Abstract: Novel precipitated calcium carbonate particles of varying size and shape, are prepared by adding gaseous carbon dioxide to an aqueous slurry containing basic calcium carbonate under a selectively controlled reaction environment. In its preferred embodiment precipitated calcium carbonate particles having a prismatic shape and an average equivalent spheroidal diameter of between about 1.5 and about 6.5 microns; large irregularly shaped particles having an average equivalent spherical diameter of between about 15 and about 25 microns; and multi-faceted spheroidal particles having an average equivalent spherical diameter of between 5 and about 15 microns, are provided. The reaction environment includes temperatures of between 0.degree. C. and 60.degree. C. and a surface active polyphosphate additive present in amounts of from about 0.1 and about 1.0 percent by weight.

Abstract: An implantable artificial sphincter system for reversibly occluding a body passageway, preferably the urethra, enables the body passageway to be opened and closed in sequence due to the action of a lifting and lowering device which is adapted to be in integral contact with or disposed about the body passageway. An actuating device is operably connected to the lifting and lowering device, and a pump capable of being volitionally operated is in fluid communication with the actuating device to provide a pressurized flow of fluid into the actuating device.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis for alleviating erectile impotency includes a generally tubular enclosure which is implantable within the corpus cavernosum. The tubular enclosure includes a generally non-distensible pressurizable chamber which when filled with fluid substantially to capacity will transform the prosthesis from the flaccid to an erect state, and a unique inflation valve assembly comprising two valves in longitudinally sequential relationship which will open or close under sequentially applied pressure differential conditions. The prosthesis includes a pump implantable in the body apart from the tubular enclosure, preferably in the scrotum, and a deflation valve.

Abstract: An inflatable penile prosthesis having at least one inflatable cylinder or pressurizable chamber, a fluid reservoir, pump means, and valves for permitting the flow of fluid between said reservoir and cylinder or chamber as a consequence of pressure changes, wherein to prevent spontaneous inflation there is provided an additional lock-out valve disposed at a point between the reservoir and chamber, which will be opened only by the application of a suitable pressure or force exerted volitionally from without the prosthesis. In a preferred embodiment the prosthesis is of a non-unitary type in which the pump means is in the scrotum.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis implantable within the corpus cavernosum of the penis in order to alleviate erectile impotency includes a unique deflation valve mechanism for returning the prosthesis from the erect to the flaccid state. In its preferred embodiment the prosthesis is of a unitary type comprising a distal portion including a pump, a medial portion defining a pressurizable chamber comprising an internal, tubular, substantially non-distensible portion and a concentric tubular sleeve, and a proximal portion including a fluid reservoir, the latter being in fluid communication with the pump. The deflation valve mechanism is activated in accordance with pressure differential conditions within the valve and a movable or distensible partition capable of exerting an internal force within the valve to place the valve in an open mode, thereby effecting the deflation of the prosthesis or hydraulic system in which the valve mechanism is present. Apparatus for extending the length of the prosthesis are also provided.

Abstract: An implantable artificial sphincter system for reversibly occluding a body passageway, which system includes occlusion means, pump means, and the unique feature of a fluid capacitor disposed on a control assembly for the system, which is capable of increasing volume under fluid pressure. The fluid capacitor is connected with the occlusion means in such fashion that said occlusion means will remain substantially inflated during short, but significant, pressure increases, but will at least partially deflate upon the advent of prolonged but moderate pressure increases on the body passageway. While in its preferred embodiment no other fluid containing component is needed, if desired a volume compensator can also be included in the system. A valve preferably of the magnetic type can also be included for activating or deactivating the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling the discharge of materials through a body passage. The invention comprises a fluid actuated artificial sphincter mechanism that surrounds the body passage. The artificial sphincter includes an inflatable cuff surrounded by a hollow resilient C-shaped reservoir ring. The cuff, ring and pump are in fluid communication with each other. The fluid communication between the cuff and reservoir ring is controlled by a flow resistor means. In operation, the pump draws fluid from the cuff and diverts the fluid into a reservoir ring. By pumping the fluid from the cuff, the cuff deflates opening the body passage. Pumping the fluid into the reservoir ring increases the pressure in the ring causing the ring to open. As the ring opens the ring allows the cuff to move further away from the body passage opening the body passage further. The fluid displaced in the ring is continuously diverted from the reservoir ring back to the cuff.