In the medical device industry capsules are used as a swallowing or insertion aid.

Gelatin is physiologically inert and dissolves within 5 to 10 minutes in body temperature fluids.  Disintegration in body cavities and in tissue takes longer.

The product concepts presented below are to aid creative thinking for new uses for capsules by qualified medical and health professionals.  By presenting these concepts Torpac does not warranty their medical or technical feasibility, commercial viability, patent status, etc.  

·        A traditional size and shape capsule may be used to contain a measuring device that is made easier to swallow by encapsulation in a capsule.  In the stomach the capsule dissolves to release the measuring device, which then passes out of the body normally.  Alternatively, the measuring device can be tethered to a string and retrieved orally.

·        A custom size capsule may be used to contain de-mineralized bone or other compounds for use in reconstructive surgery.  Capsules have been found to dissolve in body tissue in published literature.

·        A custom shape capsule may be used to cover the insertion end of a tube or other flexible medical device and allow it to be inserted through a smaller incision. The capsule presents a smooth, lubricated, leading surface to ease the passage of the tube or device. After about 5-10 minutes the capsule dissolves allowing for the use of the tube or device in drainage, sample collection, etc.