Abstract: A device for use within a woman's urethra for obstructing urine outflow when the pressure in the woman's abdomen is at or above a threshold pressure level (IAP1). The device also allows urine outflow when the intra-abdominal pressure is below the threshold pressure level (IAP1). The device includes a flexible tube that is configured to be inserted into a urethra, wherein the tube defines a lumen that has inlet and outlet openings. The tube is configured to receive, conduct and discharge urine. The tube is further configured such that the lumen is at least partially obstructed when the pressure on the urethra surrounding the tube at least meets the threshold pressure (IAP1), and the lumen is more open when the pressure on the urethra surrounding the tube is at a level below a second, lower, threshold pressure (IAP2).

Abstract: An apparatus (60) for use within a woman's urethra (9) for inhibiting urine outflow when her intra-abdominal pressure rises. The apparatus (60) includes a generally tubular device (50) having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis. Device (50) comprises structure (5) that is constructed and arranged to define a longitudinal passageway (14) that extends entirely through the device (50) from the proximal end to the distal end. Structure (5) is further constructed and arranged to be altered via an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, from a first state in which the passageway (14) is open along its length and able to conduct urine to a second state in which the passageway (14a) is more restricted or is closed off, to inhibit the passage of urine.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) for use within a woman's urethra (9) for inhibiting urine outflow when her intra-abdominal pressure rises. The apparatus (60) includes a generally tubular device (50) having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis. Device (50) comprises structure (5) that is constructed and arranged to define a longitudinal passageway (14) that extends entirely through the device (50) from the proximal end to the distal end. Structure (5) is further constructed and arranged to be altered via an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, from a first state in which the passageway (14) is open along its length and able to conduct urine to a second state in which the passageway (14a) is more restricted or is closed off, to inhibit the passage of urine.