Disclosed is an inserter (1100, 1300, 1400, 1500) for an intrauterine system (1102, 1336, 1402, 1502), comprising a handle body (1104, 1306, 1416, 1504), a measurement tube (1110, 1328, 1406, 1510), a plunger (1132, 1202, 1362, 1450, 1532), a flange (1122, 1404, 1522), a finger holder (1124, 1314, 1446, 1524), and a means (1126, 1526) for reversibly locking removal thread (1128, 1358, 1414) of the intrauterine system. A proximal end (1106, 1440, 1506) of the measurement tube is movably attached to a distal end (1108, 1330, 1454, 1508) of the handle body, and the measurement tube is arranged to remain outside a cervix channel during insertion. The plunger is movably arranged inside the handle body and the measurement tube. The present disclosure also provides a kit comprising the inserter and the intrauterine system.

This disclosure features methods and compositions for treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with an immunomodulator.

A miniature device configured to be maneuvered within a patient under manipulation by an external magnetic field and to selectively perform a predefined function is provided. The miniature device comprises a shell defining therewithin an internal cavity, and a magnetic arrangement disposed within the cavity. The miniature device is configured such that the magnetic arrangement, within a rotating magnetic field, effects one of performance of the function and propulsion of the miniature device within the patient, and, within a magnetic field gradient, effects the other of performance of the function and propulsion of the miniature device within the patient.

Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

The present disclosure relates to methods for embedding drug molecules into medical catheters, tubes, and other medical devices. The catheter, tube, or other medical device is capable of releasing drugs for extended periods of time. Drugs can be loaded into the wall thereof through diffusion from a solution, e.g., loading solution. A counterintuitive approach of using undissolved drug particulates in the solution is employed in some embodiments. The drug in the wall of the device and in the solution (which when stored may be referred to as a storage solution) can be in dynamic equilibrium, yielding stable and easy-to-manufacture products. Heat can be used to significantly speed up the drug loading.

Methods and devices to affect types, proportion, quantity, distribution, or proliferation of microorganisms within a female reproductive system.

Methods and devices to affect types, proportion, quantity, distribution, or proliferation of microorganisms within a female reproductive system.

Implementations of a delivery device and method are disclosed. One implementation is a delivery device comprising a flow chamber with an inlet port for receiving a fluid flow in the flow chamber, and an outlet port for exiting a material from the flow chamber. The flow chamber may include a formation portion in which a suspension of the material is formed, and a collection portion that directs the suspension toward and/or into the outlet port. An amount of the material may collect in the collection portion adjacent the outlet port. The device may further comprise an insertion port for permitting insertion of the material in the flow chamber, and/or a pusher operable to move the amount of material through the outlet port. Related devices and methods also are disclosed.

Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade within the wall to release the drug to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be coupled to a delivery mechanism having one or more balloons or other expandable devices which are expandable responsive to a condition in the small intestine or other GI lumen to advance the preparation out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

The invention provides methods for the treatment of vaginal laxity which include delivering a cell-containing composition to the vagina. The composition can include fat tissue to provide a bulking effect to reduce the size of the vaginal opening. The cells can provide healing and revascularization of the vaginal treatment area to sustain the bulking provided by the fat. The invention also provides systems and compositions useful for performing the method, and can include instruments and devices for removal of autologous adipose tissue from a patient (e.g., by liposuction), equipment for the enrichment of cells from adipose tissue, mechanical processing of adipose tissue, and the mixing of cells and processed adipose tissue. Devices for the delivery of the cell compositions to the vagina can also be included in the system.