Applicator for self-expanding intravaginal urinary incontinence devices

Abstract of the invention Apnlicator for Self-Expanding Intravaginal Urinary Incontinence Devices 5 An applicator for a self-expanding intravaginal device has a barrel and a plunger that can substantially contain the self-expanding intravaginal device without significant insertion barrel distortion while maintaining comfortable applicator insertion. The barrel has an insertion end, an opposed gripper end, and a central portion therebetween, and it is arranged and configured to substantially contain the 10 self-expanding intravaginal device. The plunger is in telescoping relation with the barrel, and it is arranged and configured to expel the self-expanding intravaginal device out of the insertion end of the barrel when the plunger is pushed into the gripper end of the barrel. A plurality of flexible petals substantially closes the insertion end of the barrel, and the central portion of the barrel has a load to 3 mm deflection of at least 15 about 15 Newtons. Other aspects of the invention include a self-expanding intravaginal urinary incontinence system, and methods of making the applicator. Fig. 1 Fig.634 14 Fig. 2 18 22