Abstract: An implantable apparatus for controlling the flow of body fluids through a body passage includes a cuff which can be inflated with pressurizing fluids to close the body passage, a push button actuated and expandible reservoir for the pressurizing fluid and tubing connecting the cuff and the reservoir to form a closed system. The reservoir includes a pumping chamber having a tension spring positioned therein and a push rod located outside the pumping chamber. The push rod is attached to a push button which when actuated expands the volume of the reservoir to receive pressurizing fluids from the cuff thereby allowing the cuff to deflate and the body passage to open.

Abstract: An artificial sphincter comprises a closed hydraulic system which includes an inflatable occlusion means which is normally inflated with hydraulic fluid under pressure to cut off flow through a body passage. An accumulator balloon having a relatively inelastic shell serves as a reservoir for hydraulic fluid for the inflatable occlusion means and includes a gas filled bladder within the inelastic shell to maintain a constant pressure in the system. The system also contains a pump to suck fluid from the occlusion means to deflate it and open the body passage to fluid flow and tubing connecting the inflatable occlusion means, the accumulator balloon and the pump to complete a closed system. The sphincter also includes a pressure intensifier which temporarily increases the pressure in the occlusion means to compensate for an anticipated increase in fluid pressure in the body passage.

Abstract: A penile erectile system which is adapted to be surgically implanted in man for the treatment of erectile impotence includes at least one penile implant comprising an elongated, flexible cylindrical body adapted to be implanted in the corpus cavernosum of a penis, said body having a tip at one end and an anchoring stem at the other end and an intermediate section including a pair of inner and outer chambers substantially filled with fluid and connected by a passage. The body also includes internal pump means for transferring fluid into the inner chamber and a control valve for controlling pressure in the inner chamber. The inner chamber is non-distensible so that when it is filled and pressurized by transferring fluid thereto it becomes rigid and supports the penis in an erectile state.

Abstract: An artificial sphincter comprises an inflatable occlusion means which is normally inflated with hydraulic fluid under pressure to cut off flow through a body passage, an improved accumulator balloon having a relatively inelastic shell which serves as a reservoir for hydraulic fluid for the inflatable occlusion means and a gas filled bladder which controls fluid pressure in the closed system, a pump to suck fluid from the occlusion means to deflate it and open the body passage to fluid flow and tubing connecting the inflatable occlusion means, the accumulator balloon and the pump to form a closed system. The sphincter also includes a first check valve at the inflatable occlusion means which allows fluid to freely flow out of the inflatable occlusion means, a second check valve at the accumulator balloon which allows fluid to freely flow into the accumulator balloon and resistance means which restricts fluid flow into the inflatable occlusion means and out of the accumulator balloon to a low rate of flow.

Abstract: A simple, reliable pressure control valve for a medical device having a hydraulic system comprises a valve housing having an open top and a bottom and an inwardly directed shoulder partially closing the top; a poppet with an upwardly extending stem mounted in the housing between the top and the bottom; a sealing edge mounted on the poppet circumferentially about the stem, and a calibrated spring urging the poppet towards the open top of the housing so that the sealing edge is in sealing contact with the underside of said shoulder and the stem extends above the top of said housing so that manual pressure can be exerted upon the stem to open the valve or the valve can be opened by a hydraulic pressure which exerts sufficient force upon the top of the poppet to overcome the force of the spring.

Abstract: An implantable system for correcting erectile impotence includes a flexible penile implant with a non-distensible fluid chamber, a single stroke pump and tubing connecting the pump to the non-distensible fluid chamber of the implant. The fluid chamber, tubing and pump are substantially filled with hydraulic fluid and the implant is inflated and made rigid by collapsing a normally expanded pumping chamber to forcibly transfer fluid from the pumping chamber into the non-distensible chamber of the implant.