Device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa

Abstract

The device (1) for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa comprises: one supporting body (2) at least partly insertable inside one of either a vagina or an anus; at least one treatment element (3) externally associated with the supporting body (2) and positionable, during use, in contact with one of either a vaginal mucosa or a rectal mucosa, the treatment element (3) being adapted to convey on the vaginal mucosa or on the rectal mucosa a therapeutic substance in liquid or gel or cream form.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR THE THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT OF VAGINAL MUCOSA

[0002] OR RECTAL MUCOSA

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa.

[0005] Specifically, the device covered by this invention is used in the therapeutic treatment of the vulva or perianal mucosa.

[0006] Background Art

[0007] As is well known, the vagina is a portion of the female genital tract located between the vulva and the cervix and having a substantially tubular shape.

[0008] The vagina is made up of muscle tissue of the elastic type and covered by a vaginal mucosa.

[0009] The vagina, and in particular the vaginal mucosa, may be affected by certain pathological conditions of different origins and with varying symptoms.

[0010] These comprise bacterial, fungal, or viral diseases such as candidiasis, a vaginal yeast infection, and vaginitis, an inflammatory disease.

[0011] Furthermore, the vulva, as well as the vaginal mucosa, may be affected by ulcerations and / or irritations and / or abrasions that manifest as symptoms of certain diseases affecting the vagina, or following specific surgical procedures on the female genital tract, or as a result of the administration of certain drugs, primarily chemotherapy drugs.

[0012] Furthermore, the vulva and the vaginal mucosa may suffer lacerations and / or abrasions during childbirth or sexual intercourse.

[0013] The rectum is the terminal portion of the digestive tract, specifically the intestine. It has a substantially tubular shape and ends with the anus.

[0014] The anus is made up of striated and elastic muscle tissue and is covered by the anal membrane.

[0015] As in the case of the vagina and its internal mucosa, certain diseases and / or pathological conditions can affect the terminal portion of the gastrointestinal tract, the anus and its mucosa.

[0016] Diseases affecting the rectal mucosa can have different origins and have varying symptoms.

[0017] In this case too, there may be pathological conditions of bacterial, fungal or viral origin, or conditions of laceration and / or inflammation of the rectal mucosa, related, e.g., to surgery and / or the administration of particular drugs and / or trauma during sexual intercourse.

[0018] Some of the aforementioned pathological conditions affecting the vaginal mucosa, which can extend to the labia majora, or affecting the anus, are currently treated, preferably, by inserting hyaluronic acid-based gelatinous ovules with a high molecular weight into the vagina or anus.

[0019] These treatments do however have some limitations, mainly related to the poor healing properties of hyaluronic acid.

[0020] In this regard, it should be noted that hyaluronic acid is essentially capable of hydrating the portion of the mucosa in contact therewith, bringing relief to irritated and / or lacerated areas, but without performing a true healing function.

[0021] Added to this is the fact that the use of hyaluronic acid-based ovules, creams, or gels allows for topical treatment, with very limited effects over time, mainly due to the leakage of the products themselves due to gravity.

[0022] Description of the Invention

[0023] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa that allows improving the efficiency of treatments for the pathological conditions affecting the vaginal mucosa and the anal mucosa.

[0024] Within the scope of this aim, the present invention aims to devise a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa that standardizes localized treatment with amounts of drugs and / or biological materials in appropriate and known proportions, well distributed over space and with gradual release over time.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to devise a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa that allows a healing effect to be obtained of the pathological conditions affecting the vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa. A further object of the present invention is to devise a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa that allows the entire surface of the vaginal mucosa or the rectal mucosa affected by a pathology to be treated.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to devise a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa that allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as inexpensive solution.

[0027] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0028] Brief Description of the Drawings Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa according to the invention in a home configuration and according to a first embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa of Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa according to the first embodiment in the insertion configuration;

[0032] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa of Figure 3;

[0033] Figure 5 is an axonometric view of a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa according to the invention in a home configuration and according to a second embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 is an axonometric view of a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa according to the invention in a third embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa of Figure 6;

[0036] Figure 8 is an axonometric view of a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa according to the invention in a fourth embodiment;

[0037] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa of Figure 8;

[0038] Figure 10 is an axonometric exploded view of a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa according to the invention in a fourth embodiment;

[0039] Figure 11 is an axonometric exploded view of a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa according to the invention in a fifth embodiment;

[0040] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 11, in an assembled configuration.

[0041] Embodiments of the Invention

[0042] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a device for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa. The device 1 comprises: at least one supporting body 2 at least partly insertable inside one of either a vagina or an anus; at least one treatment element 3 externally associated with the supporting body 2 and positionable, during use, in contact with one of either a vaginal mucosa or a rectal mucosa, the treatment element 3 being adapted to convey on the vaginal mucosa or on the rectal mucosa a therapeutic substance in liquid or gel or cream form.

[0043] Preferably, the therapeutic substance is of the biological type, e.g., of the type of platelet-rich plasma or an antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal drug.

[0044] As is well known, platelet-rich plasma is a blood-derived product consisting of plasma with a higher concentration of platelets than that found in standard blood.

[0045] Thanks to the numerous growth factors contained in platelets, platelet-rich plasma has a high capacity to stimulate and promote cell regeneration in the tissue with which it comes into contact.

[0046] In addition, platelet-rich plasma has regenerative effects that are expressed in the area where it is applied and in the first surrounding areas.

[0047] When using the device 1, the supporting body 2 is inserted into a user’s vagina or anus, as detailed below, in order to place the treatment element 3 in contact with the vaginal mucosa or with the rectal mucosa.

[0048] In this way, the treatment element 3 releases the therapeutic substance onto the mucosa, allowing the mucosa itself to absorb the therapeutic substance in order to perform a healing treatment.

[0049] Thanks to the device 1 according to the invention, it is possible to treat and heal any pathologies and / or ulcerations affecting the rectal mucosa or the vaginal mucosa, treating the entire mucosa placed in contact with the device 1.

[0050] With reference to the possible embodiment shown in the figures, the supporting body 2 is substantially hollow, is made of elastically deformable material and is movable between an insertion configuration, wherein it is at least partly insertable inside one of either a vaginal canal or an anal canal, and a home configuration, wherein it is enlarged with respect to the insertion configuration so as to adhere to the vaginal mucosa or to the rectal mucosa.

[0051] In the insertion configuration, the supporting body 2 is adapted to closely adhere to the mucosa it contacts.

[0052] With particular reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the supporting body 2 has a substantially elongated conformation and comprises an outer surface 4, which can be at least partly positioned in contact with the vaginal mucosa or with the rectal mucosa, and an inner surface 5, opposite the outer surface 4.

[0053] The supporting body 2 preferably has a length of between 2 cm and 10 cm, more preferably of between 3 cm and 7 cm.

[0054] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the supporting body 2 has a circular crosssection, the diameter of which is preferably of between 0.3 cm and 3 cm, more preferably of between 0.5 cm and 2 cm.

[0055] Preferably, the supporting body 2 is made of silicone.

[0056] The fact of making the supporting body 2 of silicone gives it high elasticity, allowing the same to be easily positioned in the insertion configuration and to return elastically to the home configuration.

[0057] Conveniently, the supporting body 2 comprises at least one abutment portion 6 which can be positioned to abut against a portion of the user’s body arranged outside the vagina or anus.

[0058] Preferably, the abutment portion 6 is enlarged with respect to the remaining portion of the supporting body 2. In other words, the abutment portion 6 has a larger diameter than that of the remaining portion of the supporting body 2.

[0059] Thanks to the presence of the abutment portion 6, it is possible to block the insertion of the supporting body 2 into the vagina or anus in order to prevent the supporting body 2 from being inserted too deeply and becoming difficult to remove.

[0060] Preferably, the treatment element 3 is substantially strip-shaped.

[0061] Alternative embodiments of the device 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the treatment element 3 is shaped differently and has, e.g., a substantially circular conformation or covers the entire supporting body 2.

[0062] Advantageously, the treatment element 3 is imbibed with the therapeutic substance.

[0063] When the treatment element 3 is placed in contact with the vaginal mucosa or with the rectal mucosa, the therapeutic substance is released and absorbed by the mucosa, thus exerting a healing effect thereon.

[0064] In other words, the treatment element 3 is a carrier of the therapeutic substance, preferably platelet-rich plasma.

[0065] Preferably, the treatment element 3 is made of a material selected from the list comprising: polyvinyl alcohol foam, hydrocellulose, non-woven fabric, hyaluronic acid in solid form, woven hemp.

[0066] The aforementioned materials give the treatment element 3 a high capacity to absorb the therapeutic substance and to release it when placed in contact with the vaginal mucosa or with the rectal mucosa.

[0067] With particular reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the device 1 comprises a plurality of treatment elements 3.

[0068] This particular technical expedient allows the area of the vaginal mucosa or of the rectal mucosa in contact with the therapeutic substance to be increased, thus achieving a healing effect that is substantially extended to the entire treated mucosa.

[0069] As previously mentioned, during the insertion of the supporting body 2 into the vagina or anus, it is necessary to position the supporting body 2 in the insertion configuration. Conveniently, the device 1 comprises insertion means 7 for inserting the supporting body 2 inside one of either a vagina or an anus.

[0070] With particular reference to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the supporting body 2 has an open end 8 and a closed end 9 opposite each other.

[0071] Still with reference to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the insertion means 7 comprise an applicator element 10 insertable within the supporting body 2 through the open end 8 and adapted to abut against the closed end 9.

[0072] The applicator element 10 carries the supporting body 2 from the home configuration to the insertion configuration, wherein it is elongated, as a result of the force exerted on the closed end 9.

[0073] The supporting body 2 elastically returns to the home configuration as a result of the removal of the applicator element 10.

[0074] Preferably, the applicator element 10 has a substantially elongated conformation in order to facilitate the positioning of the applicator element 10 at the closed end 9 and the subsequent elongation of the supporting body 2.

[0075] In detail, the user can continue to firmly grip the applicator element 10 even when the latter is inserted into the vagina or into the anus during the elongation of the supporting body 2.

[0076] Furthermore, the applicator element 10 is preferably made of substantially rigid material in order to improve the transmission of the force applied onto the applicator element 10 to the supporting body 2.

[0077] As can be seen from the figures, when the supporting body 2 is in the insertion configuration, it has a cross-section with a smaller width than the cross-section of the supporting body 2 in the home configuration.

[0078] This makes it easier to insert and move the supporting body 2 inside the vagina or anus. Once the supporting body 2 is correctly positioned in the vagina or anus, the user extracts the applicator element 10 from the supporting body 2 through the open end 8. In this way, the supporting body 2 can elastically return to the home configuration, positioning the treatment elements 3 in contact with the mucosa to be treated.

[0079] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises one or more tensioning elements 11 associated with the supporting body 2 and the applicator element 10 comprises one or more clamping elements 12 of the tensioning elements 11 so as to mutually solidarize them during the elongation of the supporting body 2.

[0080] In detail, the tensioning elements 11 are of the cord element type.

[0081] The clamping elements 12 are of the cavity type made on the applicator element 10.

[0082] The tensioning element 11 comprises, along its development, one or more clamping pins 13 which can be inserted into the clamping element 12 in a removable manner in order to mutually clamp the supporting body 2 to the applicator element 10.

[0083] This simplifies the insertion operation by the operator, who does not have to hold the applicator element 10 and the supporting body 2 at the same time.

[0084] In actual facts, after inserting the applicator element 10 into the supporting body 2, the user inserts the clamping pin 13 into the clamping element 12 in order to secure the applicator element 10 to the supporting body 2.

[0085] It should be noted, however, that there are alternative embodiments of the device 1 wherein neither the tensioning element 11 nor the clamping element 12 are required.

[0086] In this case, the user can clamp the supporting body 2 and the applicator element 10 together with their hands, allowing the supporting body 2 to be extended.

[0087] Still referring to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, it can be appreciated that the supporting body 2 comprises at least one extraction element 14 protruding from the open end 8.

[0088] The extraction element 14 is graspable by a user to allow the supporting body 2 to be extracted from the vagina or from the anus.

[0089] Still with reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the extraction element 14 is of the type of a wire element associated with the inner surface 5 of the supporting body 2, at the closed end 9, and provided with a free end protruding from the supporting body 2 through the open end 8 and graspable by the user.

[0090] When the user wants to extract the supporting body 2 from the vagina or from the anus, they grasp the extraction element 14 and pull it out of the body.

[0091] The extraction element 14 drags the supporting body 2 with it, which comes out overturned from the vagina or anus. Conveniently, the supporting body 2 is provided with a plurality of through holes 15 adapted to promote the flow of air during the extraction of the supporting body 2 from the vagina or from the anus in order not to hinder the overturning of the supporting body 2.

[0092] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the device 1, wherein the components identical to the first embodiment have the same reference numerals as the first embodiment, to which reference is made in full for a detailed description.

[0093] The second embodiment of the device 1 differs from the first embodiment of the device 1 mainly in that the supporting body 2 comprises at least one stiffening element 16 adapted to promote the elastic return of the supporting body itself from the insertion configuration to the home configuration.

[0094] With particular reference to Figure 5, the stiffening element 16 is associated with the outer surface 4 or defined as a single body piece with the supporting body 2 and is substantially spiral-shaped.

[0095] The stiffening element 16 naturally tends to return to the home position, thus promoting the repositioning of the supporting body 2 to the home configuration when it is inserted into the vagina or anus, and allowing the treatment elements 3 to adhere to the vaginal mucosa or to the rectal mucosa.

[0096] The characteristics of the device 1 set out and described below are to be considered common to both embodiments described above.

[0097] Preferably, the treatment elements 3 are immovably associated with the supporting body 2.

[0098] In detail and with reference to Figures 1-5, the treatment elements 3 are directly associated with the outer surface 4 of the supporting body 2 and cannot be uncoupled from the latter.

[0099] In actual facts, in the aforementioned case, the device 1 is of the disposable type, i.e., once the therapeutic substance has been completely released by the treatment elements 3, it is no longer possible to use the device 1 which must be completely replaced if treatment is to be continued.

[0100] In alternative embodiments of the device 1, the treatment elements 3 are associated with the supporting body 2 in a removable manner.

[0101] Preferably, the treatment elements 3 are associated with the outer surface 4 in a removable manner and can be removed from the latter when necessary.

[0102] In this particular case, it is possible to replace the treatment elements 3 that have released the therapeutic substance with treatment elements 3 that have not yet been used and are imbibed with the therapeutic substance.

[0103] In this way, it is possible to reuse the supporting body 2, replacing only the treatment elements 3.

[0104] For example, it is possible to associate the treatment elements 3 with the supporting body 2 by means of an adhesive element.

[0105] Alternatively, the treatment elements 3 can be made of an elastically deformable material or can be associated with an elastic sheath that is fitted on the supporting body 2, by covering it, and which is removed when the treatment elements 3 have exhausted the therapeutic substance.

[0106] In a particular embodiment, shown in Figures 11 and 12, the treatment element 3 is of the preformed type and is fitted onto the supporting body 2 so as to cover it. More particularly, the treatment element 3 is shaped so as to complement the supporting body 2. In other words, the treatment element 3 is of the hollow type, has an open end 3a fittable onto the supporting body 2, and a closed end 3b adapted to cover the abutment portion 6 of the supporting body 2. Advantageously, the treatment element 3 is elastically deformable when imbibed with the therapeutic substance. Preferably, the device 1 comprises at least one fastening element 18 adapted to enable the clamping of the treatment element 3 to the supporting body 2. More specifically, in this embodiment, the treatment element 3 is fitted onto the supporting body 2 and, once imbibed with the therapeutic substance to be released, can be extended so as to cover the abutment portion 6 and clamped with respect thereto by means of the fastening element 18. Appropriately, the supporting body 2 has a substantially constant crosssection, with the exception of the abutment portion 6.

[0107] Figures 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the device 1, wherein the components identical to those in the first and of the second embodiment have the same reference numerals as in the first and second embodiments, to which reference is made in full for a detailed description.

[0108] The third embodiment of the device 1 differs from the first and second embodiments mainly in that the device 1 comprises at least one coating element 17 made of elastically deformable material and fittable around the supporting body 2 in a removable manner.

[0109] The treatment elements 3 are externally associated with the coating element 17, the latter positioning, during use, between the treatment elements 3 and the supporting body 2.

[0110] In detail, the coating element 17 is positioned, during use, between the treatment elements 3 and the outer surface 4 of the supporting body 2.

[0111] In this case, when the treatment elements 3 are no longer sufficiently imbibed with therapeutic substance, it is possible to remove the coating element 17 from the supporting body 2 and to replace it with a different coating element 17 associated with treatment elements 3 imbibed with therapeutic substance.

[0112] This particular technical solution also allows the supporting body 2 to be reused several times, making it multi-purpose.

[0113] Advantageously, the coating element 17 comprises at least one fastening element 18 adapted to enable the coating element 17 to be clamped to the supporting body 2.

[0114] In detail, as shown in Figure 6, the supporting body 2 has an anchoring portion, movable between a widened position and a narrow position, and the fastening element 18 is associable with this anchoring portion when the latter is in the widened position, in order to mutually clamp them.

[0115] When it is necessary to remove the coating element 17 from the supporting body 2, the user moves the anchoring portion to the narrow position, so as to allow the release of the fastening element 18.

[0116] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the anchoring portion has a truncated-conical shape and the fastening element 18 is, e.g., of the type of a ring provided with a certain stiffness.

[0117] Figures 8 and 9 show a fourth embodiment of the device 1, wherein components identical to those in the first, second and third embodiments have the same reference numerals as in the first, second, and third embodiments, to which reference is made in full for a detailed description.

[0118] The fourth embodiment of the device 1 differs from the first, second and third embodiments mainly in that the supporting body 2 defines a closed inner chamber 21 and in that the insertion means 7 comprise valve means 19 communicating with the inner chamber 21 and connectable to a pumping device 20.

[0119] The valve means 19 are adapted to allow the insertion / extraction of air into / from the inner chamber 21 so as to inflate / deflate the supporting body 2.

[0120] The supporting body 2 is deflated when it is in the insertion configuration and inflated when it is in the home configuration.

[0121] The valve means 19 may be of the one-way valve type or, alternatively, may be positioned at an opening position, wherein they allow the fluid-operated connection of the inner chamber 21 with the outside, and at a closing position, wherein they prevent the fluid-operated connection of the inner chamber 21 with the outside. When using the device 1 of Figure 8, the user inserts the deflated supporting body 2 into the vagina or anus, positions the valve means 19 at the opening position and connects the pumping device 20 to the valve means 19 in order to inflate the supporting body 2.

[0122] When the supporting body 2 is sufficiently inflated, the user disconnects the pumping device 20 from the valve means 19 and places the latter at the closing position in order to prevent air from escaping from the supporting body 2.

[0123] When the supporting body 2 is inflated in the vagina or anus, the treatment elements 3 adhere to the vaginal mucosa or to the rectal mucosa.

[0124] When the user wishes to extract the supporting body 2 from the vagina or from the anus, they place the valve means 19 at the opening position so as to allow the supporting body 2 to deflate and thus be extracted from the vagina or anus.

[0125] Conveniently, the device 1 of Figure 8 comprises at least one stiffening body housed within the inner chamber 21 and adapted to promote the insertion of the supporting body in the vagina or in the anus when the supporting body 2 is in the insertion configuration.

[0126] In actual facts, when the supporting body 2 is in the insertion configuration, it is not very rigid and, as a result, can be difficult to insert into the vagina or anus.

[0127] Thanks to the stiffening body, it is possible to have a supporting body 2 provided with an appreciable level of stiffness that allows it to be inserted into the vagina or anus.

[0128] The stiffening body is not shown in the figures for the sake of simplicity.

[0129] It should be noted that Figure 8 shows the inner chamber 21 and the valve means 19 in combination with the coating element 17 with which the treatment elements 3 are associated.

[0130] This choice is purely illustrative and not limiting, since it is possible to envisage alternative embodiments of the device 1 wherein the inner chamber 21 and the valve means 19 are combined with the treatment elements 3 directly associated with the supporting body 2, either in a removable or in an immovable manner.

[0131] According to an alternative embodiment of the device 1, shown in Figure 10, the insertion means 7 comprise at least one plunger device 22 associated with the supporting body 2 and operable to push the latter inside one of either a vagina or an anus.

[0132] In detail, the plunger device 22 comprises: a hollow containment element 23, adapted to receive the supporting body 2; a thrust element 24 slidably inserted within the containment element 23 and movable by a user to push the supporting body 2 outwards.

[0133] The containment element 23 comprises a first open end 25, through which the thrust element 24 is inserted, and a second end 26, through which the supporting body 2 exits as a result of the action exerted by the thrust element 24.

[0134] Preferably, the containment element 23 comprises a plurality of fin elements 27 made at the second end 26 and which are normally positioned at a first position, wherein they are mutually close to each other, and which move, as a result of the thrust exerted by the supporting body 2, to a second position, wherein they are mutually distant from each other to allow the supporting body itself to come out.

[0135] Conveniently, the fin elements 27 are angularly spaced apart from each other and the treatment elements 3 are positioned at the empty spaces defined between the fin elements 27.

[0136] In this way, it is possible to limit the contact between the treatment elements 3 and the containment element 23 during the exit of the supporting body 2 from the second end 26, thus avoiding the removal of the therapeutic substance from the treatment elements 3 themselves.

[0137] Conveniently, the containment element 23 comprises a plurality of openings 28 that can be positioned at the treatment elements 3 and through which it is possible to imbibe the treatment elements 3 with the therapeutic substance, once the supporting body 2 is positioned within the containment element 23.

[0138] During the use of the device 1 made according to this latter embodiment, a user holds the containment element 23 with one hand, positions the second end 26 at the entrance to the vagina or anus and then pushes the thrust element 24 inside the containment element 23 with their free hand, thereby inserting the supporting body 2 into the vagina or anus.

[0139] It has, in practice, been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects and, in particular, the fact should be emphasized that the device according to the invention allows the therapeutic substance to be transferred onto the rectal mucosa or onto the vaginal mucosa, performing a healing treatment on these mucosae.

[0140] Furthermore, the device according to the invention allows for extensive treatment of the vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa with which it comes into contact, thanks to the particular technical expedient that involves delivering platelet-rich plasma onto these mucosae.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Device (1) for the therapeutic treatment of vaginal mucosa or rectal mucosa, characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one supporting body (2) at least partly insertable inside one of either a vagina or an anus; at least one treatment element (3) externally associated with said supporting body (2) and positionable, during use, in contact with one of either a vaginal mucosa or a rectal mucosa, said treatment element (3) being adapted to convey on the vaginal mucosa or on the rectal mucosa a therapeutic substance in liquid or gel or cream form.2) Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said treatment element (3) is imbibed with said therapeutic substance.3) Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said treatment element (3) is made of a material selected from the list comprising: spongy material, polyvinyl alcohol-based solid foam, hydrocellulose, non-woven fabric, hyaluronic acid in solid form, woven hemp.4) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (2) is substantially hollow, is made of elastically deformable material and is movable between an insertion configuration, wherein it is insertable, at least partly, inside one of either a vaginal canal or an anal canal, and a home configuration, wherein it is enlarged with respect to the insertion configuration so as to adhere to the vaginal mucosa or to the rectal mucosa.5) Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (2) comprises at least one stiffening element (16) adapted to promote the elastic return of the supporting body itself from the insertion configuration to the home configuration.6) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (2) comprises at least one abutment portion (6) positionable to abut against a portion of the user’s body located outside the vagina or anus.7) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said treatment element (3) is immovably associated with said supporting body (2).8) Device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that said treatment element (3) is associated with said supporting body (2) in a removablemanner.9) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said treatment element (3) is of the preformed type and is fitted onto said supporting body (2) so as to cover it.10) Device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that said treatment element (3) is shaped so as to complement said supporting body (2).11) Device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that said treatment element (3) is of the hollow type and has an open end (3a) fittable onto said supporting body (2) and a closed end (3b) adapted to cover said abutment portion (6) of the supporting body (2).12) Device (1) according to one or more of claims 9 to 11, characterized by the fact that said treatment element (3) is elastically deformable when imbibed with said therapeutic substance.13) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one fastening element (18) adapted to enable the clamping of said treatment element (3) to said supporting body (2).14) Device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one coating element (17) made of elastically deformable material and fittable around said supporting body (2) in a removable manner, said treatment element (3) being externally associated with said coating element (17), the latter positioning, in use, between said treatment element (3) and said supporting body (2).15) Device (1) according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that said coating element (17) comprises at least one fastening element (18) adapted to enable the clamping of said coating element (17) to said supporting body (2).16) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises insertion means (7) of said supporting body (2) inside one of either a vagina or an anus.17) Device (1) according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (2) has an open end (8) and a closed end (9) opposite each other, and by the fact that said insertion means (7) comprise an applicator element (10) insertable within said supporting body (2) through said open end (8) and adapted to abut against said closed end (9), said applicator element (10) carrying the supporting body (2) from the home configuration to the insertion configuration, into which it is elongated, by the force exerted on said closed end (9), said supporting body (2) returning elastically to the home configuration as a result of the removal of said applicator element (10).18) Device (1) according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that it comprises one or more tensioning elements (11) associated with said supporting body (2) and by the fact that said applicator element (10) comprises one or more clamping elements (12) of said tensioning elements (11) so as to mutually solidarize them during the elongation of said supporting body (2).19) Device (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (2) comprises at least one extraction element (14) protruding from said open end (8), said extraction element (14) being graspable by a user to allow the extraction of said supporting body (2) from the vagina or from the anus.20) Device (1) according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (2) defines a closed inner chamber (21) and by the fact that said insertion means (7) comprise valve means (19) communicating with said inner chamber (21) and connectable to a pumping device (20), said valve means (19) being adapted to allow the insertion / extraction of air into / from said inner chamber (21) so as to inflate / deflate said supporting body (2), said supporting body (2) being deflated when in the insertion configuration and being inflated when in the home configuration.21) Device (1) according to claim 20, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one stiffening body housed within said inner chamber (21) and adapted to promote the insertion of said supporting body (2) in the vagina or in the anus when said supporting body (2) is in the insertion configuration.22) Device (1) according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that said insertion means (7) comprise at least one plunger device (22) associated with said supporting body (2) and operable to push the latter inside one of either a vagina or an anus.

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