Abstract: A para-meatal/stomal adhesive sealing device is formed of a layer of adhesive material, such as hydrocolloid, having a central body portion with an opening/aperture therein for alignment with a meatus or stoma and a plurality of leaves extending from the central body portion having parabolic curved sections at the adjoining portions thereof adjacent the central body portion.

Abstract: Sealing device for sealing externally debouching, natural or artificial body canals of animals or human beings, the device enabling liquid tight sealing against the inner wall of the bowel system of the animal or human being, the device further being made from a resilient material. The device is soft and resilient and may thus not trigger the analreflex, but is still able to provide a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: A male chastity apparatus, system and method are disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a housing, a protrusion, and a lock. The housing is configured to contain a shaft of a penis of a user. The housing, in certain embodiments, is made of a substantially rigid material that prevents the user from stimulating the shaft of the user's penis. The protrusion is configured to engage a piercing in the user's penis. The protrusion, in certain embodiments, is also made of a substantially rigid material. The lock is configured to engage the protrusion and to attach the protrusion to the housing.

Abstract: Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and apparatus for creating permanent occlusion of body lumens such as the fallopian tubes. The methods and apparatus use non-surgical approaches to deliver permanent implants which create acute occlusion of desired body lumens which resolve to permanent occlusions of the lumens.

Abstract: A compactable vaginal pessary for managing pelvic organ prolapse is provided. The compactable pessary easily expands once inside a patient's vagina, remaining firmly anchored in the vaginal cavity during movement, thereby effectively countering the effects of any prolapsing organ. In a first embodiment, the vaginal pessary employs an expandable and collapsible frame member, while in a second embodiment; the frame member is an open, substantially cone-shaped, collapsible frame member that is biased to an open position. In a third embodiment, the compactable vaginal pessary is a yieldably extensible, self-retracting pessary. The vaginal pessary of the present invention may be easily inserted and removed by a patient on a daily basis, or as needed, thereby facilitating good hygiene and thus reducing or eliminating common pessary related complications.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liner and an outercover in facing relation and at least one conductive element located between the liner and the outercover. At least a portion of the conductive element is exposed through the liner and/or the outercover to define at least one external contact point. The external contact point defines a perimeter and the liner and/or the outercover is sealed about the perimeter. The contact points provide external access to the internal conductive elements.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device comprising a flexible but shape-retaining body portion is disclosed wherein the body portion has a longitudinal axis extending from an anterior end to a posterior end thereof. The body portion is elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis and has a length and width sufficient to cover the vulva or retracted penis of a human female or male and to form a urine-receiving receptacle. The receptacle h a shallow urine directing portion sloping inwardly and downwardly away from the vulva or retracted penis, and a deeper, narrower central urine collection portion having a urine outlet. The receptacle is elongated in the direction of the longitudinal ax of the body portion. The device also includes an attachment flange having an anterior end and a posterior end corresponding to the anterior end and the posterior end of the body portion, respectively.

Abstract: A body portion fabricated of an essentially rigid material is formed of similarly configured first and second segments each shaped to include a generally spherical interior enlargement, a generally spherical exterior enlargement, an intermediate section between the enlargements, and a slit extending through the exterior enlargement and the intermediate section. The body portion pivots between a collapsed orientation with the slit at a reduced spacing and an expanded orientation with the slit at an enlarged spacing. An operational zone has a plurality of operational components. Application of a radial force to the second section by a user's external anal sphincter muscle causes axial movement of the segments to both contract and retain expanded segments and expand and retain contracted segments to reorient the system between a collapsed orientation and an expanded orientation.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment system includes a rigid implant having an aspect ratio of greater than 5 and an insertion tool. The insertion tool includes a post fixed to a handle and a sheath disposed around the post. The sheath is axially retractable relative to the post and has a length that is greater than a length of the post. The insertion tool has a loaded state in which the sheath extends distal the post to provide a recess at a distal end of the post that is sized to receive the rigid implant. The insertion tool has a deployed state in which the sheath retracts in a proximal direction toward the handle to expose the distal end of the post and allow the post to push the rigid implant out of the recess and into tissue.

Abstract: A male chastity system comprises a housing and a partial ring configured for placement behind the scrotum of the user. The partial ring contains a gap. A bridge bridges the gap by attaching to the partial ring at first and second attachment points. The bridge comprises a rear portion and a front portion, and the partial ring and the bridge collectively form a ring. Guide pins extend at least partially through the rear bridge portion, attachment points, front bridge portion, and housing. A locking pin extends through the bridge and housing, a spacer on the locking pin spacing the housing from the ring, and a lock is applied to the locking pin.

Abstract: A method and device for use in stress female urinary incontinence. A small, flexible adhesive patch is applied directly to the clitoris of a person suffering from stress female urinary incontinence. The adhesive is of a type sufficient to stimulate the mechanoreceptors located in the clitoris whereby to inhibit discharge from the bladder. The patch is formed of a backing sheet of an impervious film material containing adhesive on one side. A release liner prevents the adhesive from drying out.

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 male urinary incontinence control device comprising dorsal and ventral arms is presented. The dorsal clamping portion is configured for engaging a dorsal surface of a user's penis. The ventral clamping portion is configured for engaging a ventral surface of a user's penis. The device also comprises an adjustable hinge connecting the hinge end of the dorsal arm clamping portion to the hinge end of the ventral arm clamping portion. The adjustable hinge comprises a pivot fixed to one of the ventral and dorsal arms and about which the other of the ventral and dorsal arms can be selectively rotated between a closed position wherein the dorsal arm clamping portion is in opposition with the ventral arm clamping portion and an open position. The location of the pivot relative to the other of the ventral and dorsal arms is selectively adjustable to establish a desired spacing between the ventral and dorsal arms when in the closed position.

Abstract: An implant for treating rectocele and/or prolapsus of the vaginal fornix is thin and flexible and includes a support body from which there extend at least two upper suspension stabilizers disposed on either side of a sagittal plane and two lower suspension stabilizers disposed on either side of the sagittal plane. The implant may be constructed from a suitable biocompatible material such as a woven synthetic material, or a knitted material of polypropylene or polyester fibers.

Abstract: An external incontinence clamp for stopping involuntary voiding of urine is provided. The clamp includes a first rigid member having opposed ends, each end defining a passage extending therethrough, a second rigid member having opposed ends, each end defining a passage extending therethrough, and two pins of generally u-shape. The pins are adapted to be received by the passages defined by the ends of the first rigid member and of the second rigid member so as to secure the first rigid member in a spaced and generally parallel relationship to the second rigid member. The penis is positioned between the first and second members so that the underside of the penis is in contact with the second member and the top surface of the penis is in contact with the first member, thereby stopping involuntary voiding of urine.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment an adjustable urethral sling includes a flexible mesh support having a mesh envelope at a suburethral potion and an expansion chamber within the mesh envelope. A conduit may be provided that extends along the flexible mesh support and that is in fluid communication with the expansion chamber. When installed in a patient the sling may loop under the urethra and out exit sites. An access port may be provided in a subcutaneous pocket and attached to the conduit to allow for remote expansion of the expansion chamber from a desirable location to allow adjustment of the sling with the patient in a standing position. The mesh envelope allows tissue ingrowth around the container so that the container can be expanded for a long period of time after implantation. The expansion chamber may be U-shaped to provide lateral closing pressure to the urethra when expanded.

Abstract: A transobturator technique was developed for treating male urinary incontinence. This approach helped to design specific instruments to pass around the ischio-pubic branches of the male pelvis from inside to outside (i.e from the suburethral space to the thigh fold). The inside-out transobturator sling technique uses specific instruments and a polypropylene mesh with two arms that are passed inside to outside through the obturator foramens, pulled for compressing the bulbar urethra upward, and tied to each other across the midline. The mesh passes around the ischio-pubic branch before being tied under the bulbar urethra where it brings tension and support.

Abstract: The inventive system includes an elongated band, which includes a urethral area at a central part of the band, the band including a first set of holes, one of the first set of holes located on one side of the central part and another of the first set of holes located on the other side of the central part along the length of the band, first threads passing through the first set of holes and configured to permit loosening of the band following the placement of the band and the conclusion of the operation, and a second set of holes located closer to distal ends of the band than the first set of holes, and second threads passing through the second set of holes and configured to permit tightening of the band following the placement of the band and the conclusion of the operation.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for an adjustable sling for treatment of urinary stress incontinence. The present system includes apparatus and methods for postoperative adjustment of sling tension using adjustable elements in the sling assembly. The present system also provides a number of demonstrative embodiments for an adjustable sling where positioning of the bladder is controlled using the adjustable sling and where coaptation of the urethra is controlled by postoperative inflation of one or more balloons mounted in a sling cup. Methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting the adjustable sling after surgical implantation. In one embodiment a self sealing septum is located near the skin for convenient filling using a syringe. Multiple port embodiments are also discussed.

Abstract: Disclosed are reinforced meshes for retropubic implants for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, and methods. In certain embodiments, implants have various resilient strengthening members added to a retropubic support mesh.

Abstract: An implantable device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as the urethra of a patient to treat urinary incontinence. The device includes an expandable element or membrane such as a balloon attached pressure-tightly to a flexible conduit at its forward end and includes a rear port portion containing an elastic septum and flow connected to the expandable element by a first passageway. The conduit contains a second passageway which allows it to be slid along an elongated guide probe initially inserted surgically into a patient's body adjacent the body lumen which is to be adjustably restricted. A suitable flowable material is injected from a syringe source into the device rear port sufficient to expand the membrane element and restrict the body lumen to the desired degree. The syringe and guide probe are removed and the skin incision is closed over the rear port end of the implanted device.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence control device comprising dorsal and ventral arms is presented. The dorsal clamping portion is configured for engaging a dorsal surface of a user's penis. The ventral clamping portion is configured for engaging a ventral surface of a user's penis. The device also comprises an adjustable hinge connecting the hinge end of the dorsal arm clamping portion to the hinge end of the ventral arm clamping portion. The adjustable hinge comprises a pivot fixed to one of the ventral and dorsal arms and about which the other of the ventral and dorsal arms can be selectively rotated between a closed position wherein the dorsal arm clamping portion is in opposition with the ventral arm clamping portion and an open position. The location of the pivot relative to the other of the ventral and dorsal arms is selectively adjustable to establish a desired spacing between the ventral and dorsal arms when in the closed position.

Abstract: A ring for preventing a prolapse of the uterus and the urinary bladder has an annular part and a flexible curved rod-shaped part whose one end and other end are so formed as to be connected to the annular part and whose intermediate portion interposed between the one end and the other end is so formed as to be disposed over a central region of an annular plane formed with the annular part The annular part has an open portion formed by a partial absence thereof.

Abstract: A collection bag is adapted for communicating with a male incontinence device designed to cover a portion of the penis. The collection bag includes first and second opposing flexible side walls joined together and forming a fluid container for holding urine. A cylindrical neck is formed with the first and second side walls, and defines a mouth for receiving urine passed through the incontinence device and into the fluid container. The neck includes an internal check valve for controlling urine flow and multiple circumferentially-spaced external indexing pins. The indexing pins secure the fluid container to the incontinence device while locating the check valve in a single operative orientation.

Abstract: A urinary-control device for inhibiting male incontinence includes an upper clamping member; a lower clamping member; a hinge; and a releasable, self-locking mechanism. The upper clamping member has first and second distal ends and a substantially arcuate inner surface extending therebetween. The inner surface is adapted to be disposed about a portion of a penis. The lower clamping member has first and second distal ends and a substantially arcuate inner surface extending therebetween. The inner surface is adapted to be disposed about a portion of the penis and opposite the upper clamping member. The hinge is defined at the first distal ends for allowing articulated movement of the upper and lower clamping members relative to one another. The self-locking mechanism is defined at the second distal ends opposite the hinge and adapted to adjustably lock the second distal ends together, thereby mounting the device to the penis.

Abstract: A method of treating overactive bladder in women involves inserting an intravaginal device of substantially spherical shape and a diameter that fits the width of the vagina into the vagina above the levator ani muscle, and maintaining said device in the appropriate location inside the vagina for an extended period of time to exert its therapeutic effect. The method may further comprise performing pelvic floor exercises, preferably exercises consisting of contracting the levator ani muscle and squeezing soft objects between the knees while in a prone position, preferably twice a day, with said device left inside the vagina.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling, methods of making and using a sling, and kits comprising a sling for treating urinary incontinence. The sling has multiple elongation properties that serve to improve the support of the urethra. The sling may comprise a coated material adapted for urethral suspension. The coated sling has properties that appear to enhance the sling elongation characteristics. The coated sling further includes properties that reduce its susceptibility to bacterial infections. The sling further includes properties to enhance the proper tensioning of the sling.

Abstract: The present invention features a device to prevent the unwanted flow of urine in incontinent human males. This penile clamp is designed to provide an external pressure applied to the underside of the penis at the base thereof to close the urethral canal. The apparatus includes a rigid projection on the lower member of the device that applies a concentrated force on the canal. The upper bar of the device provides an attachment for a pad as an integral part of an easily disinfected clamp that is hinged at one end and provided with an adjustable tensioning closure device at its other end. The closure device is easily removable to allow one hand release of the penis restriction. A screw-type adjustment is easily set and is easily disassembled by a quick-release apparatus. While the clamp can be closed over the penis of an incontinent male to prevent urination, it does not appreciably restrict blood flow therein.

Abstract: An applicator for placing an insert within a vagina. The insert can be a catamenial tampon, incontinence device, medicament, dressing, and the like. The applicator has orientation indicators to allow the user to properly orientate the insert within the vagina. The applicator also has an inwardly curved radius on the leading edge to reduce any resistance during insertion and withdrawal of the applicator. The applicator may also have at least one vent to facilitate expulsion of the insert or to deliver medicaments or lubricants inside the body cavity. The insert applicator has a rounded cross-section to maximize the available space for the insert, while also facilitating insertion of the applicator into the vagina.

Abstract: An external incontinence device for use in male urinary incontinence. The device is easy to fasten and unfasten with one hand to selectively apply pressure against the urethra. In one embodiment, the device includes an outer strap, which overlaps itself through a gate, and locks in position at desired tension. A lever on the strap, which can be easily lifted to unfasten the strap, achieves release. Desired pressure is preferably applied against the urethra with an inner lining. The lining can be lifted to achieve pressure against the urethra by pressing a button. The button can be locked in position to achieve continence by either a groove or ridge mechanism or by a ballpoint pen ratchet mechanism. The pressure can be released by pressing and tilting the groove and ridge mechanism, or by pushing the ballpoint pen mechanism again. The present device preferably allows the user to void through the urethra without removal of the device.

Abstract: A kit to facilitate self-placement of an incontinence prevention device within the urethra includes a deployment base member, a deployment tube, a deployment pusher along with the incontinence prevention device in a sterile pack. The base member includes a rigid shaft of a predetermined length having a finger grip member at one end and a hook member at its opposite end. The shaft of the base member is adapted to fit through the lumen of the deployment tube with the hook projecting out from a proximal end of the deployment tube and with the hook engaging a retention loop on the incontinence prevention device when in its sterile package. Upon removal of the kit components, the deployment tube is slid off the deployment base member and, in doing so, the incontinence prevention device becomes loaded into the deployment tube. The pusher is then used to urge the incontinence prevention device from the deployment tube into the urethra.

Abstract: A urinary-control device for inhibiting male incontinence includes upper and lower clamping members each having a substantially arcuate inner surface adapted to be disposed about a portion of a penis. A hinge allows articulated movement of the upper and lower clamping members relative to one another. A self-locking mechanism is adapted to adjustably lock the clamping members together, thereby mounting the device to the penis. A protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the lower clamping member and extends toward the inner surface of the upper clamping member to collapse the urethra to inhibit flow of urine therethrough when the device is mounted to the penis. A plurality of vein-relief portions are disposed spaced from one another and formed on the inner surface of the upper clamping member such that the device does not constrict blood flow through the penis when the device is mounted to the penis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for supporting the urethra in a patient to treat urinary incontinence. Support of the urethra involves forming a loop under the urethra with a structure referred to as a urethral support and applying an upward force with the support to hold the urethra in a more desired position. The present invention utilizes the space of Retzius within which portions of the urethral support are positioned. Ingrowth by surrounding tissues to the urethral support material provide further stability and such ingrowth, combined with the position of the support, allow sufficient tension to be applied to support to hold the urethra in place. Placement of such a urethral support is achieved by minimally invasive techniques, such as with the use of laparoscopic instruments. Such techniques allows placement of the urethral support by accessing the space of Retzius through the vaginal wall without penetrating the abdominal wall.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence control device including a first element for applying preferential pressure to the penis shaft between the lateral superficial veins and the central dorsal vascular group, and a second element for applying pressure ventrally to the penis shaft at the urethra and the corpus spongiosum thereby substantially or completely closing the urethra and preventing or limiting the flow of urine through the urethra.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling for treatment of urinary incontinence, consisting of a band which comprises a middle part (2) and two end parts (3), the said sling being such that the said middle part is perforated and the two end parts constitute an autofixing system, the invention also relates to a kit containing, in a sterile manner, at least one sling.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence control device including a circumferentially continuous inflatable cuff having a plurality of inflatable passages therein, optionally reinforced by rigid members, that slips over the glans of the penis for positioning along the longitudinal axis of the penile shaft. Upon inflation, the cuff applies radially inwardly directed compressive force to the shaft of the penis with a concomitant restriction of the urethral passageway. The inflatable cuff in one embodiment includes an integrated hand pump for convenient inflation and deflation.

Abstract: A kit to facilitate self-placement of an incontinence prevention device within the urethra includes a deployment base member, a deployment tube, a deployment pusher along with the incontinence prevention device in a sterile pack. The base member includes a rigid shaft of a predetermined length having a finger grip member at one end and a hook member at its opposite end. The shaft of the base member is adapted to fit through the lumen of the deployment tube with the hook projecting out from a proximal end of the deployment tube and with the hook engaging a retention loop on the incontinence prevention device when in its sterile package. Upon removal of the kit components, the deployment tube is slid off the deployment base member and, in doing so, the incontinence prevention device becomes loaded into the deployment tube. The pusher is then used to urge the incontinence prevention device from the deployment tube into the urethra.

Abstract: An external incontinence device for use in male urinary incontinence. The device is easy to fasten and unfasten with one hand to selectively apply pressure against the urethra. In one embodiment, the device includes an outer strap, which overlaps itself through a gate, and locks in position at desired tension. A lever on the strap, which can be easily lifted to unfasten the strap, achieves release. Desired pressure is preferably applied against the urethra with an inner lining. The lining can be lifted to achieve pressure against the urethra by pressing a button. The button can be locked in position to achieve continence by either a groove or ridge mechanism or by a ballpoint pen ratchet mechanism. The pressure can be released by pressing and tilting the groove and ridge mechanism, or by pushing the ballpoint pen mechanism again. The present device preferably allows the user to void through the urethra without removal of the device.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tension-free elastic tape that is used for the surgical treatment of female urinary incontinence. The inventive tape has a textile structure that allows ingrowth of the tape into the connective tissue. On its longitudinal edges, the tape has edge threads (2, 4, 6, 8) that project from the textile structure of the tape and that especially facilitate a good primary anchoring of the tape in the tissue. The edge threads are firmly incorporated in the structure of the tape.

Abstract: A urinary-control device for inhibiting male incontinence includes an upper clamping member; a lower clamping member; a hinge; and a releasable, self-locking mechanism. The upper clamping member has first and second distal ends and a substantially arcuate inner surface extending therebetween. The inner surface is adapted to be disposed about a portion of a penis. The lower clamping member has first and second distal ends and a substantially arcuate inner surface extending therebetween. The inner surface is adapted to be disposed about a portion of the penis and opposite the upper clamping member. The hinge is defined at the first distal ends for allowing articulated movement of the upper and lower clamping members relative to one another. The self-locking mechanism is defined at the second distal ends opposite the hinge and adapted to adjustably lock the second distal ends together, thereby mounting the device to the penis.

Abstract: A urinary-control device for inhibiting male incontinence includes an upper clamping member; a lower clamping member; a hinge; and a releasable, self-locking mechanism. The upper clamping member has first and second distal ends and a substantially arcuate inner surface extending therebetween. The inner surface is adapted to be disposed about a portion of a penis. The lower clamping member has first and second distal ends and a substantially arcuate inner surface extending therebetween. The inner surface is adapted to be disposed about a portion of the penis and opposite the upper clamping member. The hinge is defined at the first distal ends for allowing articulated movement of the upper and lower clamping members relative to one another. The self-locking mechanism is defined at the second distal ends opposite the hinge and adapted to adjustably lock the second distal ends together, thereby mounting the device to the penis.

Abstract: The device comprises a body for arrangement in the vagina for compressive action on and support of the neck of the bladder and optionally the urethra. The body has a substantially elongated shape with a longitudinal axis extending, in the intended direction of insertion, from a proximal to a distal end, and is made from a compressive and elastically deformable material. The body comprises at least one part protruding from the outer surface of the body and providing at least one pressure area for contact with the neck of the bladder and optionally the urethra.

Abstract: A kit to facilitate self-placement of an incontinence prevention device within the urethra includes a deployment base member, a deployment tube, a deployment pusher along with the incontinence prevention device in a sterile pack. The base member includes a rigid shaft of a predetermined length having a finger grip member at one end and a hook member at its opposite end. The shaft of the base member is adapted to fit through the lumen of the deployment tube with the hook projecting out from a proximal end of the deployment tube and with the hook engaging a retention loop on the incontinence prevention device when in its sterile package. Upon removal of the kit components, the deployment tube is slid off the deployment base member and, in doing so, the incontinence prevention device becomes loaded into the deployment tube. The pusher is then used to urge the incontinence prevention device from the deployment tube into the urethra.

Abstract: A ring for preventing a prolapse of the uterus and the urinary bladder has an annular part and a flexible curved rod-shaped part whose one end and other end are so formed as to be connected to the annular part and whose intermediate portion interposed between the one end and the other end is so formed as to be disposed over a central region of an annular plane formed with the annular part The annular part has an open portion formed by a partial absence thereof.

Abstract: Absorbent product such as an incontinence pad, sanitary pad, diaper, absorbent inlay or the like, having a central absorbent portion with an upper permeable surface. The absorbent product also has a fluid-impermeable backsheet. In order to provide width adaptation and to allow a basin-shape to be formed in the product, two lateral portions are provided. Each of the lateral portions extends in the longitudinal direction of the product. The inner edge of each lateral portion is attached to the central portion by means of a surplus of material and the outer edge is a free outer edge. The lateral portions can thus move in a lateral direction independently of a central portion.

Abstract: A kit to facilitate self-placement of an incontinence prevention device within the urethra includes a deployment base member, a deployment tube, a deployment pusher along with the incontinence prevention device in a sterile pack. The base member includes a rigid shaft of a predetermined length having a finger grip member at one end and a hook member at its opposite end. The shaft of the base member is adapted to fit through the lumen of the deployment tube with the hook projecting out from a proximal end of the deployment tube and with the hook engaging a retention loop on the incontinence prevention device when in its sterile package. Upon removal of the kit components, the deployment tube is slid off the deployment base member and, in doing so, the incontinence prevention device becomes loaded into the deployment tube. The pusher is then used to urge the incontinence prevention device from the deployment tube into the urethra.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an incontinence prevention device provided with a loop type retention structure. The retention structure is in the form of a closed loop attached to the distal end of a shaft. The shaft is configured to function as an incontinence prevention device. The retention structure projecting laterally from and configured non-concentrically along the longitudinal axis of the shaft retains the incontinence prevention device within the patient. The retention structure may additionally include a protuberance extending therefrom. There is further provided a method for using the urethral catheter.