Abstract: An implantable apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a host body includes a constricting member for allowing fluid flow within a body canal when in an open position, and for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in an closed position. Remote telemetry can be used to operate the constricting member from a position outside the body. The constricting member can include a piston having at least two protrusions for contacting the vessel surface of the body canal. A fluid-operated member can receive fluid to reduce fluid flow within the body canal and expel fluid to allow fluid flow within the body canal. An actuating member is provided for operating the fluid-operated member between the open and closed positions. The actuating member has structure for flowing fluid into and out of the fluid-operated member. A control device is provided for operating the actuating member.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow within a host body, for example for use as an incontinence device. A constricting member is provided for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in a closed position, and for allowing fluid flow within the body canal when in an open position. In addition, there is a control mechanism for controlling movement of the constricting member between said open and closed positions. A link member links the constricting member and the control mechanism such that the constricting member and the control mechanism are implantable in different parts of the host body. A coupling for selectively transmitting axial movement to the link member may be provided between the link member and the control mechanism so that the constricting member cannot apply a damaging amount of force to the body canal.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow within a host body, for example for use as an incontinence device. A constricting member is provided for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in a closed position, and for allowing fluid flow within the body canal when in an open position. In addition, there is a control mechanism for controlling movement of the constricting member between said open and closed positions. A link member links the constricting member and the control mechanism such that the constricting member and the control mechanism are implantable in different parts of the host body. A coupling for selectively transmitting axial movement to the link member may be provided between the link member and the control mechanism so that the constricting member cannot apply a damaging amount of force to the body canal.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow within a host body, for example for use as an incontinence device. A constricting member is provided for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in a closed position, and for allowing fluid flow within the body canal when in an open position. In addition, there is a control mechanism for controlling movement of the constricting member between said open and closed positions. A link member links the constricting member and the control mechanism such that the constricting member and the control mechanism are implantable in different parts of the host body. A coupling for selectively transmitting axial movement to the link member may be provided between the link member and the control mechanism so that the constricting member cannot apply a damaging amount of force to the body canal.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a host body includes a constricting member for allowing fluid flow within a body canal when in an open position, and for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in an closed position. Remote telemetry can be used to operate the constricting member from a position outside the body. The constricting member can include a piston having at least two protrusions for contacting the vessel surface of the body canal. A fluid-operated member can receive fluid to reduce fluid flow within the body canal and expel fluid to allow fluid flow within the body canal. An actuating member is provided for operating the fluid-operated member between the open and closed positions. The actuating member has structure for flowing fluid into and out of the fluid-operated member. A control device is provided for operating the actuating member.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a host body includes a constricting member for allowing fluid flow within a body canal when in an open position, and for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in an closed position. Remote telemetry can be used to operate the constricting member from a position outside the body. The constricting member can include a piston having at least two protrusions for contacting the vessel surface of the body canal. A fluid-operated member can receive fluid to reduce fluid flow within the body canal and expel fluid to allow fluid flow within the body canal. An actuating member is provided for operating the fluid-operated member between the open and closed positions. The actuating member has structure for flowing fluid into and out of the fluid-operated member. A control device is provided for operating the actuating member.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow within a host body, for example for use as an incontinence device. A constricting member is provided for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in a closed position, and for allowing fluid flow within the body canal when in an open position. In addition, there is a control mechanism for controlling movement of the constricting member between said open and closed positions. A link member links the constricting member and the control mechanism such that the constricting member and the control mechanism are implantable in different parts of the host body. A coupling for selectively transmitting axial movement to the link member may be provided between the link member and the control mechanism so that the constricting member cannot apply a damaging amount of force to the body canal.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow within a host body, for example for use as an incontinence device. A constricting member is provided for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in a closed position, and for allowing fluid flow within the body canal when in an open position. In addition, there is a control mechanism for controlling movement of the constricting member between said open and closed positions. A link member links the constricting member and the control mechanism such that the constricting member and the control mechanism are implantable in different parts of the host body. A coupling for selectively transmitting axial movement to the link member may be provided between the link member and the control mechanism so that the constricting member cannot apply a damaging amount of force to the body canal.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a host body includes a constricting member for allowing fluid flow within a body canal when in an open position, and for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in an closed position. Remote telemetry can be used to operate the constricting member from a position outside the body. The constricting member can include a piston having at least two protrusions for contacting the vessel surface of the body canal. A fluid-operated member can receive fluid to reduce fluid flow within the body canal and expel fluid to allow fluid flow within the body canal. An actuating member is provided for operating the fluid-operated member between the open and closed positions. The actuating member has structure for flowing fluid into and out of the fluid-operated member. A control device is provided for operating the actuating member.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a host body includes a constricting member with a plunging member for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in a closed position. A biasing member biases the constricting member against the body canal. A pulling member counters the force exerted by the biasing member such that when activated, the constricting member is forced away from the closed position so as to allow increased fluid flow within the body canal. An activating member activates the pulling member.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow within a host body, for example for use as an incontinence device. A constricting member is provided for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in a closed position, and for allowing fluid flow within the body canal when in an open position. In addition, there is a control mechanism for controlling movement of the constricting member between said open and closed positions. A link member links the constricting member and the control mechanism such that the constricting member and the control mechanism are implantable in different parts of the host body. A coupling for selectively transmitting axial movement to the link member may be provided between the link member and the control mechanism so that the constricting member cannot apply a damaging amount of force to the body canal.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a host body has a first shell and a second shell for coupling with the second shell to form a cylindrical object suitable for engaging and surrounding a selected canal with the host body. The cylindrical object is open at both ends and has an interior diameter of a dimension making it suitable for fitting over the selected host body's canal, such as the urethra. The apparatus also includes a plunger for constricting the fluid flow when activated. The plunger may be activated by an electrical solenoid or hydraulic or pneumatic activation to move from a free-flow position into a constricting position wherein the fluid flow though the canal is substantially prevented or reduced. The apparatus can be used for controlling incontinence or restricting fluid flow in other body canals.