Method, apparatus and system for preventing or reducing the severity of hemorrhoids
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. A method of preventing or reducing the severity of hemorrhoids in the perianal region of a patient during childbirth, said patient having an anus defining an anal orifice, comprising:
providing a device with a securing member, the device having a base with an elongate ridge defining a curved surface extending along a longitudinal axis for a distance greater than a size of said anal orifice, and the base having an edge defining a perimeter, the securing member comprising first and second fastening elements, each extending laterally away from the elongate ridge, each having a length greater than a longitudinal length of the elongate ridge;
positioning a curved surface across the anal orifice in a pressure-inducing engagement position against only a perianal region of the patient at the junction between the anal orifice and the anal canal to apply pressure to an external rectal venous plexus with the edge facing a vaginal opening in a manner that provides access to the viginal opening without having to remove the device; and
securing the securing member laterally away from the perianal region to the outside of the body of the patient to maintain the curved surface in the engagement position during at least a portion of childbirth.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said device further comprises a base, said elongate ridge extending outwardly from said base.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said perimeter of said base further comprising a concave portion and said positioning includes aligning the concave portion to face a vagina of the patient.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising applying a lubricant to the surface prior to positioning the surface n the engagement position.
5. A method of preventing or reducing the severity of hemorrhoids in the perianal region of a patient during childbirth, said patient having an anus defining an anal orifice, comprising;
providing a device with a securing member, the device having an elongate ridge defining a curved surface extending along a longitudinal axis for a distance greater than a size of said anal orifice, 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, the securing member comprising first and second fastening elements, each extending laterally away from the elongate surface in a manner that provides access to the vaginal opening for child delivery, each having a length greater than a longitudinal length of the elongate ridge;
positioning the curved surface in a pressure-inducing engagement position against only a perianal region of the patient to apply pressure to an external rectal venous plexus in a manner that provides access to the vaginal opening for child delivery; and
securing the securing member laterally away from the perianal region to the outside of the body of the patient to maintain the surface in the engagement position during at least a portion of childbirth, the securing member positioned laterally away in a manner that provides access to the vaginal opening for child delivery.
6. The method of claim 2 , wherein securing the device in the engagement position further comprises bracing the base and between the patient and a foundation.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the act of positioning further comprises positioning during or immediately following labor.
8. A method of preventing or reducing the severity of external hemorrhoids in the perianal region of a patient during childbirth, comprising:
providing a device of size and anatomical configuration to contact the perianal region of the patient, the device including a base having an elongate raised ridge defining a curved surface extending along a longitudinal axis for distance in the range of about 4 centimeters to about 8 centimeters with a securing member joined thereto, the base including a perimeter edge, the securing member comprising first and second fastening elements, each extending laterally away from the base, each having a length greater than a longitudinal length of the base, wherein each of the first and second fastening elements includes a first end fastened to the base and a second end freely extending from the first end;
applying the device to a patient during or within labor or childbirth to contact only the perianal region of the patient with the curved surface of the base with the edge of the device facing the vagina thereby providing access to the vaginal opening without removing the device; and
securing the base, with the securing member, to said patient in a pressure engagement position with the perianal region and maintaining said position at least during a portion of childbirth to prevent or reduce a distension or protrusion of hemorrhoidal, venous or vascular tissue in the perianal region of said patient, wherein securing the base includes extending the securing member laterally away from the anal orifice and said maintaining includes affixing the securing member joined to said device to the patient's buttocks.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein said affixing includes adhering at least a portion of the securing member to the patient's skin.
10. The method of 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:
providing a device including a securing member joined thereto and an elongate ridge defining a curved pressure surface extending along a longitudinal axis for a distance greater than said anal orifice and configured to contact the perianal region without substantially entering the anal canal, the pressure surface having a longitudinal length and a lateral width, the longitudinal length being greater than the lateral width, the securing member extending laterally away from the pressure surface and having a length laterally grater than the longitudinal length of the pressure surface;
placing said pressure surface of said device against said perianal region of said patient at the junction between the anal orifice and the anal canal in a manner that provides access to the vaginal opening for child delivery through the vaginal opening;
pressing on the device to push the pressure surface against the perianal tissue; and
maintaining the position of the device by expending the securing member laterally away from the anal orifice and attaching the securing member in a manner that provides access to the vaginal opening for child delivery through the vaginal opening.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein said maintaining includes affixing the securing member joined to the device to the patient.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein said affixing includes adhering at least a portion of the securing member to the patient's skin.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein said attaching includes affixing the securing member to the patient's skin below the waist of the patient.
14. The method of claim 10 , wherein said maintaining is performed during said pressing to thereby maintain at least a portion of the pressure surface on the perianal region.