This invention relates to a novel design of a device utilized as a dilator regarding various body cavities, and in particular, the human cervix wherein the device comprises a hollow cylindrical member capable of being inserted through the human cervix and into the uterine cavity such that the inflatable membrane positioned about the exterior of that portion of the device inserted into the uterine cavity is capable of being selectively inflated while the device is in the uterine cavity so as to prevent the inadvertent withdrawal of the device. Additionally, once the device is inserted through the cervix and the inflatable membrane about the exterior portion of the device that is positioned within the uterine cavity has in fact been inflated, there is then caused to be inflated a second inflatable membrane positioned about the exterior of the device that is adjacent to the wall of the cervix so as to cause the selective dilation of the cervix in response to the selective inflating of the second inflatable membrane.

A device for sterile disposal of a device used to withdraw or inject fluids from or into the body comprising a tubular sheath disposed in a rolled-up fashion around the body fluid device proximate one end thereof. The length of the sheath is great enough to permit the sheath, when unrolled, to extend beyond the end of the body fluid device and for a sufficient distance to permit ready enclosure thereof and subsequent sealing off of the contents of the sheath. A method for using the device is also disclosed. The device is particularly useful in combination with a catheter of conventional design.

A shape memory shutter device for controlling the rectum of a disabled person, comprises a section of conduit to be connected to the rectum of the disabled person, and a shutter which controls the passage through the conduit section and actuated by a shape memory actuator. The shutter comprises a plurality of petals positioned circumferentially around the conduit section and able to move between a closed and an open position. The actuator comprises shape memory wires associated to the petals which are supplied with electrical current to cause opening of the petals.

A device for administering a liquid into the bowel of a person. The device comprises a rigid conduit, a manually actuatable pump, and a reservoir holding the liquid. The conduit is of a general J-shape having an elongated straight proximal section and a curved distal section terminating in a tip having an aperture therein. The elongated proximal section is sufficiently long that when the person is seated on a toilet with the proximal section located between the person's legs the tip is located at the person's anus, so that he/she can readily insert the tip into the anus by manually manipulating the proximal section of the conduit. The pump is coupled to the proximal section of the conduit and is arranged to be squeezed by the person to pump the liquid from the reservoir through the conduit and out the aperture into the person's bowel.

A stomal stop has a support which is substantially circular in cross section, one end of which is configured to be received within a stoma. The oppositely situated ends of the support are open such that material may pass therethrough. A bag is at least partially surrounded by the support such that material entering the stomal channel from said stoma is substantially deposited within the bag. A material which expands through the action of heat, fluid, or pressure is formed at least partly around the support for attaching the support to the stoma. A fluid-absorbing spongy material substantially surrounds at least a portion of the support and expands upon absorption of fluid to seal the stoma. A helical spring may optionally be disposed within the support body and tensioned by an insertion sleeve to permit passage of the support body into the stoma. Upon removal of the insertion sleeve the helical spring resiliently expands to frictionally hold the stomal channel within the stoma.