Abstract: An intra-vaginal urinary incontinence device basically comprises a resilient base portion (31), and a bladder support portion (40) extending away from the base portion (31) and having two opposed projections having a support section (30) therebetween forming a cradle (32) which receives and supports the neck of the bladder. The base portion is flexible to allow insertion into the vagina and the size and position of the cradle can be varied for different patients. The two projections may extend from the base portion directly or be formed on the end of a stalk and the support section is preferably arranged above the plane of the base portion.

Abstract: A temperature sensor (10), which is connected to a sampling/recording meter (14), is imbedded in a diaper (22). The meter measures and records the temperature of the sensor at time intervals of, for example, one minute over a predetermined period of, for example, three days. The temperature and time data are then loaded from the meter to a computer (30), which causes a printer (40) to plot temperature versus time data in graphical format, and numerical format. Voiding events are identified. Thereafter, at a short time before the person will void, the person can voluntarily use a toilet or bed pan either alone or with the assistance of care giver. This voluntary voiding is an example of intervention. The meter includes an event button (44) that allows the recording and later printing of a symbol representing a specific event and the time the event occurred. The symbols may be used in identifying voiding events.

Abstract: An external male anti-incontinence device (20) including a cradle member (22) and elastic strap assembly (24). The cradle member (22) includes a dorsal arm member (26) and a ventral arm member (28) in axial alignment with an opening (29) defined intermediate thereof. The ventral arm member (28) includes an integral urethral occlusion pad (30). The cradle member (20) includes integral hinges (32) interconnecting the dorsal and ventral arm members (26, 28). The cradle member (22) being hinged about an axis perpendicular to the axial alignment of dorsal and ventral arm members (26, 28) such that when positioned onto a penile shaft (60) the cradle member (22) is hinged about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the penile shaft (60).

Abstract: A urinary incontinence valve for placement in the urethra of a male or female patient and which is magnetically-actuable from outside the body. The valve body is designed to fit into the neck of the bladder and includes an actuator rod which extends out of the valve body and into the bladder itself, providing greater freedom of movement of a valve surface relative to the valve seat. A compression spring normally urges the valve member to its closed position and when so closed, the compression spring is maintained in a urine-free environment.

Abstract: A method for implanting an artificial sphincter to control urinary incontinence in a patient includes two implantation procedures and an intervening interval of testing and healing. The first procedure employs a trocar or laparoscope to insert and position an inflatable compression balloon 66 in the patient's space of Retzuis between the patients's posterior pubic symphysis and bladder neck/urethra 12,14 with a fluid conduit 26 extending transcutaneously through the abdominal wall. Using a trocar and Foley catheter, the patient's anterior bladder is elevated and connected to the patient's abdominal wall by a felt matrix or mesh patch 32 to effectively lengthen and stabilize the urethra. The conduit is used externally to determine respective first and second fluid pressures needed to occlude the urethra and to permit voiding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling urinary incontinence in a patient includes positioning a reservoir containing fluid subcutaneously over the patient's anterior pubis; an inflatable compression balloon between the patient's posterior pubic symphysis and urethra; and a conduit extending over the pubis for fluid communication between said reservoir and said compression balloon. The compression balloon is inflated in response to fluid flow from said reservoir, when manually compressed by the patient. A manually releasable, one-way valve positioned in the conduit between said reservoir and said compression means retains fluid in the compression balloon under pressure and is externally actuable by the patient for equilibrating pressure in the reservoir and compression balloons to permit voiding. The bladder of the patient is elevated and connected anteriorly to the patient's abdominal wall by a felt matrix or mesh patch affixed to the bladder to effectively lengthen and stabilize the urethra.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method of using a device by patients who suffer from urinary incontinence. This device is a flexible urethral plug which has two components: a molded soft inflatable plastic catheter and a transportable fluid. The fluid can be moved from an external bellows, through a check valve to inflate and distend the device within the urethra, the bladder neck or the bladder causing the device to block the flow of urine through the urethra and assist the natural function of the sphincter in closing the urethra.

Abstract: A device for preventing involuntary micturition, preferably in human females, comprises an oblong, comparatively thin shaft (1). This shaft (1) carries at least one knob (2, 3, 4) forming a thickening on the shaft (1) and being arranged at a distance from the proximal end of the shaft (1). The proximal end of the shaft (1) is provided with a comparatively thin, transverse flap (5).

Abstract: An intra-vaginal device to aid in controlling urinary incontinence, the device includes a central portion (12) of an arcuate configuration to be positioned within the vagina in an upwardly convex orientation, a pair of rearward projections (22) which engage the posterior vaginal wall, a pair of forward projections (18) which engage the anterior vaginal wall adjacent the bladder neck to lift the bladder adjacent thereto, a bladder neck cradle (20) to cradle the bladder neck, with the device being formed of resilient material so as to flex into engagement with the vaginal wall to be retained in position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling urinary incontinence in a patient includes positioning a reservoir containing fluid subcutaneously over the patient's anterior pubis; an inflatable compression balloon between the patient's posterior pubic symphysis and urethra; and a conduit extending over the pubis for fluid communication between said reservoir and said compression balloon. The compression balloon is inflated in response to fluid flow from said reservoir, when manually compresed by the patient. A manually releasable, one-way valve positioned in the conduit between said reservoir and said compression device retains fluid in the compression balloon under pressure and is externally actuable by the patient for equilibrating pressure in the reservoir and compression balloons to permit voiding. The bladder of the patient is elevated and connected anteriorly to the patient's abdominal wall by a felt matrix or mesh patch affixed to the bladder to effectively lengthen and stabilize the urethra.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a diagnostic and biofeedback study and treatment of enuresis having an undergarment to be worn by the patient and sensors for detecting the presence of urine positioned thereon, a monitoring device with a time keeping component, a computer chip for recording the time of each detected enuresis incident, an alarm generating component having several operating modes and a power source component. Further, the apparatus has wires for electrically interconnecting the sensors and the monitoring device, and a clip for attaching the monitoring device to the undergarment.

Abstract: A training device directed to helping prevent nocturnal enuresis in males. The device inlcudes a pair of elongated members for positioning along opposite sides of a penis. The elongated members are hinged together at one end allowing the elongated members to be folded toward one another around the opposite sides of the penis. An inelastic belt attached to one of the elongated members at a point between opposite ends of the belt can be wrapped around the members and the penis to press the members against the penis and thereby help avoid accidental dislodgement of the device. The elongated members have a semicircular cross section across the direction of elongation, the semicircular faces being oriented toward one another when the elongated members are folded parallel to one another. The inward orientation of the semicircular faces allows the device to be fitted relatively comfortably and aids in preventing dislodgement of the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling urinary incontinence in a patient includes positioning a reservoir containing fluid subcutaneously over the patient's anterior pubis; an inflatable compression balloon between the patient's posterior pubic symphysis and urethra; and a conduit extending over the pubis for fluid communication between a reservoir and a compression balloon. The compression balloon is inflated in response to fluid flow from the reservoir, when manually compressed by the patient. A manually releasable, one-way valve positioned in the conduit between the reservoir and a compression balloon retains fluid in the compression balloon under pressure and is externally actuable by the patient for equilibrating pressure in the reservoir and compression balloons to permit voiding. The bladder of the patient is elevated and connected anteriorly to the patient's abdominal wall by a felt matrix or mesh patch affixed to the bladder to effectively lengthen and stabilize the urethra.

Abstract: An external incontinency device having first and second rigid, arcuate members hinged together at one end has a releaseable securing device at the other end. The inside of the first member is padded. A compression bar having a padded upper surface is hingedly mounted at one end to the second member. The compression bar is moveable between a position in which it will compress the uretha and a position in which the uretha is not compressed. An L-shaped lever is pivotally mounted in a slot in the second member at the juncture of its two legs. One leg extends outside the second member and serves as an operating handle. The other leg engages the compression bar to cause it to compress. Moving the handle will disengage the other leg to permit urination.In an alternate embodiment the second arcuate member serves to compress the uretha. In this embodiment the device must be loosened to urinate.

Abstract: A male external catheter having an insert of flexible plastic secured within the funnel-shaped end portion of the catheter. The insert reinforces the catheter's end portion and carries an antimicrobial agent to reduce risks of urinary tract infection for the wearer.

Abstract: An intra-vaginal device to aid in controlling urinary incontinence, said device including a body with a forward portion to engage the anterior vaginal wall adjacent the bladder neck, which forward portion is expandable to close the bladder neck.

Abstract: A penile clamp has a flexible member for encircling the shaft of the penis. It can be tightened around the penis. The arrangement and construction of the flexible member is such that such tightening causes a localized pressure to be applied to a central portion of the underside of the penile shaft.

Abstract: A penile constrictor ring consisting of a length of elastic material and a latch for securing the ends thereof together to form a ring which may be placed about the penis in constricting relation thereto to inhibit the circulation of blood therein. Electrically actuated release means are provided to release the latch either automatically by the action of a timer after a predetermined time lapse, in order to prevent damage to the flesh of the organ, or in response to the reception of a radio signal from a transmitter held in the hand of the user, in order to allow normal ejaculation at the time of orgasm. An entirely manual release means is also provided as a safety measure in the event of failure of the electrical systems. An applicator tool is also provided for easy application of the latched and stretched ring to the penis.

Abstract: The incontinence control device of the present invention as described includes a cloth strap adapted to encircle a penis, the strap having cooperative pressure adherence layers on portions of the inner and outer surfaces so that the strap can form a circumference when the inner adherence layer is engaged with the outer adherence layer of the strap. The inner surface of the strap also has a compressible pad adjacent the pressure adherence layer and another compressible pad in fixed relation to the first pad. An inflatable sac is affixed to the strap between the two compressible pads. A tube passes through the strap to communicate with the interior of the inflatable sac at one end of the tube. A check valve is attached at the other end of the tube. A syringe is adapted to engage the check valve so that air in the syringe can be injected through the tube into the sac to inflate the sac.