Method, Apparatus and System for Preventing or Reducing the Severity of Hemorroids

Abstract

Devices and methods for preventing or reducing the severity of hemorrhoids include a raised portion and a base, where the raised portion extends in a first direction away from the base and is shaped to engage and apply pressure to a region of a patient subject to hemorrhoids. The devices may further include a plug for insertion into the anal canal to engage and apply pressure to another region of the patient subject to hemorrhoids. The methods include securing the device in an engagement position to apply the pressure to prevent or reduce the severity of hemorrhoids. Such devices and methods are especially applicable during the childbirth process.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the device comprises a perimeter edge having a concave portion alignable with the vagina of the patient. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein said device further comprises a base, said surface extending outwardly from said base. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said surface comprises a convex, curved surface having an apex, wherein the convex, curved surface has a radius of curvature sized to substantially prevent the apex from entering the anal canal of the patient. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said surface comprises an elongated, convexly curved surface having a longitudinal axis positioned at an angle to the base. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein a height from the bottom of the base to the apex is in the range of about 1 cm. to about 3 cm. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 31 , further comprising a securing mechanism attachable to the device, the securing mechanism adapted to fix the device relative to the patient. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 31 , further comprising an insertion mechanism attachable to the device, the insertion mechanism operable to control a position of the device during application of the device to the patient. 
     
     
         12 .- 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A device for preventing or reducing the severity of external hemorrhoids in the perianal region of a patient during childbirth, comprising:
 a means external to the anal canal for applying pressure to only a perianal region of the patient to apply pressure to an external rectal venous plexus without interfering with the birthing canal during childbirth; and   an external means for securing the means for applying pressure to the patient to maintain engagement with the perianal region, without interfering with the birthing canal during childbirth.   
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 24 , wherein said means for applying pressure comprises a base and a surface extending therefrom, said surface being of size greater than an anal orifice of said patient and of configuration to contact substantially only the perianal region of said patient. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein said surface comprises a convex, curved surface having an apex, wherein the convex, curved surface has a radius of curvature sized to substantially prevent the apex from entering the anal canal of the patient. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein said base includes a shaped portion at a perimeter edge thereof to face a vagina of the patient during childbirth. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 24 , wherein said means for securing comprises an adhesive applied to the outside of said patient. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 24 , wherein said means for securing includes adhesive tape applied to the outside of said patient. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein said means for securing includes a securing mechanism attachable to the base, the securing mechanism adapted to fix the surface relative to the patient. 
     
     
         31 . A device for preventing or reducing the severity of external hemorrhoids in a patient during childbirth, the anus of the patient being defined by an anal orifice, the device comprising a contact surface of size greater than said anal orifice and anatomically configured to contact the perianal region and not substantially enter the anal canal and to not substantially interfere with the birthing canal of the patient during childbirth. 
     
     
         32 . A device for preventing or reducing the severity of hemorrhoids in the perianal region of a patient during childbirth, the anus of the patient being defined by an anal orifice, comprising:
 a body including a contact surface of a size greater than said anal orifice and configured to contact the perianal region and not substantially enter the anal canal and to not substantially interfere with the birthing canal of the patient during childbirth; and   a securement member to hold said contact surface against said perianal region to thereby prevent or reduce a distention or a protrusion of hemorrhoid, venous or vascular tissue adjacent said anal orifice.   
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein said contact surface extends along a first axis and said securement member extends along a second axis, said second axis being substantially transverse to said first axis. 
     
     
         34 . A device for preventing or reducing the severity of hemorrhoids in the perianal region of a patient during childbirth, the anal orifice of the patient having a maximum diameter, the device comprising:
 a body having a pair of opposed exterior surfaces, said pair of opposed exterior surfaces joined to each other at an apex, said apex having an extent greater than the maximum diameter of the anal orifice such that said apex is configured to engage the perianal region to prevent entry into the anal canal and said external surfaces are configured to engage at least a portion of the region transitioning from the anal orifice to the buttocks.   
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 34 , wherein said apex is curved. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 35 , wherein said apex comprises a partial, elongated cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 34 , wherein said patient includes a midline and said external surfaces extend laterally away from said apex to engage at least a portion of the region transitioning from the anal orifice to the buttocks laterally adjacent the anal orifice. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 34 , further including at least one elongated securing member attached to said body and said apex defining a longitudinal axis, said securing member extending substantially transverse to said longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein said elongated securing member includes an adhesive portion for securing to the patient. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 38 , further including at least two elongated securing members, each securing member extending away from said body substantially transverse to said longitudinal axis.