A collapsible pessary is provided, and can have a stem and at least one hingedly attached petal member that can rotate between a collapsed state with a smaller diameter and a deployed state with a larger diameter. In the deployed state, the at least one petal member can extend outward from the stem, and in the collapsed state, the at least one petal member can be rotated upwards so that the diameter of the pessary is smaller in the collapsed state than in the deployed state. The pessary can be in a collapsed state wherein its overall diameter is at a minimum, or a deployed state, wherein its overall diameter is at a maximum.

A device for modeling a pessary is disclosed. A matrix of individually expandable balloons are mounted around a shaft, which holds fill lines for each balloon. The balloons are expandable with fluid to a desired volume and/or pressure, according to comfort and fit determined by real-time patient feedback. Because the volumes and the positions of the balloons are known, a calculation of the dimensions of the vaginal canal can be made, so that the matrix of expandable balloons models the vaginal canal.

A method of protecting a fetus from injury during umbilical cord prolapse includes delivering a device which includes a hollow sheath and a compliant portion partially or completely surrounding the hollow sheath into a vaginal canal of a patient. The device is maneuvered within the vaginal canal and/or cervical opening such that a prolapsed umbilical cord enters the hollow sheath. The device is then positioned within a uterus of the patient, such that a first face of the compliant portion contacts a fetus and a second face of the compliant portion contacts a wall of the uterus.

A method of protecting a fetus from injury during umbilical cord prolapse includes delivering a device which includes a hollow sheath and a compliant portion partially or completely surrounding the hollow sheath into a vaginal canal of a patient. The device is maneuvered within the vaginal canal and/or cervical opening such that a prolapsed umbilical cord enters the hollow sheath. The device is then positioned within a uterus of the patient, such that a first face of the compliant portion contacts a fetus and a second face of the compliant portion contacts a wall of the uterus.

The present invention provides an apparatus for making knots in a flexible element attached to a medical device and methods using said apparatus.

The present invention provides an apparatus for making knots in a flexible element attached to a medical device and methods using said apparatus.

A compactable vaginal pessary for managing pelvic organ prolapse is provided. The compactable pessary easily expands once inside a patient's vagina, remaining firmly anchored in the vaginal cavity during movement, thereby effectively countering the effects of any prolapsing organ. In a first embodiment, the vaginal pessary employs an expandable and collapsible frame member, while in a second embodiment; the frame member is an open, substantially cone-shaped, collapsible frame member that is biased to an open position. In a third embodiment, the compactable vaginal pessary is a yieldably extensible, self-retracting pessary. The vaginal pessary of the present invention may be easily inserted and removed by a patient on a daily basis, or as needed, thereby facilitating good hygiene and thus reducing or eliminating common pessary related complications.

A pessary device has a support portion, a stem and a loop attached to the stem to facilitate manipulation and control of the pessary device. The loop portion is flexible and provides a hole for receipt of a finger of the person inserting or removing the pessary device. The loop portion preferably includes a taper and/or a dimpled end to facilitate the use of a finger or an applicator for insertion of the device deeper into the vagina.

A pessary device has a support portion, a stem and a loop attached to the stem to facilitate manipulation and control of the pessary device. The loop portion is flexible and provides a hole for receipt of a finger of the person inserting or removing the pessary device. The loop portion preferably includes a taper and/or a dimpled end to facilitate the use of a finger or an applicator for insertion of the device deeper into the vagina.

A vaginal barrier device system and method for preventing entry of potentially contaminated fluid during immersion activities such as swimming or bathing, providing a secure fit, easy insertion and extraction, convenient cleaning, carrying, and storage, and avoiding irritation of the cervix or vaginal wall.