METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF HEMORRHOIDS
United States Patent 3826242
A method and apparatus for reducing the pain, distention and bleeding of hemorrhoids during defecation. The method involves maintaining pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins of the anal canal, lower rectum and anal area during defecation to prevent swelling and distention of the hemorrhoidal veins. The method also includes preventing extrusion of the internal hemorrhoidal veins out of the anal canal during defecation. In performing the method, a tubular member is inserted in the anal canal so that it engages the walls of the canal and the area around the rectal opening. This tubular member is held in place during defecation. The inner or forward end of this tubular member is closed during insertion and then opened after it is positioned in the anal canal to permit excrement to pass therethrough.
US Patent References:
Apparatus and method for closing abnormal openings in wall-like members of the anatomy
Lamson - July 1943 - 2324520
Therapeutic device
Carr - October 1948 - 2450935
Colostomy service device
Krohmann - November 1954 - 2695024
Colostomy appliance
Swearingen - April 1963 - 3083704
Catamenial receptacle
Bakunin - November 1964 - 3157180
Apparatus and method for closing abnormal openings in wall-like members of the anatomy
Lamson - July 1943 - 2324520
Therapeutic device
Carr - October 1948 - 2450935
Colostomy service device
Krohmann - November 1954 - 2695024
Colostomy appliance
Swearingen - April 1963 - 3083704
Catamenial receptacle
Bakunin - November 1964 - 3157180
Application Number:
05/351472
Publication Date:
07/30/1974
Filing Date:
04/16/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
606/197
International Classes:
A61F5/00; A61M29/00; A61M29/00
Field of Search:
128/1R,343,294,283,341
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Medbery, Aldrich F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Kinzer, Plyer, Dorn & McEachran
Claims:
I claim
1. A method for reducing the pain, distention and bleeding of hemorrhoidal veins in the natural anal canal during defecation including the steps of:
2. The method of claim 1 including closing the inner end of said tubular member during insertion into the anal canal and opening said tubular member to permit excrement to pass through said tubular member.
3. The method of claim 2 in which closing of said inner end of said tubular member is accomplished by inserting an obturator therein while said tubular member remains in the anal canal.
4. The method of claim 1 in which said tubular member is also moved into supporting engagement with the area around the rectal opening upon insertion into the anal canal.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said pressure is exerted on said anal canal walls by inflating said tubular member.
1. A method for reducing the pain, distention and bleeding of hemorrhoidal veins in the natural anal canal during defecation including the steps of:
2. The method of claim 1 including closing the inner end of said tubular member during insertion into the anal canal and opening said tubular member to permit excrement to pass through said tubular member.
3. The method of claim 2 in which closing of said inner end of said tubular member is accomplished by inserting an obturator therein while said tubular member remains in the anal canal.
4. The method of claim 1 in which said tubular member is also moved into supporting engagement with the area around the rectal opening upon insertion into the anal canal.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said pressure is exerted on said anal canal walls by inflating said tubular member.
Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Piles or hemorrhoids involves swelling of the hemorrhoidal veins in the anal canal. In extreme cases, these veins become distended and extend out of the rectal opening. Distention of the hemorrhoidal veins may occur during defecation and at such times both pain and bleeding may be severe.
Various methods of treating hemorrhoids have been tried in the past, including the use of ointments, supports, trusses and so forth, but none of these methods has been particularly successful. In severe cases, surgery for the removal of the hemorrhoidal veins has been utilized, but this is not a permanent cure since the swollen veins may reoccur.
Since most of the pain, distention and bleeding of the hemorrhoidal veins occurs during and as a result of defecation, my method involves maintaining pressure on the anal canal walls and the area around the rectal opening to prevent swelling of the hemorrhoidal veins and distention thereof during defecation. Pressure is maintained on these areas by means of a tubular member which is inserted in the anal canal before and maintained there during defecation. This tubular member also engages the area around the rectal opening and both exerts pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins to prevent their swelling and also prevents their distention out of the anal canal.
For ease of insertion of the tubular member into the anal canal, the forward or inner end of the tubular member is closed during insertion and is opened after it is properly seated in the anal canal. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner end of the tubular member is closed by an obturator which is removed as soon as the tubular member is properly positioned. The tubular member is held in firm contact with the anal canal walls and the area around the rectal opening during defecation by a support member which engages the lower end of the tubular member and rests on a toilet seat. The tubular member is preferably made of a suitable plastic material so that it can either be discarded after use or cleaned for repeated use. The tubular member, obturator and support can be packaged in a kit and carried by the user. In another embodiment of the invention, the tubular member is formed with hollow walls of plastic film and is inflatable after insertion in the anal canal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in the following drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the apparatus of this invention being positioned in a user;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the tubular member of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the obturator and tubular member;
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of the apparatus of this invention; and
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The method of my invention involves the application of pressure to the walls of the anal canal and the area around the rectal opening during defecation to prevent swelling and extrusion of the hemorrhoidal veins. This method is accomplished with the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings through the use of a tubular member 11 which is positioned in the anal canal so as to engage the wals of this canal thereby exerting pressure against the hemorrhoidal veins located on the surface and in the interior of the tissue adjacent said walls. This tubular member which preferably may be formed of a suitable plastic material, preferably impervious, has a forward or inner end 13, a shoulder portion 15 and a flared skirt portion 17 at its lower or outer end. A rigid or semi-flexible plastic may be used, polyethylene or vinyl being examples of suitable materials. As can best be seen in the drawings, the tubular member may be slightly tapered from its forward end 13 to the shoulder portion 15. A passage 19 extends through the tubular member.
An obturator 21 may be positioned in the passage 19 so as to project outwardly of the forward end 13 of the tubular member 11 to close the passage through tubular member. The obturator is made sufficiently long so that it extends beyond the lower end 17 of the tubular member. A bulbous handle 23 is formed at the lower end of the obturator to facilitate its insertation into and removal from the tubular member.
A support 25 which spans the opening of a toilet seat 27 is provided to hold the tubular member in position in the anal canal during defecation. The support member 25 has an opening 29 which aligns with the passage 19 of the tubular member. A circular ledge 31 surrounds this opening and receives the flared end 17 of the tubular member to support the tubular member.
In use, the obturator 21 is installed in the tubular member with the forward end of the obturator extending beyond the inner end 13 of the tubular member. Both the obturator and the tubular member are covered with a suitable lubricant 33 to facilitate insertion. The obturator and tubular member are inserted in the rectal opening of the user with the tapered portion of the tubular member engaging the walls of the anal canal. The shoulder portion 15 of the tubular member engages the area around the rectal opening to limit insertion of the tubular member and to prevent the sphincter muscles from drawing the tubular member into the rectum. The shoulder portion also provides support for the tissues surrounding the rectal opening and prevents distention of the hemorrhoidal veins. The user now sits on the support 25 and seats the flared portion 17 of the tubular member on the annular ledge 31 thereby supporting the tubular member in position in his anal canal. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the bulbous portion 23 of the obturator will extend through the opening 29 in the support member. The obturator is then removed, opening the passage 19 through the tubular member. During defecation, the excrement can pass through the tubular opening 19 but the tubular member will be held in place by the support 25 therefore prevent expulsion thereof. After elimination is completed, the tubular member may be removed from the anal canal and either disposed of or cleaned and retained for future use.
Another form of apparatus for practicing the method of my invention is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings. This form of apparatus includes an inflatable tubular member 41 which may be formed of suitable plastic film, vinyl or polyethylene being two examples. The tubular member includes hollow walls 43 formed of inner and outer layers of plastic film defining an annular chamber 45 which may be filled with air under pressure to rigidify the structure. An outwardly curving flare 47 is formed at the forward or inner end of the tubular member and a larger outwardly projecting shoulder or ledge 49 is formed at the lower end of the tubular member. An air valve 51 is located on the outer edge of the shoulder and a hand operated air bulb (not shown) may be connected to the air valve to inflate the tubular member. A passage 53 extends longitudinally through the tubular member. The tubular member may be slightly tapered from its forward flared end 47 to the shoulder or ledge 49.
In preparation for use, the uninflated tubular member 41 is rolled up about its longitudinal axis much like an umbrella is wrapped and is thoroughly lubricated. The tubular member is inserted into the anal canal in its uninflated condition. When properly inserted in the anal canal, it is inflated with a hand operated air bulb until it assumes the shape shown in FIG. 4. The length of the tubular member is proportioned so that the flared inner end 47 extends inwardly of the anal canal and into the rectum, thus functioning to hold the tubular member in the anal canal to prevent expulsion of the tubular member during defecation. The shoulder portion 49 of the tubular member engages the area around the rectal opening to limit insertion of the tubular member and to prevent the sphincter muscles from drawing the tubular member into the rectum. Th shoulder portion also provides support for the tissue surrounding the rectal opening and prevents distention of the hemorrhoidal veins.
After elimination is completed, the tubular member is deflated and removed. It may be discarded or cleaned and used again. The tubular member 41 may be used with the support 25 of the first form of apparatus, but under most circumstances, such a support will not be necessary.
Whereas, the method of my invention and preferred forms of apparatus for practicing my method have been shown and described, it should be understood that there are modifications, changes and alterations which may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the claims attached hereto.
Piles or hemorrhoids involves swelling of the hemorrhoidal veins in the anal canal. In extreme cases, these veins become distended and extend out of the rectal opening. Distention of the hemorrhoidal veins may occur during defecation and at such times both pain and bleeding may be severe.
Various methods of treating hemorrhoids have been tried in the past, including the use of ointments, supports, trusses and so forth, but none of these methods has been particularly successful. In severe cases, surgery for the removal of the hemorrhoidal veins has been utilized, but this is not a permanent cure since the swollen veins may reoccur.
Since most of the pain, distention and bleeding of the hemorrhoidal veins occurs during and as a result of defecation, my method involves maintaining pressure on the anal canal walls and the area around the rectal opening to prevent swelling of the hemorrhoidal veins and distention thereof during defecation. Pressure is maintained on these areas by means of a tubular member which is inserted in the anal canal before and maintained there during defecation. This tubular member also engages the area around the rectal opening and both exerts pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins to prevent their swelling and also prevents their distention out of the anal canal.
For ease of insertion of the tubular member into the anal canal, the forward or inner end of the tubular member is closed during insertion and is opened after it is properly seated in the anal canal. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner end of the tubular member is closed by an obturator which is removed as soon as the tubular member is properly positioned. The tubular member is held in firm contact with the anal canal walls and the area around the rectal opening during defecation by a support member which engages the lower end of the tubular member and rests on a toilet seat. The tubular member is preferably made of a suitable plastic material so that it can either be discarded after use or cleaned for repeated use. The tubular member, obturator and support can be packaged in a kit and carried by the user. In another embodiment of the invention, the tubular member is formed with hollow walls of plastic film and is inflatable after insertion in the anal canal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in the following drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the apparatus of this invention being positioned in a user;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the tubular member of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the obturator and tubular member;
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of the apparatus of this invention; and
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The method of my invention involves the application of pressure to the walls of the anal canal and the area around the rectal opening during defecation to prevent swelling and extrusion of the hemorrhoidal veins. This method is accomplished with the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings through the use of a tubular member 11 which is positioned in the anal canal so as to engage the wals of this canal thereby exerting pressure against the hemorrhoidal veins located on the surface and in the interior of the tissue adjacent said walls. This tubular member which preferably may be formed of a suitable plastic material, preferably impervious, has a forward or inner end 13, a shoulder portion 15 and a flared skirt portion 17 at its lower or outer end. A rigid or semi-flexible plastic may be used, polyethylene or vinyl being examples of suitable materials. As can best be seen in the drawings, the tubular member may be slightly tapered from its forward end 13 to the shoulder portion 15. A passage 19 extends through the tubular member.
An obturator 21 may be positioned in the passage 19 so as to project outwardly of the forward end 13 of the tubular member 11 to close the passage through tubular member. The obturator is made sufficiently long so that it extends beyond the lower end 17 of the tubular member. A bulbous handle 23 is formed at the lower end of the obturator to facilitate its insertation into and removal from the tubular member.
A support 25 which spans the opening of a toilet seat 27 is provided to hold the tubular member in position in the anal canal during defecation. The support member 25 has an opening 29 which aligns with the passage 19 of the tubular member. A circular ledge 31 surrounds this opening and receives the flared end 17 of the tubular member to support the tubular member.
In use, the obturator 21 is installed in the tubular member with the forward end of the obturator extending beyond the inner end 13 of the tubular member. Both the obturator and the tubular member are covered with a suitable lubricant 33 to facilitate insertion. The obturator and tubular member are inserted in the rectal opening of the user with the tapered portion of the tubular member engaging the walls of the anal canal. The shoulder portion 15 of the tubular member engages the area around the rectal opening to limit insertion of the tubular member and to prevent the sphincter muscles from drawing the tubular member into the rectum. The shoulder portion also provides support for the tissues surrounding the rectal opening and prevents distention of the hemorrhoidal veins. The user now sits on the support 25 and seats the flared portion 17 of the tubular member on the annular ledge 31 thereby supporting the tubular member in position in his anal canal. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the bulbous portion 23 of the obturator will extend through the opening 29 in the support member. The obturator is then removed, opening the passage 19 through the tubular member. During defecation, the excrement can pass through the tubular opening 19 but the tubular member will be held in place by the support 25 therefore prevent expulsion thereof. After elimination is completed, the tubular member may be removed from the anal canal and either disposed of or cleaned and retained for future use.
Another form of apparatus for practicing the method of my invention is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings. This form of apparatus includes an inflatable tubular member 41 which may be formed of suitable plastic film, vinyl or polyethylene being two examples. The tubular member includes hollow walls 43 formed of inner and outer layers of plastic film defining an annular chamber 45 which may be filled with air under pressure to rigidify the structure. An outwardly curving flare 47 is formed at the forward or inner end of the tubular member and a larger outwardly projecting shoulder or ledge 49 is formed at the lower end of the tubular member. An air valve 51 is located on the outer edge of the shoulder and a hand operated air bulb (not shown) may be connected to the air valve to inflate the tubular member. A passage 53 extends longitudinally through the tubular member. The tubular member may be slightly tapered from its forward flared end 47 to the shoulder or ledge 49.
In preparation for use, the uninflated tubular member 41 is rolled up about its longitudinal axis much like an umbrella is wrapped and is thoroughly lubricated. The tubular member is inserted into the anal canal in its uninflated condition. When properly inserted in the anal canal, it is inflated with a hand operated air bulb until it assumes the shape shown in FIG. 4. The length of the tubular member is proportioned so that the flared inner end 47 extends inwardly of the anal canal and into the rectum, thus functioning to hold the tubular member in the anal canal to prevent expulsion of the tubular member during defecation. The shoulder portion 49 of the tubular member engages the area around the rectal opening to limit insertion of the tubular member and to prevent the sphincter muscles from drawing the tubular member into the rectum. Th shoulder portion also provides support for the tissue surrounding the rectal opening and prevents distention of the hemorrhoidal veins.
After elimination is completed, the tubular member is deflated and removed. It may be discarded or cleaned and used again. The tubular member 41 may be used with the support 25 of the first form of apparatus, but under most circumstances, such a support will not be necessary.
Whereas, the method of my invention and preferred forms of apparatus for practicing my method have been shown and described, it should be understood that there are modifications, changes and alterations which may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the claims attached hereto.