Patent ID: 8247642

Claim:
A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body, the device sized to fit a human vagina and comprising at least one fluid transport element arranged and configured to interface with a vaginal wall to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit to a fluid storage element in fluid communication therewith; wherein (1) a distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is arranged and configured to extend away from the fluid storage element and (2) the at least one fluid transport element comprises at least a first, substantially continuous plate having an outwardly oriented surface and an inwardly oriented surface and (3) the fluid transport element further comprises a second plate coupled to and capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action, the second plate comprising a first, substantially continuous surface disposed and maintained in facing relationship with the inwardly oriented, substantially continuous surface of the first plate and an opposite surface.