Intra-Vaginal Devices and Methods for Treating Fecal Incontinence

Abstract

Devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An intravaginal device for the control of passage of stool in a user, the device comprising:
 a body configured for fitting entirely within a vaginal cavity of the user; and   an expandable portion coupled to the body, the expandable portion movable between an expanded state and a retracted state;   a line coupled to the expandable portion;   wherein a longitudinal extent of the body is configured for extending substantially along a length of a vagina of the user to hold the expandable portion in contact with a rectovaginal septum of the user to control the passage of stool through a rectum of the user; and   wherein the line is configured for actuating the expandable portion when the line is manipulated, a portion of the line being configured for positioning outside of the vagina of the user when the body is fitted entirely within the vaginal cavity of the user.   
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the expandable portion is configured for moving from the expanded state to the retracted state when the line is pulled away from the body. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21 , comprising a plurality of interlocking teeth that engage to change a lateral span of the device. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 21 , comprising a magnet coupled to the expandable portion, wherein the expandable portion is magnetically actuated to apply pressure to the rectovaginal septum of the user. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the line is configured such that when the line is manipulated, the line causes rotational actuation to move the expandable portion between the expanded state and the retracted state. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 21 , comprising a hinge coupling the expandable portion to the body. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the expandable portion includes a thickened area configured for contacting the rectovaginal septum of the user. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the device comprises three spaced-apart portions that are configured for stabilizing the device in the vaginal cavity of the user by engaging with different areas of the vagina of the user. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the expandable portion extends beyond the body in opposite directions perpendicular to a longitudinal plane of the body when the expandable portion is in the expanded state. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising an applicator coupled to the body to facilitate insertion of the body into the vaginal cavity of the user. 
     
     
         31 . An intravaginal device for the control of stool passage of a user, the device comprising:
 an extendable force applying portion having an extended state and a nonextended state;   a body supporting the extendable force applying portion, the body extending in a longitudinal direction;   an activation mechanism coupled to the extendable force applying portion and configured for external placement relative to a vagina of the user;   wherein the body is sized and configured to fit entirely within the vaginal cavity of the user with the longitudinal extent of the body extending substantially along a length of the vaginal cavity to hold the extendable force applying portion in contact with a recto-vaginal septum of the user to control the passage of stool through a rectum of the user;   wherein the activation mechanism is configured to actuate the extendable force applying portion between the extended state and the retracted state; and   wherein the body is fluidly isolated from the extendable force applying portion.   
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 31 , comprising:
 a hinge coupled to the body; and   an arm rotatably coupled to the hinge;   wherein the arm and the hinge are configured to change a lateral span of the device.   
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the body comprises a plurality of interlocking teeth that engage to change a lateral span of the device. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the extendable force applying portion comprises a magnet and is configured for magnetic actuation to apply pressure to the rectovaginal septum. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the extendable force applying portion includes a thickened area configured for contacting the rectovaginal septum of the user. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the device comprises three spaced-apart portions that are configured for stabilizing the device in the vaginal cavity of the user by engaging with different areas of the vagina of the user. 
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the extendable force applying portion extends beyond the body in opposite directions perpendicular to a longitudinal plane of the body when the extendable force applying portion is in the extended state. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 31 , comprising an applicator coupled to the body to facilitate insertion of the body into the vaginal cavity of the user. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 31 , comprising a line coupled to the extendable force applying portion line, the line configured to be disposed outside of the vagina of the user when the body is entirely within the vaginal cavity of the user, and the line configured for actuating the extendable force applying portion when the line is manipulated. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 39 , wherein the extendable force applying portion is configured to move from the extended state to the nonextended state when the line is pulled away from the body. 
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 39 , wherein the line is configured such that when the line is manipulated, the line causes rotational actuation of a threaded member to move the extendable force applying portion between the extended state and the nonextended state.