Abstract: A removable external closure device is disclosed for managing female urinary incontinence. The device includes a resilient, deformable, hollow body portion and a flange which seals against the tissue surrounding the urethral orifice. When the body portion is squeezed and the flange positioned against the tissue surrounding the urethral orifice, the resilience of the body portion creates a vacuum which holds the device in place and closes the urethral orifice. The device is configured to promote tearing of the flange after a predetermined period of normal use so as to insure that the patient will change the device regularly and thus minimize the possibility of creating an infection or tissue irritation that could result from use of a contaminated or dirty device. In one aspect of the invention tearing is promoted by at least the flange being formed of a composition which exhibits a low tear strength.

Abstract: A catheter having a relatively soft body formed of a hydrophobic elastomer and a tip portion coated with a water insoluble hydrophilic polymer grafted thereto to impart, in the dry state, rigidity to the tip portion. In use the hydrophilic coating absorbs or adsorbs water with resultant softening of the coating so as to render the tip portion soft. A method of facilitating placement of a catheter utilizing a transitorily rigidified tip portion is taught.

Abstract: A ureteral stent for maintaining drainage of urine between the kidney and the bladder including an elongated flexible silicone tubular member having a series of helical coils on its distal end, the longitudinal axis of which is parallel to the tubular member. A retention coil is formed on the proximal end of the tubular member for reception in the renal pelvis and drainage holes are formed along the length of the stent. The stent is straightened for insertion by means of a wire guide.

Abstract: A catheter or the like having a body portion formed of a hydrophobic elastomer and having a predetermined selected portion of the exterior surface, intermediate the ends, coated with a hydrophilic elastomer for reception of a microbiocide along a limited portion at the cite of the entry of the catheter into the body.

Abstract: A vent assembly for a closed body fluid drainage system having a fluid retaining bag with a body engageable fluid draining tube extending therefrom. The venting assembly comprises, in spatial relationship, an outer, gas permeable, liquid-wetting bacteria filter, and an inner, gas permeable, liquid-repellent filter. In use, the vent assembly provides for the free exchange of gases flowing into and out of the fluid drainage system while effectively precluding entrance of bacteria and the like.

Abstract: A vent assembly for a closed body fluid drainage system having a fluid retaining bag with a body engageable fluid draining tube extending therefrom. The venting assembly comprises, in spatial relationship, an outer, gas permeable, liquid-wetting bacteria filter, and an inner, gas permeable, liquid-repellent filter. In use, the vent assembly provides for the free exchange of gases flowing into and out of the fluid drainage system while effectively precluding entrance of bacteria and the like.