is formed with an internal thread for screw coupling with a corresponding thread of a radially extending annular lug of a mating female-component of the connector. The nozzle is formed with a ridge having a radially extending abutting wall surface facing the rear end of the locking collar and a peripheral surface extending forward from the abutting wall. An annular rim behind the abutting wall has a first diameter. An annular notch intermediate the abutting wall and the annular rim has a second diameter lesser than that of the first diameter. The locking collar is formed with a radially extending wall surface engageable with the abutting wall surface of the ridge. And an annular bulge behind the radial wall surface has a third diameter lesser than the first diameter.

Abstract: A device for treatment of venous congestion provides for subcutaneous introduction of anticoagulant through an incision positioned within a collection shell for withdrawal of a effused material. A wash of saline and anticoagulant agitated by an air-input stream and periodic rotation of the subcutaneous device may be used to reduce clotting.

Abstract: A method of delivering one or more therapeutic agents comprising providing a suppository comprising one or more therapeutic agents and a biocompatible carrier medium and shaped to be capable of cooperating with the periurethral musculature to retain the suppository in place in the urethra, inserting the suppository into the urethra, and retaining the suppository within the urethra by the action of the periurethral musculature for a period of time sufficient to permit the therapeutic agent to diffuse substantially into the urethra, the referred suppository comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end and shaped to be capable of cooperating with the action of the periurethral musculature to retain the suppository within the urethra and a substantially ellipsoidal knob extending from the second end of the shaft and sized to prevent insertion into the urethra.

Abstract: A device is provided for reliably, comfortably and conveniently introducing agents, including drugs and other substances, into the vaginal canal. A discharge collection device is also disclosed. The disclosed devices may be formed of an elastomeric rim and a flexible film. The rim may have a non-circular cross section. The film may be collapsible into a low profile insertion configuration. The devices may be disposable, and may be constructed so as to be convenient to use, comfortable to wear internally, and reliable. Preferably, the devices are formed of thermoplastic material that softens in response to body temperature to provide improved comfort and handling.

Abstract: The invention concerns a meatus plug for lachrymal canal capable of being screwed, consisting of a substantially cylindrical body (1) whose side surface comprises a helical thread similar to that of a screw for placing or removing the meatus plug by screwing or unscrewing with a tool having a polygonal or cruciform blade used as a screwdriver, the plug comprising or not a through conduit for the passage of a predetermined flow of lachrymal fluid. It is designed for controlling the flow of tears running on the surface of the eye towards the nasal cavity through the lachrymal canals or ducts.

Abstract: Oxybutynin chloride formulations having increased stability at body temperature, even at high concentrations. These formulations comprise oxybutynin chloride at a pH of between 3.0 and 5.0, and may include a buffer capable of providing adequate buffering capacity in this range. The OC solutions can be placed in an infuser device for treatment of bladder dysfunction.

Abstract: An ear tube for ventilating and equalizing the pressure between a middle ear and an outer ear. The ear tube is comprised of a shaft and a tab. The shaft further includes a top and a bottom at opposite longitudinal ends of the shaft, and a lumen with a major dimension greater in length than a perpendicular minor dimension. The tab extends outward, perpendicular from the bottom of the shaft.

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: The present invention relates to a device for percutaneously sealing of an internal puncture site comprising a tissue portion having a puncture formed therethrough. A locating device is mounted for longitudinal movement relative to a guide wire towards and away from the puncture site. Delivery structure has a distal end portion and is mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the guide wire. A tubular puncture site engaging member has a distal end portion and is mounted exteriorly of the delivery structure for longitudinal movement relative to the guide wire. A supply of fluid thrombogenic material which will be capable of promoting clotting when delivered to the puncture site is provided. The delivery structure has a fluid passageway open to the distal end portion thereof and communicated to the supply of fluid thrombogenic material. The locating device and the puncture site engaging member are positioned with respect to one another such that they can be moved together towards the puncture site.

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 applicator article and method are disclosed for inserting a substance into a body cavity. The applicator article and method are especially useful for inserting a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator article 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. An exterior surface coating of the tubular member includes a compostable coating composed 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. In one embodiment, a plurality of layers form the exterior surface coating. In one embodiment, the exterior surface coating has a thickness varying in dimension from the insertion end to the opposite external base end.

Abstract: A bone fastener is adapted to deliver biologically active substances to a bone site. An applicator is saturated with the substance and is disposed within an inner cavity of the fastener, near the bone site. Channels through the body of the fastener permit the substance to flow to the bone site. The substance can include therapeutic drugs, such as antibiotics, analgesics, bone morphogenic proteins, DNA, chemotherapy drugs and angiogenesis factors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suppository applicator for use in the application of a suppository. A suppository applicator consists of a cylinder formed with a longitudinal bore, a plunger slidingly disposed in the longitudinal bore such that the relative axial movement of the plunger in the bore causes a suppository to exit the bore. A first flange is disposed on the cylinder for providing a grip for assisting in the handling of the applicator. A second flange is disposed on the cylinder for limiting the depth of insertion of the applicator cylinder into a body cavity. A second flange is slidingly disposed on the cylinder in one embodiment. A second flange optionally consists of a first end tappered inward toward a second end. Optionally, rotation of said second flange causes translational movement of the flange along the cylinder. A means for releasably locking the second flange is provided.

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: The star occluder includes a frame formed from a first plurality of arms extending radially in a first plane and a second plurality of arms extending radially in a second plane which is spaced from and substantially parallel to the first plane. Loop joinder legs extend between the base ends of the first and second arms, and a first membrane sheet is supported by and extends over the first plurality of arms while a second membrane sheet is supported by and extends over the second group of arms. The frame is somewhat flexible when expanded so that the loop joinder legs expand into contact with the periphery of a septal defect and determine the size to which the frame will expand.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for quickly and effectively sealing an arteriotomy site in a patient. In particular, the invention provides an apparatus and a method for sealing an arteriotomy site which can be performed by a single operator. The arteriotomy can be sealed by delivery of a suitable sealant such as a patient specific autologous fibrin glue to a debrided, synthesized area adjacent to the extravascular opening of the arteriotomy. Alternatively, synthetically produced fibrin glue or other sealants can be utilized in a method of sealing an arteriotomy site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insertion device formed of a tubular element capable of substantially containing an insertable element. The tubular element has an insertion end and a gripper end. The gripper end has a plurality of finger-accepting apertures. These apertures are dimensioned to accept a portion of a user's finger. This device is particularly useful in a tampon applicator tube which has a high-gloss outer surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device (10) for closing an anatomical anomaly in the form of a vascular opening (80), such as patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, foramen ovale or ventricular septal defect, including a closure body (14) that extends at least within the vascular opening and wirelike, elastic locking members (30, 32, 34). In order to improve a fixation of the closure device and to preclude injuries, it is proposed that the locking members (30, 32, 34), on their free ends, be embodied spherically or in lentiform fashion or be provided with spherical or lentiform elements (40).

Abstract: An elastic, biodegradable plug has a proximal retainer and a distal retainer coupled by a waist. The plug may be positioned to straddle a wound in a blood vessel wall of a patient and therefore close the wound to stop bleeding through the wound. To position the plug in the wound, an operator may insert the plug into a sleeve extending through the vessel wall into the vessel and move the plug through the sleeve with a positioning tool. In the sleeve, the distal and proximal retainers of the plug are compressed. As the distal retainer of the plug exits the distal end of the sleeve into the vessel, the distal retainer expands in the vessel such that a surface of the distal retainer faces an inner side of the vessel wall. The positioning tool and the sleeve are then removed to position the waist in the wound of the vessel wall and allow the proximal retainer to expand such that a surface of the proximal retainer faces an outer side of the vessel wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity, within a human or other animal. Also disclosed is a method of delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity. The method is particularly suited to sealing perforations in vascular walls, such as after arterial access for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Atherectomy and similar diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity, within a human or other animal. Also disclosed is a method of delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity. The method is particularly suited to sealing perforations in vascular walls, such as after arterial access for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Atherectomy and similar diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: A closure device for sealing a percutaneous puncture in the wall of a blood vessel, duct, or lumen of a living being. The puncture has opening in the wall of the blood vessel, duct, or lumen, and a tract contiguous therewith. The closure device is arranged to be inserted into the puncture by an introducing instrument and basically comprises an anchor, a collagen plug, a flexible filament, and locking disk. The anchor is arranged to be brought into engagement with the interior tissue of the vessel, duct, or lumen contiguous with the opening, while the plug and the locking disk are located within the tract. The filament is arranged to be pulled to apply tension thereto. While tension is applied to the filament the locking disk and the plug are moved in the tract toward the anchor. The filament comprises an engagement loop, a first extending portion, and a second extending portion. The engagement loop is coupled to the locking disk.

Abstract: A suppository applicator is disclosed having a cylindrical, hollow barrel forming a suppository chamber at one end, and guiding a plunger shaft at the other end. The plunger shaft terminates at a plunger head which slidably travels within the suppository chamber. A stop shield is formed annularly about and extending outward from the barrel, and forms both an insertion as well as a shield. A grippable lip opposed to the gripping portion of the plunger shaft is also included.

Abstract: A device for sealing incisions in the body of a patient wherein the device includes a bioabsorbable sealing member having an elongate shaft member and an elastomeric and flexible balloon member. The device may also include a preformed or injectable collagenous material associated therewith to hemostatically seal the incision in the body of the patient. The shaft member may include one or more lumens extending therethrough in flow communication with one or more balloon members thereon to provide a relatively simple device which effectively seals an incision in the body of a patient.

Abstract: Occlusion assembly for sealing openings in blood vessels, consisting of an occlusion element and fixing element to be fitted through the openings in the blood vessel. The fixing element is firmly connected to a retaining element. A locking element engages on the retaining element. This locking element is fitted horizontally against the outside of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A cylindrical nasal tampon for a patient's self-application in controlling epistaxis comprises rayon, polysorbate 20, and optionally cotton fiber. A tab-like extension that is part of the tampon provides a gripping surface with which to grip the tampon. The tampon is impregnated with zinc oxide, which promotes healing, inhibits bacterial growth, limits bleeding, and prevents sticking of the tampon to the inside of the nose. The tampon is sized to be placed within the nasal cavity upon occurrence of a nosebleed. Blood from a nosebleed expands the tampon, holding it in place. When the nosebleed is ended, the tampon may be removed by applying pulling force to the extension, without disturbing blood clots that have formed.

Abstract: A nasal packing article, made from a material that is expansible when wetted, is formed with a plurality of laminae that are independently movable and separable from one another, and that expand to effectively exert hemostatic pressure. The article may comprise an assembly of layers interengaged in face-to-face contact, or it may be defined by slits that extend entirely through the thickness or width of the body but terminate short of one end, to leave the laminae connected thereat.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of use for reducing bleeding from the situs of a percutaneous arterial puncture in a living being, with the opening in the arterial wall having been closed by a closure including at least one portion of a suture extending out of the puncture. The apparatus basically comprising a mass of material which inhibits the flow of blood therethrough, e.g., collagen, a carrier for carrying the suture portion through the mass of material, and means for holding the mass of material with respect to the suture portion so that it closely engages tissue contiguous with the puncture tract. The means for holding may comprise a knot in the suture portion, or can be a releasably securable member for location on the suture portion. In one embodiment the carrier comprises a piercing member, e.g., a needle, arranged for location within the interior of the artery for passage thereout through the wall of the artery and through the mass of material to carry the suture portion therethrough.

Abstract: A device for non-surgical sealing of the interstice in the wall of a vessel is provided. The device includes a tubular, resorbable collagen plug 4 having longitudinal cut 8 in the form of a V. The device can further include applicator 5. The opening of cut 8 of plug 4 is located on the peripheral portion of plug 4. The internal diameter of plug 4 corresponds to the external diameter of catheter 3 which is introduced into vessel 1. The external diameter of plug 4 corresponds to the external diameter of applicator 5. Plug 4 includes inner and outer layers of resorbable collagen which have differing swelling rates. Applicator 5 includes longitudinal cut 10 in the form of a V. The opening of cut 10 is located on the peripheral side of applicator 5 relative to vessel 1.

Abstract: A method is provided for closing a puncture in a wall of an artery made for the purpose of moving an elongated cardiovascular catheter into the artery. The method includes the steps of withdrawing the cardiovascular catheter from the artery while ensuring that the location of the puncture remains identified, and introducing a thrombogenic, hemostatic material so as to contact the wall of the artery at the puncture location, enabling the material to precipitate clot formation and seal the puncture. A device is also provided to employ the method.

Abstract: A hemostatic tampon kit including an oval-shaped tampon adopted for easy insertion into the nasal cavity by a layman, composed of a compressed synthetic sponge adapted to expand upon contact with an aqueous fluid, the tampon includes a string attached thereto for anchoring to a nasal bandage placed over the nostrils of the user which includes an absorbent drip pad and an attachment element on the bandage for engaging and holding the tampon string. A sealable container of liquid vasoconstrictive medication for wetting and expanding the tampon and a container of anti-bacterial ointment for lubricating the tampon during insertion.

Abstract: A system, a closure, and method of use for determining the position of a blood vessel via a percutaneous puncture and for sealing the percutaneous puncture in the blood vessel. The system includes an introducer sheath and associated positioning device, a hemostatic puncture closure, and a deployment instrument. The positioning device enables the introducer sheath to be positioned at a desired position within the vessel. The deployment instrument includes a tubular carrier storing the closure. The carrier has a distally located free end to be extended via an introducer through the puncture and its associated tract. The closure comprises a radiopaque rigid anchor, a compressed collagen plug, and a thin filament connecting the two in a pulley-like arrangement. The carrier ejects the anchor through the introducer and puncture and then draws it against the free end of the introducer.

Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (1) having a rapidly releasing coating (4) containing the agent on its exterior surface or by means of an inserter (27) carrying an agent containing dose of agent (31) which can be displaced into the urethra.

Abstract: A kit is provided for use in refilling a medication infusion pump of the type adapted for implantation into the body of a patient. The kit comprises a syringe having a plunger mounted for reciprocation within a syringe barrel having a manually operable control valve mounted at a nose end thereof. The syringe further includes a lock for retaining the plunger subsequent to retraction motion with the control valve closed to pull and maintain a vacuum within the syringe barrel. With this construction, the syringe can be connected transcutaneously with a medication reservoir within an implanted infusion pump to aspirate residual medication from the pump. Alternately, the syringe can be used to degas medication within the barrel preparatory to transcutaneous delivery to the pump reservoir. In either case, the syringe is designed for facilitated and safe manipulation to permit rapid pump aspiration and refill at periodic intervals according to patient requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for dispensing a medicament such as an antibiotic in the upper aerodigestive tract of an intubated patient (22). The apparatus (10) is a generally ovoid body (12) comprised of a substrate which can be polymeric, natural or synthetic woven or spun fiber, a gel, or other substance capable of being impregnated with the medicament and then releasing the medicament when contacted by an aqueous solution, specifically, the saliva of patient (22).Body (12) is shaped with rounded tapered surfaces (30) and ends (26) for engaging the mucosa of the alveolar ridge (32) and palate (20) of patient (22) to stabilize the apparatus (10) in the oral cavity (24). A channel (38) is provided for passage of the tube (40) of an endotracheal tube (36) therethrough which cooperates with the surfaces (30) and ends (26) to stabilize both endotracheal tube (36) and body (12) in the oral cavity (24).

Abstract: The invention is to a liquid filled soft pouch attached to an upper partial or complete denture or a Hawley appliance for moisturizing a dry mouth (Xerostomia) the pouch having a fill valve and an exit valve, the latter operated by the tongue to permit exit of liquid, artifical salvia, to wet the mouth. The exit valve may be eliminated by employing a lower surface of the pouch which is porous so that it in effect sweats and liquid may be acquired by running the tongue over the porous surface.

Abstract: A device for inserting into the vagina of a patient for delivery of a medicament in the vagina. The walls of the tubular member comprising the device are comprised of water-swellable materials having a higher porosity at one end than the other, the relatively low porosity end being positioned distally in the vagina to the relatively high porosity end. The medicament is contained within a reservoir in the tubular member and delivered to the vagina through the pores in the walls of the tubular member at different rates depending upon the porosity. Also provided is a method of delivering a medicament to the vagina of a patient.

Abstract: A method and surgical implant article for enhancing the regeneration of periodontal connective tissue at tooth root surfaces exposed by periodontal surgery wherein the exposed root surfaces are covered with a surgical implant article which is a membrane which excludes contact between the root surfaces and gingival epithelium and gingival connective tissue but permits migration to the root surfaces of PDL cells, the membrane being constructed of a non-toxic, nonimmunogenic, bio-absorbable material.

Abstract: The invention is for a vaginal dispenser comprising a wall surrounding an internal lumen and having a pair of ends with one end placed inside the other end to form a closed dispenser. A vaginally administrable beneficial agent is housed in the lumen for release by the dispenser over time.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved tampon having a longitudinal circumferential coating of beeswax of the Apis mellifera species.

Abstract: Medical catheters and methods are provided for dispensing and implanting materials and devices within the bodies of living beings. In one form, an implantable device or material is disposed within the operating head of a catheter which is caused to move through a body duct to a select location therein which location is detected either by externally scanning the body duct with radiation or ultrasonic energy or by viewing an image of the body duct adjacent the head of the catheter by means of a fiber optical viewing system including a fiber optic cable extending along the catheter. When properly located, a mechanical, electro-mechanical and/or fluidically operated mechanism in the head of the catheter is operated causing a select quantity of an implantable material or an implant to be forced from the head and caused to engage a select portion of the wall of the body duct and attach thereto to retain such implant or material in engagement therewith.

Abstract: A nonsurgically implanted gastrointestinal module is described. The module consists of an ellipsoidal or spherical collapsible gastric anchor, a tether device, and an intestinal payload module. The device is inserted into the stomach via a gastric intubation technique. The gastric anchor unfolds within the gastric cavity and lodges itself prior to the sphincter. The smaller intestinal module passes through the sphincter and unfolds within the confines of the intestine. The intestinal module is held in place via a tether which binds the gastric anchor to the intestinal payload module. The intestinal module may contain slow release medicaments, bound enzymes, cofactors, buffers, microorganisms and the like. Thus biochemical processes of the intestine may be modified, and these in turn may affect other body compartments. The gastrointestinal module may be removed with a retrieval hook via a gastric intubation technique.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intubation assembly for nasogastric intubation comprising a catheter and a plastic sheath tube for encasing the catheter along substantially the full length thereof, the sheath tube having a longitudinal tear-off line over the full length thereof and having elasticity and rigidity slightly greater than the catheter which is slidably inserted in the sheath tube.

Abstract: A device for insertion into a body cavity of an animal and for producing a controlled rate of release of chemicals into the body of the animal, has a spine with a body and legs hinged to the body, the spine being coated with a coating incorporating therein a material impregnated with one or more chemical impregnants which leach therefrom when exposed to body fluids, the legs being of a size foldable in a manner such that the cross sectional area and cross sections dimensions of the combined folded legs when in a folded position are substantially the same as the cross sectional area and dimensions of the body of the device.

Abstract: By providing an implantable insert incorporating a reservoir in which a therapeutic medication is stored, with said insert having a construction through which the medication is dispensed, a medication delivery vehicle is obtained which is capable of being inserted directly adjacent various organs in order to provide requisite medications directly to the organ. In the preferred embodiment, the medication delivery vehicle of this invention comprises a truncated conical shape, thereby allowing the delivery vehicle to be inserted into channel-like orifices, conduits, or vessels leading to the particular organ to which medication delivery is sought, without interfering with the normal bodily functions or the passage of fluids through the channel-like areas and without further movement from the site of implantation.

Abstract: A gastrostomy-jejunal feeding tube comprises a gastrostomy tube having an enlarged resiliently, collapsible retainer element on the distal end thereof and a jejunal feeding tube which is removably received in the gastrostomy tube in a manner which allows fluids to pass through the gastrostomy tube despite the presence of the jejunal feeding tube therein. The gastrostomy-jejunal feeding tube is adapted to be installed in a patient so that the gastrostomy tube extends through the stomach wall, fascia and skin for draining fluids from the stomach and so that the jejunal feeding tube extends into the jejunum area of the intestines for feeding and medicating the patient. Since the jejunal feeding tube is removable from the gastrostomy tube it can be replaced without surgery, and since the retainer element is resiliently collapsible, it can be pulled outwardly through the stomach wall to allow the gastrostomy tube to be removed from the patient without surgery.

Abstract: A vaginal spermicide distributing membrane comprises a relatively thin flexible membrane having a plurality of integral rings of thicker dimension on one or both sides thereof. Each ring can have a depression along its surface that functions as a receptacle for spermicide. The rings provide sufficient resistance to deformation so that when the membrane is flexed for insertion in the vagina, it will tend to assume a planar shape and be held in contact with the vaginal mucosa. The rings keep the device properly positioned and function as successive barriers to sperm migration. Loops provided along the periphery of the membrane assist in its insertion and removal.