Intravaginal device for treating pelvic pain
AssigneeCornell University
InventorTamatha FENSTER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An intravaginal device capable of supplying electrical stimulation is provided. In an example, the intravaginal device may be used to implement the TENS technique by stimulating nerves while positioned within a user's vagina. While positioned within the vagina, the provided medical device may stimulate the hypogastric nerve complex around the uterosacral ligaments. In some cases, the provided medical device may both apply electrical stimulation to treat pain and control bleeding during a menstrual cycle. For example, at least a portion of the provided medical device may include absorbent material, such as a tampon.
Claims25
A medical device comprising:
- a body configured such that the body may be positioned within a vagina of a user;
- at least one electrode integral with, or coupled to, the body;
- and
- a power source configured to supply the at least one electrode with electricity.
The medical device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a deployer, wherein the body includes a plurality of arms configured to interact with the deployer such that, prior to activation of the deployer, the plurality of arms are in a closed position, and subsequent to activation of the deployer, the plurality of arms are in an open position, and wherein the plurality of arms include the at least one electrode.
The medical device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a deployer, wherein the body includes a cone-shaped portion configured to interact with the deployer such that, prior to activation of the deployer, the cone-shaped portion is in a closed position, and subsequent to activation of the deployer, the cone-shaped portion is in an open position, and wherein the cone-shaped portion includes the at least one electrode.
The medical device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a deployer configured such that activating the deployer activates the power source to begin supplying electricity to the at least one electrode.
The medical device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the body is shaped such that the at least one electrode contacts the hypogastric nerve plexus of the user while the medical device is positioned within the vagina of the user.
The medical device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising (1) a transceiver or (2) a transmitter and a receiver.
A method for treating pelvic pain comprising:
- positioning a medical device within a vagina of a user, the medical device including:
- a body configured such that the body may be positioned within a vagina of a user,
- at least one electrode integral with, or coupled to, the body, and
- a power source configured to supply the at least one electrode with electricity;
- and
- applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation to the hypogastric nerve plexus of the user via the medical device positioned within the vagina of the user.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.