Abstract: In an artificial endosphincter (1) for the urethra, comprising a retaining part (2) and a valve (10) which can be manually actuated by pressure from the outside, the retaining part (2) is formed as self-expanding stent. This permits gentle, simple and safe positioning as well as reliable and simple handling of the artificial endosphincter (1).

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy probe includes a therapy transducer movably mounted on a probe body, a partially deformable flexible casing disposed around the therapy transducer, and a guard ring that limits deformations of the flexible casing when the transducer moves with respect to the probe body. The therapy transducer can be moved between a therapy position and a retracted position, and the guard ring provides an end-of-travel stop against which the therapy transducer bears when in a therapy position. A first opening is provided for injecting liquid into the flexible casing, and a second opening is provided for withdrawing liquid from the flexible casing. The second opening is located on the guard ring so that bubbles are withdrawn from the flexible casing as soon as they form.