Abstract: Systems and methods for the clinical diagnosis of functional bladder states and disorders based upon contractile frequencies and variability. Systems and methods are also provided for the clinical diagnosis of functional bowel states and disorders based upon contractile frequencies and variability.

Abstract: An implantable vessel occlusive device and method for occluding a vessel are described, for example to occlude the urethra or bladder neck. The devices and methods described utilize an occlusive member connected to a control mechanism. The occlusive member is reversibly changed from a non-occlusive condition to an occlusive condition, for example by depressing an activation button contained within a resilient, elastomeric cover surrounding the control mechanism. In the occlusive position, an initial tension is applied to the occlusive member through a tensioning suture. The tension is translated into an occlusive pressure applied to the urethra or bladder neck that is sufficient to prevent urinary leakage. The non-occlusive position can be obtained by depressing the de-activation button. The occlusive member is constructed to allow elution of drugs, such as may be required to combat infection or tissue encapsulation from its surface.

Abstract: An implantable vessel occlusive device and method for occluding a vessel are described, for example to occlude the urethra or bladder neck. The devices and methods described utilize an occlusive member connected to a control mechanism. The occlusive member is reversibly changed from a non-occlusive condition to an occlusive condition, for example by depressing an activation button contained within a resilient, elastomeric cover surrounding the control mechanism. In the occlusive position, an initial tension is applied to the occlusive member through a tensioning suture. The tension is translated into an occlusive pressure applied to the urethra or bladder neck that is sufficient to prevent urinary leakage. The non-occlusive position can be obtained by depressing the de-activation button. The occlusive member is constructed to allow elution of drugs, such as may be required to combat infection or tissue encapsulation from its surface.

Abstract: An implantable incontinence device and method provides for occluding the urethra in preventing urine leakage. The device includes an occluding member connected to a control mechanism. The occluding member is movable from a contracted (occlusive) condition to an expansive (non-occlusive) condition by activating and deactivating the control mechanism. A drug coating is disposed on a portion of the implantable incontinence device. The drug coating elutes a bioaffecting or pharmaceutical composition to minimize capsular tissue formation, so that prevention of urine leakage can be facilitated.

Abstract: An implantable vessel occlusive device and method for occluding a vessel are described, for example to occlude the urethra or bladder neck. The devices and methods described utilize an occlusive member connected to a control mechanism. The occlusive member is reversibly changed from a non-occlusive condition to an occlusive condition, for example by depressing an activation button contained within a resilient, elastomeric cover surrounding the control mechanism. In the occlusive position, an initial tension is applied to the occlusive member through a tensioning suture. The tension is translated into an occlusive pressure applied to the urethra or bladder neck that is sufficient to prevent urinary leakage. The non-occlusive position can be obtained by depressing the de-activation button. The occlusive member is constructed to allow elution of drugs, such as may be required to combat infection or tissue encapsulation from its surface.

Abstract: A penile compression device for preventing urinary leaking and method for the same. First and second semi-rigid support arm are connected at opposing ends in their length direction. The support arms are biased towards each other in a resting position. The support arms are compressible from the length direction such that the support arms deform away from each other. An open region is formed between the support arms when the support arms are deformed, and enables penis insertion between the support arms. Releasing compression of the support arms enables the support arms to bias from a deformed position to a clamped position, whereby the support arms compress a male urethra to prevent urinary leakage. An absorbent sleeve may be affixed to the support arms to capture and hold any urine leakage.

Abstract: A penile compression device for preventing urinary leaking and method for the same. First and second semi-rigid support arm are connected at opposing ends in their length direction. The support arms are biased towards each other in a resting position. The support arms are compressible from the length direction such that the support arms deform away from each other. An open region is formed between the support arms when the support arms are deformed, and enables penis insertion between the support arms. Releasing compression of the support arms enables the support arms to bias from a deformed position to a clamped position, whereby the support arms compress a male urethra to prevent urinary leakage. An absorbent sleeve may be affixed to the support arms to capture and hold any urine leakage.

Abstract: A penile compression device for preventing urinary leaking and method for the same. First and second semi-rigid support arm are connected at opposing ends in their length direction. The support arms are biased towards each other in a resting position. The support arms are compressible from the length direction such that the support arms deform away from each other. An open region is formed between the support arms when the support arms are deformed, and enables penis insertion between the support arms. Releasing compression of the support arms enables the support arms to bias from a deformed position to a clamped position, whereby the support arms compress a male urethra to prevent urinary leakage. An absorbent sleeve may be affixed to the support arms to capture and hold any urine leakage.

Abstract: An implantable vessel occlusive device and method for occluding a vessel are described, for example to occlude the urethra or bladder neck. The devices and methods described utilize an occlusive member connected to a control mechanism. The occlusive member is reversibly changed from a non-occlusive condition to an occlusive condition, for example by depressing an activation button contained within a resilient, elastomeric cover surrounding the control mechanism. In the occlusive position, an initial tension is applied to the occlusive member through a tensioning suture. The tension is translated into an occlusive pressure applied to the urethra or bladder neck that is sufficient to prevent urinary leakage. The non-occlusive position can be obtained by depressing the de-activation button. The occlusive member is constructed to allow elution of drugs, such as may be required to combat infection or tissue encapsulation from its surface.

Abstract: A urethral occlusive assembly includes an implant component and external component. The implant component includes a flexible bridge member connecting two opposed implant supports. The implant component is implanted about a dorsal surface of an animal urethra. An external component is disposed external to and proximate the animal urethra. The external component operatively communicates with the implant component to transmit a compressive load on the urethra. By communication between the implant and external components, either the implant component or the external component actively compresses the urethra against the flexible bridge member, thereby effecting urinary continence.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a vacuum erection device, and more particularly with a combined vacuum seal and penile constriction ring used in conjunction with the vacuum erection device. One embodiment of the invention is a penile seal and constriction ring device that includes a webbing member having an outer circumference, a retaining ring defining an outer diameter of the device, and a sealing ring disposed between the retaining ring and the webbing member. The sealing ring is radially spaced from the retaining ring and includes an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the sealing ring is capable of forming a seal with a second surface independent from the exterior surface of the sealing ring. The device also includes an aperture with sidewalls formed in the webbing member. In a further embodiment, the device is capable of attaching to a vacuum cylinder. In this embodiment, the exterior surface of the sealing ring engages an interior surface of the vacuum cylinder to form a seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a vacuum erection device, and more particularly with a combined vacuum seal and penile constriction ring used in conjunction with the vacuum erection device. One embodiment of the invention is a penile seal and constriction ring device that includes a webbing member having an outer circumference, a retaining ring defining an outer diameter of the device, and a sealing ring disposed between the retaining ring and the webbing member. The sealing ring is radially spaced from the retaining ring and includes an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the sealing ring is capable of forming a seal with a second surface independent from the exterior surface of the sealing ring. The device also includes an aperture with sidewalls formed in the webbing member. In a further embodiment, the device is capable of attaching to a vacuum cylinder. In this embodiment, the exterior surface of the sealing ring engages an interior surface of the vacuum cylinder to form a seal.

Abstract: An occlusive apparatus and method for reversibly occluding fluid conveying vessels in the body. In one embodiment, the occlusive apparatus includes an occlusive member adapted for at least partially encircling a vessel, with the occlusive member including an intrinsic spring force therein for exerting an occluding pressure on the vessel while the occlusive member at least partially encircles the vessel. A control mechanism is operatively connected to the occlusive member, with the control mechanism being arranged and configured to counteract the intrinsic spring force of the occlusive member and thereby remove the occluding pressure on the vessel while the occlusive member is at least partially encircling the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel occlusive apparatus for reversibly occluding a fluid conveying vessel in a human and/or animal. In one embodiment the vessel occlusive apparatus comprises an elongated member at least partially encircling the vessel, and means connected to the elongated member for applying tension to the elongated whereby pressure is applied to the vessel to prevent fluid from passing therethrough.

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: An apparatus (10) for measuring a predetermined penile rigidity or hardness in a penile tumescent event. The apparatus (10) includes a band-like structure (12) for releasably engaging a penis (11). Suitably attached and associated with band-like structure (12) are releasable fasteners (15) for detecting a predetermined force in a penile tumescent event whereby penile rigidity or hardness can be measured.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis (20) including an articulated column (28) of segments (90) disposed intermediate of first and second end portions (24,26) of an elongated body (22) of the prosthesis (20). A tension assembly (31) cooperates with the segments (90) for causing frictional contact between the segments (90) at joints (96). The frictional contact resulting in a frictional force sufficient to provide the prosthesis (20) with positional stability throughout its range of motion, whereby the prosthesis will remain in any position where placed throughout its range of motion.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for measuring a predetermined penile rigidity or hardness in a penile tumescent event. The apparatus (10) includes a band-like structure (12) for releasably engaging a penis (11). Suitably attached and associated with band-like structure (12) are releasable fasteners (15) for detecting a predetermined force in a penile tumescent event whereby penile rigidity or hardness can be measured.

Abstract: A bistable penile prosthesis (20) designed to be surgically implanted in the penis for the treatment of erectile impotence. The prosthesis includes an articulated column (26) enclosed within an outer elongated sheath (28). The articulated column (26) has segments (250) including interlocking means for reducing radial slippage between the facing ends of adjacent ones of the segments (250) whereby the likelihood of the segments (250) becoming disjointed is reduced.

Abstract: A penile rigidity and tumescence monitor apparatus is disclosed. The monitor apparatus includes a transducer apparatus (20) for providing output signals indicative of penile rigidity and tumescence throughout a penile tumescence event. A control apparatus (22) is operatively interconnected to the transducer apparatus (20) for providing control thereover. The control apparatus (22) also provides for acquisition and storage of penile rigidity and tumescence data represented by the output signals received from the transducer apparatus (20).