Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treatment of male incontinence and a method for female cystocele repair in which a sling material is positioned between the descending rami of the pubic bone. In such an operation a “hammock-like” sling material is positioned below the urethra in males, or below the posterior bladder wall in the case of cystocele in females.
Abstract: A device (20) for treatment of a patient's urinary incontinence, including a sensor, (44), which generates a signal responsive to a physiological characteristic indicative of a likelihood of incontinence. A control unit (22) receives the signal from the sensor. At least one electrode (29) is preferably implanted in the patient. The electrode is coupled to cause contraction of a pelvic muscle of the patient responsive to application of electrical energy to the electrode. Responsive to the signal, the control unit applies an electrical waveform to the electrode, so as to inhibit the incontinence.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 24, 2003
Date of Patent:
September 1, 2009
Assignee:
AMS Research Corporation
Inventors:
Yossi Gross, Ehud Cohen, Israel Nissenkorn, David Lifschitz
Abstract: Surgical training models of the abdominopelvic region of male and female human patient's bodies to assist in training an operator in microsurgical techniques are disclosed. The surgical training models may be used in training in implantation of implantable medical devices, e.g., in the performance of surgical procedures using particular sling implantation tools to implant a urethral sling to support the urethra or bladder to treat incontinence.
Abstract: Anatomic models of the abdominopelvic region of a male human patient's body to assist in demonstrating or in training medical personnel in microsurgical techniques are disclosed. The anatomic models preferably demonstrate the passage of elongated medical instruments through the perineum to or into the prostate. The anatomic models preferably comprise a substantially transparent elastomer body mass encasing a relatively rigid skeletal frame and at least a prostate model. The elastomer mass is shaped to simulate the perineum overlying the prostate between a penis model and an anal opening.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 2, 2006
Date of Patent:
June 9, 2009
Assignee:
AMS Research Corporation
Inventors:
Sidney F. Hauschild, Vincent G. Copa, Kory P. Hamel, Adam L. Gullickson
Abstract: A book molding system including a bottom mold portion, a top mold portion, a core retainer bar and a hinge mechanism. At least one of the bottom mold portion and the top mold portion has a molding recess formed therein. The hinge mechanism pivotally attaches the bottom mold portion, the top mold portion and the core retainer bar so that the core retainer bar is intermediate the bottom mold portion and the top mold portion.
Abstract: An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 22, 2004
Date of Patent:
April 14, 2009
Assignee:
AMS Research Corporation
Inventors:
Christopher A. Thierfelder, John W. Westrum, Jr.
Abstract: A cryoablation system including a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, an expandable balloon extending from the distal end of the cannula and fluidly connected to a source of heat transfer fluid by at least one fluid path, a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid into and out of the balloon, a probe handle coupled to the proximal end of the cannula and in fluidic communication with the balloon through the cannula, and a heat exchanger for varying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a secondary refrigerant source. The heat exchanger may be positioned within the probe handle, within the cannula, or at least partially within the balloon. The heat transfer fluid of this cryoablation system preferably has a freezing point lower than about ?110° C. and a boiling point greater than about 50° C.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 22, 2004
Date of Patent:
March 10, 2009
Assignee:
AMS Research Corporation
Inventors:
David W. Vancelette, Nicholas R. van der Walt, Jia Hua Xiao, Eva S. Snitkin
Abstract: A method of treating pelvic organ prolapse is provided. The method generally includes the steps of establishing a first pathway between the external perirectal region of the patient to the region of the ischial spine in tissue on one side of the prolapsed organ, followed by establishing a second pathway in tissue on the contralateral side of the prolapsed organ. A support member, which includes a central support portion and two end portions, is positioned in a position to reposition said prolapsed organ in said organ's anatomically correct location. The end portions of the support member are introduced through the respective tissue pathways, followed by adjustment of the end portions so that the support member is located in a therapeutic relationship to the prolapsed organ that is to be supported. An apparatus and kit for said treatment is further provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 30, 2004
Date of Patent:
March 10, 2009
Assignee:
AMS Research Corporation
Inventors:
James E Cox, Kimberly A. Anderson, Robert E Lund, Brian P. Watschke
Abstract: A fiber optic, and method for making the same, having glass cladding diameters, or overall glass diameters, or glass-clad sections upon polymer clad fiber, that are large than the bulk of the fiber.
Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The pump assembly has an actuating bar with ribs to enhance the spring force applied to a flow valve, a support structure to support and appropriately position the actuating bar, and a check valve made of metal with a segment covered with a plastic material. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the cylinders from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 8, 2004
Date of Patent:
October 21, 2008
Assignee:
AMS Research Corporation
Inventors:
Gregory J. Henkel, Larry E. Waldack, Charles C. Kuyava, Randy L. Morningstar, John G. Almli
Abstract: Described are surgical instruments for use in surgical procedures, related methods, systems, and kits, the instruments including features that optionally include one or more specific dimensions, and features that may result in an ergonomic advantage during use.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 3, 2006
Date of Patent:
September 9, 2008
Assignee:
AMS Research Corporation
Inventors:
Kevin R. Arnal, Christian Gozzi, Peter Rehder
Abstract: Penile implant devices and methods are disclosed. A penile implant device in accordance with the present invention includes an implantable penile prosthesis pre-connected to a needle by a suture. The needle and suture may also be at least partially enclosed in a sheath or the like. In accordance with the present invention, a penile prosthesis is connected to a needle by a suture during a pre-operative storage period of the penile implant device. For example, the penile prosthesis may be connected to the needle during manufacture of the penile implant device.
Abstract: A penile prosthesis is provided, which includes a generally cylindrical body portion comprising a cavity with an inner wall, a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one volume-displacing member occupying at least a portion of the cavity, wherein the at least one volume-displacing member is smaller in at least one dimension than the dimensions of the cavity to provide an internal chamber at least partially surrounding the at least one volume-displacing member and adjacent to the inner wall of the cavity. The prosthesis further includes a fluid transfer tube extending from the body portion for transferring fluid to and from the internal chamber, wherein the device is convertible from a flaccid condition to a rigid condition when a sufficient volume of fluid is transferred into the internal chamber to substantially fill the internal chamber.
Abstract: A device and method for treatment of urinary stress incontinence. At least one electrode is implanted in a pelvic muscle of a patient. A control unit receives signals indicative of abdominal stress in the patient and responsive thereto applies an electrical waveform to the electrode which stimulates the muscle to contract, so as to inhibit involuntary urine flow through the patient's urethra due to the stress.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 30, 2004
Date of Patent:
June 17, 2008
Assignee:
AMS Research Corporation
Inventors:
Yossi Gross, Ehud Cohen, Israel Nissenkorn, David Lifschitz
Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the user. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the pump assembly from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 21, 2005
Date of Patent:
April 1, 2008
Assignee:
AMS Research Corporation
Inventors:
Charles C. Kuyava, John W. Westrum, Jr., David W. Clark
Abstract: A method for cystocele repair comprising the steps of: establishing four pathways in tissue around a bladder of a patient, introducing a strap into each of said pathways, and positioning beneath said bladder of said patient a support member having each said strap connected thereto such that said bladder of said patient is supported by said support member and a bulge of said bladder into a vagina of said patient is reduced.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 7, 2004
Date of Patent:
April 1, 2008
Assignee:
AMS Research Corporation
Inventors:
Karen Pilney Montpetit, Kimberly A Anderson, Brian P Watschke