Dispensing encapsulated liquids into body cavities
OwnerBarbara Wanamaker McLean, Sherry Thomasinventors
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Abstract
Body tissue or cavities are treated by inserting a membrane module containing a substance for treating a condition of the cavity or tissue. The substance is enclosed in a membrane that melts, dissolves, or dissipates in the environment of the cavity such as a vagina to release the substance into the cavity.
Claims18
A capsule comprising a thin outer membrane surrounding a body of liquid or gel for treatment within tissue or a body cavity. Said membrane being impervious to said substance, liquid or gel under ambient conditions external to said cavity but becoming liquid permeable when within said cavity to dispense said liquid onto walls of tissue surrounding said cavity.
Various thicknesses, melting temperatures, or chemical compositions of the membrane may be used to vary timing of administration of the contents of the capsule.
A capsule according to claim #1 which the period to dispense the liquid or gel is controlled by the thickness, melting temperature or chemical composition of the membrane.
A capsule according to claim #1 in which liquid or gel is selected from the group consisting of creams or ointment.
A method of treating an animal having a body cavity requiring treatment for a condition comprising the steps of inserting into the cavity a body of liquid, gel, cream, powder, ointment or microspheres containing a substance for treatment of said condition, said body being enclosed in a membrane;
- dispensing the body of liquid from the membrane enclosure while the membrane enclosure is in said cavity;
- and/or coating walls of the cavity with said body containing the substance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.