Abstract: An apparatus for treating incontinence in females includes an elongate body member having a first end and a second end; an internal plug member positioned at the first end of the body member; an external retaining member positioned at the second end, at least one member of the internal plug member and the external retaining member being moveable longitudinally with respect to the other member of the internal plug member and the retaining member; and a member for longitudinally securing the at least one member relative to the other member, whereby the elongate body member can be positioned in a urethra with the plug member positioned at an interior opening of the urethra and with the retaining member positioned at an exterior opening of the urethra.

Abstract: A device and method for evaluating and treating urinary as well as fecal incontinence by using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. The device is adapted to be inserted within and retained within an anatomical passageway and provide periodic stimulus to wall or muscles within the anatomic passageway by way of pressure, stretching, resistance, vibration, and/or heat. The frequency, duration, and extent of the stimulus may be varied as desired for exercise regimens.

Abstract: A novel urethral plug having adhesive thereon, wherein the adhesive seals the plug against the tissues surrounding the meatus and/or urethra, thereby arresting movement of the plug while it functions in the urethra to block the flow of urine. The urethral plug comprises a hollow or solid body which is of a sufficient length and diameter to occlude the urethra. In one embodiment, adhesive is disposed on the meatal plate of the plug so as to secure the plug against the tissues surrounding the urethral meatus. In a second embodiment, adhesive is disposed on the body of the plug so as to seal the plug against the urethral wall. In a third embodiment, the adhesive is disposed on a portion of the meatal plate so as to seal the plug against the tissues surrounding the urethral meatus. The adhesive seals the urethral plug in place until the user wishes to void, at which time, the seal may be broken by exerting a pulling force on the plug.

Abstract: A novel urethral plug assembly having adhesive thereon, wherein the adhesive seals the plug assembly against an internal wall thereby arresting movement of the plug assembly while it functions in the urethra to block the flow of urine therefrom. The plug assembly may comprise a solid body which is of a sufficient diameter to occlude the urethra. Alternatively, the plug assembly may comprise a body which has the ability to change its shape from a compressed to an elongated condition so as to conform to the urethral wall and occlude the opening to the urethra. In one embodiment of the invention, the adhesive lies on the meatal plate of the plug assembly so as to secure the plug assembly against the meatus urinarius. In a second embodiment of the invention, the adhesive is on the body of the plug assembly so as to seal the plug assembly against the urethra, bladder neck or bladder wall.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence control device including a catheter with a laterally extending projection which can be elastically deformed by an actuator from a protruding position for retention to a non-protruding position for catheter insertion and removal. The actuator is slidably disposed in the catheter for retracting the projection. The catheter has a connector at a proximal end for locking the actuator in the catheter when the projection is retracted facilitating insertion and removal of the device in the urinary tract of a human female.

Abstract: A urinary continence device for males, having a body to cover and seal the urethra of the wearer and capable of conformably securing to the penis of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the body has a substantially hemispherical configuration and is sized to cover the glans penis. One or more adhesives may be used to adhere the device to the penis and the one or more adhesives may be in a continuous or discontinuous layer. The device may additionally include a locating member to assist in placement and may provide additional sealing properties. In use, the body seals the urethra so as to prevent urine leakage. To void, the wearer simply removes the device, and reapplies the device or a new device when evacuation is complete.

Abstract: A male incontinence treatment device a flow-restricting device which is worn in a position such that the urethra is compressed between the device and the pubic bone of the wearer. A fixing mechanism for holding the flow-restricting device in place is provided, which fixing device may take the form of an undergarment.

Abstract: A novel urethral plug comprising a cooperating shaft and balloon, lying in coaxial engagement. The balloon possesses a contracted shape for insertion and removal through the opening of the urethra, and a larger, expanded shape for blocking the flow of urine in the urethra, bladder neck and bladder. After insertion, such an expanded shape is achieved by inflation of the balloon through the use of an external source such as a syringe which introduces fluid through an opening and into the shaft. The fluid acts upon a ball valve, thus pushing the ball past a valve seat, thereby permitting fluid to travel through the shaft and into the balloon. Fluid transmission continues until the balloon is expanded to such an extent as to block the flow of urine. The balloon retains the fluid therein, and the force of the fluid on the ball valve causes the ball to rest firmly against the valve seat. The balloon, when expanded thus functions to seal the plug to the urethra, bladder neck and bladder.

Abstract: An indwelling magnetically actuable urinary catheter (35) involves the molding of a valve housing (32) to a catheter drainage shaft (16) by using a drainage-valve-cavity mandrel (22) and two inflation-valve-cavity mandrels (24). The drainage-valve-cavity mandrel (22) forms a spring seat having a built in integral bypass and a valve seat. An elongated one-piece valve popper (50) of Ferro-magnetic material has an enlarged, rounded, bulbous head facing the valve seat and an elongated smaller diameter portion directed toward the spring seat for engaging the tapered spring supported by the spring seat.

Abstract: The present invention is a urinary incontinence valve for positioning in a patient's urethra and bladder. and controlling the flow of urine therethrough. The valve includes an annular valve seat surface and a valve member cooperating with the valve seat surface for normally blocking urine flow. A compression spring normally urges valve member into sealing contact relative to the annular valve seat surface with a predetermined force. An actuator rod, supporting a first permanent magnet, is affixed to said valve and projects into the urinary bladder of the patient. A first anchoring mechanism comprises a deflectable spring mechanism which extends into the bladder and contacts an inner bladder surface adjacent an opening of the bladder into the urethra. A second anchoring mechanism comprising a retaining spring is positionable proximate the urethra meatus. The first and second anchoring mechanisms prevent migration of the urinary incontinence valve after it is properly positioned in the patient.

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 improved intraurethral bladder control apparatus including housing means having a fluid flow path therethrough, valve means mounted within the fluid valve path and normally bias closed, the valvings responsive to pressure from fluid within the bladder of the patient for opening to allow fluid flow from the bladder through the apparatus of this invention and out of the urethra. A pair of retaining devices are connected to each of the distal and proximal ends of the intraurethral bladder control apparatus. The retainer at the distal end of the apparatus preferably comprises a leaf spring having a plurality of leaves, in the preferred embodiment described herein the plurality comprising four leaves, with a safety device connected to the tip of each leaf to inhibit piercing of the bladder wall when the leaves of the distal end retainer automatically open within the bladder of the patient after placement of the intraurethral bladder control apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical method for performing laparoscopic urethropexy on a patient is provided. This surgical method comprises the steps of dissecting at least a portion of the space of Retzius in the patient, laparoscopically creating a bore in the pubic bone adjacent the space of Retzius, providing at least one anchor having at least one suture extending therefrom, laparoscopically inserting the anchor in the bore such that the anchor is thereby secured in the bore, and securing the suture to the periurethral tissue adjacent to the urethra to thereby elevate the urethra to the desired angle. The suture is secured to the periurethral tissue by pulling the suture through the periurethral fascia and vaginal mucosa into the vagina, and tying the suture within the vagina. A drill tamper tool for laparoscopically creating the bore in the pubic bone is also provided, along with an anchor-insertion tool, a loaded anchor-insertion tool, and a surgical kit comprising the drill tamper tool and the anchor-insertion tool.

Abstract: A urine tube extends through a balloon which is inflatable in the neck of a bladder to form a seal around the urine tube. The balloon has a shape corresponding to the shape of the bladder chamber at the urethra orifice to facilitate establishing a seal. A valve is provided on the outlet end of the urine tube and an air tube extends along the substantial length of the urine tube into the balloon. A hypodermic syringe or the like may be inserted into the inlet end of the air tube for inflating the balloon. A hydrogel collar is positioned around the urine tube against the body at the outlet end of the urethra to hold the balloon in tight engagement with the bladder neck at the urethra orifice.

Abstract: There is presented an assembly for prevention of urinary incontinence in humans, the assembly comprising an applicator and an elastomer body. The applicator is adapted to position the elastomer body in the urethra of a female or male and includes a support portion for retaining the elastomer body, and a manipulable portion for positioning the elastomer body in the urethra. There is further presented a method for preventing an unwanted discharge of urine, utilizing the aforesaid assembly.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment plug includes a plug member which is sized to extend in an extended position into a urethra in sealing engagement. The plug member is originally everted. A force is applied to the plug member to force the plug member from an everted position into an extended position.

Abstract: An anchor securable within a bore created in bone is provided. The anchor comprises: a body having a longitudinal axis, and proximal and distal ends; at least three wing members extending outwardly from, and secured to the body, each of the wing members capable of being elastically flexed from a normal deployed position to a compressed position, each of the wing members further having an external end positioned away from the body, at least a portion of the external ends of the wing members substantially aligned along a first imaginary plane extending through the body at an angle to a transverse cross-section through the body, this transverse cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body; and an aperture positioned adjacent the proximal end of the body. An anchor-insertion tool, a loaded anchor-insertion tool, and a surgical kit are also provided.

Abstract: A flexible expandable inter vivos tube includes at least one arched segmented portion and at least one positioning mechanism, the at least one arched segmented portion and at least one positioning mechanism forming a flexible closed longitudinally extending tube, preferably an endotracheal tube for introduction of oxygen and other anesthetic gases from a source thereof into the lungs of a surgical patient or similar mammal. The positioning mechanism is preferable an H-shaped connector having at least one cul-de-sac receptacle cavity for variable slidable movement of at least one tapered tongue free end portions of the at least one arched segment therein.

Abstract: A suture retrieval tool for use in a laparoscopic urethropexy procedure is provided. The suture retrieval tool comprises a retrieving end and a handle. The retrieving end has a rigid, rod-like shaft and a sharp tip capable of penetrating periurethral tissue, whereby the retrieving end may be inserted into a vagina, through the vaginal mucosa and periurethral tissue adjacent a urethra, and into the space of Retzius, such that the retrieving end may be employed to snare a suture positioned in the space of Retzius for retrieving the suture into the vagina. The suture retrieval tool also preferably comprises a midshaft positioned between the retrieving end and the handle.

Abstract: A rolling incontinence plug partially or fully inserted within a urethra has an anchor to restrict its insertion into the urethra. The anchor is configured to be placed between a vestibule and labia minora for restricting insertion of the incontinence plug. The outer circumference of the anchor easily conforms to the shape of the vestibule and responds to varying pressure of the labia minora as the patient moves. Further, because the anchor naturally conforms to the vestibule, no additional artificial substances or devices are needed to secure the anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for guiding a medical instrument to a predetermined target location within the periurethral tissues of a patient. The apparatus directs the instrument along a predetermined path with respect to the patient's urethra and limits penetration of the instrument to a predetermined depth. The disclosed embodiment comprises an apparatus for implanting inflatable prostheses within the periurethral tissues to coapt the urethra and thereby manage incontinence.A method for effecting coaptation of a urethra of a patient is also disclosed. According to this method, a pair of working channels are formed within the periurethral tissues, and an inflatable prosthesis is introduced into each working channel. The prostheses are inflated only after both working channels have been formed, and preferably after both prostheses have been positioned within their respective working channels. The inflated prostheses confront the urethra and effect coaptation of the urethra.

Abstract: An implantable device for selectively opening and closing a tubular organ of the body such as the urethra has an elongate valve body which can be introduced into the tubular organ. The valve body has a shut-off means which can be selectively closed and opened, for which purpose the valve body has an elastic hose portion in which there is disposed an inflation body which can be inflated by a fluid to then close the lumen of the hose portion. The fluid can be conveyed out of the inflation body into a storage container by actuation of an implantable pump so the inflation body collapses and permits a flow through the valve body. Manual actuation of a non-return valve in the pump causes fluid to flow out of the storage container into the inflation body to inflate same and close the valve body.

Abstract: A urine tube extends through a balloon which is inflatable in the neck of a bladder to form a seal around the urine tube. The balloon has a shape corresponding to the shape of the bladder chamber at the urethra orifice to facilitate establishing a seal. A valve is provided on the outlet end of the urine tube and an air tube extends along the substantial length of the urine tube into the balloon. A hypodermic syringe or the like may be inserted into the inlet end of the air tube for inflating the balloon. A hydrogel collar is positioned around the urine tube against the body at the outlet end of the urethra to hold the balloon in tight engagement with the bladder neck at the urethra orifice.

Abstract: A device for preventing male urinary incontinence is provided having a sheath and a protuberance. The sheath is sized to cover at least a portion of the glans penis of a user. The protuberance, which extends from the sheath, is sized and shaped to fit into the urethra of the user. The protuberance forms a cavity, which receives a plug. Adhesive may be disposed on the sheath to adhere it to the glans penis of the user.

Abstract: An indwelling urinary catheter having a palpitatable multiaxial dome-type valve and an inflatable anchoring balloon. The valve has a peripheral trough to maximize drainage. The catheter body and balloon are integrally molded from silicone to produce a uniform and symmetrical balloon shape. The balloon shape may be selectively altered by varying bonding patterns or wall thicknesses. Valve openings traverse an arcuate pathway, and adjacent valve elements are separated by an intermediate rib to ensure a reliable closure. Valve elements are readily displaced by a drainage tube connector that engages the valve body. A collar on the catheter body moves axially along helical threads to adjust tension on the balloon.

Abstract: An involuntary urine control valve apparatus, system and method comprising a urine control valve adapted to be inserted a short distance into the distal end of the urethra of a subject, the control valve including a jacket which is fitted within the distal end of the urethra. The ball valve is a tension-biased, magnetic ball valve subject to move between open and closed position by an externally held magnet held by the subject near the jacket. The jacket includes a inflatable-deflatable collar in which is radially inflatable to stabilize the outer jacket within the urethra. The outer jacket includes an outwardly-extending flange at the other end, which extends about the urethral opening. The system includes a finger operated pump for the inflation of the collar in the outer jacket, to stabilize the outer jacket within the urethra. The system also includes a measuring tool kit for measuring urethral size to determine the correct size of the control apparatus to be employed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a male urethral closure pad or clamp device that is designed to stop or minimize the involuntary loss of urine in men. The male urethral closure pad or clamp device of the present invention consists of a first strap and a second strap. The first strap includes a first end and a second end. Centrally located on the inside surface of the first strap is an inclusion pad. The second pad is fabricated from an elastic like material and is secured to the outside surface of the first strap. Utilization of the device occurs when the inclusion pad is placed under the urethra canal. This will enable the first end and the second end to wrap around the penis to render for the first end to overlap the second end. The second strap is wrapped completely around and is secured to the first strap via a securing member.

Abstract: A device for prevention of involuntary urination in a female has an elastic body (21) designed for arrangement in the vagina for compressive action on and support of the neck of the bladder. The body (21) is made of a compressible material and comprises at least two projecting legs (23) joined in a flexible base (22) and is dimensioned in such a way that in the non-deformed state of the body of the longest distance between the free ends of at least two legs exceeds the distance between the anterior wall and the posterior wall of the vagina. After the insertion of the body into the vagina in an elastically deformed stated with the legs bent in a direction towards each other, an active pressure is thus exerted on the bladder neck. On their mutually facing sides, the legs are designed in such a way that in the elastically deformed insertion state they come into mutual contact for the provision of an increased elastic force of restitution.

Abstract: A prosthetic anal sphincter is described which is implantable around the upper anal canal to reproduce the action of the sphincter muscles which maintain continence. This is achieved by inflating a tube with liquid from a reservoir and creating an angle of about 90.degree. between the rectum and the anal canal and by flattening the upper anal canal by squeezing the posterior wall of anal canal against the anterior wall.

Abstract: A template for guiding at least one suture through the periurethral fascia and vaginal mucosa adjacent a patient's urethra during a urethropexy procedure, wherein the at least one suture is attached to an anchor secured within the body of the patient above the patient's urethra, is provided. The template comprises first and second wing members extending laterally from opposite sides of the template; and at least one suture guide aperture positioned in each of the wing members at a predetermined location; the template configured to be alignable within the vagina of a patient such that one of the wing members will be positioned adjacent either side of the urethra with the at least one guide aperture in each wing member positioned such that a suture may be retrieved from within the patient's body through the at least one aperture. A method for performing a urethropexy procedure employing this template is also provided.

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 safety and comfort to the user, while restricting involuntary urine flow. This device includes a cushioned, easily disinfected clamp that is hinged at one end and provided with an adjustable tensioning closure device at its other end. Designed as a hinged clamshell, the penis clamp is easily openable by one-handed pressure release. This 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: A magnetically operated artificial urethral sphincter for the treatment of total urinary incontinence is presented. The artificial urethral sphincter employs an external magnet to achieve closure of the urethral cuff, a hydraulically operated silicone rubber sphincter cuff. The proposed invention consists of the urethral cuff, a connecting tube, and an elastomeric bellows assembly. The invention is closed by an external magnet placed on the skin over the implanted reservoir assembly. When the external magnet is in place the elastomeric bellows of the reservoir is compressed, and the prosthetic sphincter is closed. Removal of the external magnet from the skin over the implant allows the bellows to expand, thus opening the urethral cuff.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of urinary incontinence comprising the application of a compressive force to the tissue surrounding the urethra from below the urethra upwards towards the pubic bone. The apparatus comprises an inflatable, urethra-compressing balloon having a tissue-engaging surface positioned between layers of tissue adjacent the urethra on a side of the urethra opposite the pubic bone. The balloon flow communicates with a fluid reservoir secured to the frontal portion of the pubic bone. A patient having the apparatus surgically-implanted therein may selectively advance hydraulic fluid between the reservoir and the balloon so as to inflate or deflate the balloon and prevent or allow bladder emptying respectively.

Abstract: An implantable artificial sphincter system for reversibly occluding a body passageway, preferably the urethra, enables the body passageway to be opened and closed in sequence due to the action of a lifting and lowering device which is adapted to be in integral contact with or disposed about the body passageway. An actuating device is operably connected to the lifting and lowering device, and a pump capable of being volitionally operated is in fluid communication with the actuating device to provide a pressurized flow of fluid into the actuating device.

Abstract: A stent set for keeping a urethral stenoses open, particularly in the vesical neck, for bladder drainage with an intraurethral catheter having a largely cylindrical basic body, with small baskets or cages at respective ends of the basic end an intraurethral insertion rail and a slide. At a rounded tip with at least one initial opening is provided at a proximal end of the intraurethral catheter.

Abstract: A device for the control of urinary incontinence comprising a urethral plug self-movable between a first condition in which the plug is relatively rigid and generally tubular, with a smaller diameter for travel through the orifice of the urethra, and a second condition in which the plug is flexible and expansible to a larger diameter for retaining the plug in a mammalian body and blocking the flow of urine. A larger diameter is achieved by exposure of a tube-like member of the plug to natural bodily conditions, resulting in an automatic expansion of the tube, whereupon the expansion causes the tube-like member to form a seal with the urethra, bladder neck or bladder wall. The plug further has a meatal plate for anchoring the plug in the urethra and preventing migration into the bladder.

Abstract: An incontinence plug includes an anchor for positioning within a patient's bladder and a flow blocking enlargement for acting in sealing engagement against a urethral wall. A protective sleeve prevents contact between the distal end of the plug and an entrance end of the urethra to prevent transportation of pathogens from the entrance of the urethra toward the bladder.

Abstract: Device and method for regulating fluid flow within the human body includes small electromagnetic devices embedded in an inner housing of the present device that function under the control of a programmable control unit to create small magnetic fields which cause an artificial increase in the viscosity and apparent density of a magnetorheological fluid located in a compartment surrounding the structure through which fluid flow is to be controlled.

Abstract: A novel urethral plug assembly having adhesive thereon, wherein the adhesive seals the plug assembly against an internal wall thereby arresting movement of the plug assembly while it functions in the urethra to block the flow of urine therefrom. The plug assembly may comprise a solid body which is of a sufficient diameter to occlude the urethra. Alternatively, the plug assembly may comprise a body which has the ability to change its shape from a compressed to an elongated condition so as to conform to the urethral wall and occlude the opening to the urethra. In one embodiment of the invention, the adhesive lies on the meatal plate of the plug assembly so as to secure the plug assembly against the meatus urinarius. In a second embodiment of the invention, the adhesive is on the body of the plug assembly so as to seal the plug assembly against the urethra, bladder neck or bladder wall.

Abstract: A male incontinence device has one coupling part 200 attachable to a silicone pad 500 and a second coupling part 300 attached to a condom-like drainage member 400. A stretchable ring or wall 312 can be shifted ("snapped") by manual pressure between a locking position wherein the two coupling parts are locked together and an unlocking position wherein the two coupling parts can be separated to permit removal of the condom-like drainage member from the silicone pad.

Abstract: A urethral plug assembly having a cooperating housing and inner member, the plug assembly possessing a contracted diameter for insertion and removal through the orifice of the urethra, and a larger, expanded diameter for blocking the flow of urine in the urethra, bladder neck and bladder. A larger diameter is achieved by mechanical deployment of the inner member, which results in the expansion of the housing, or in another embodiment, which results in the expansion of the inner member. A balloon is additionally expanded, thus sealing the plug assembly to the urethral, bladder neck and bladder wall. The plug assembly further has a meatal plate for anchoring the plug assembly in the urethra, preventing migration of the plug assembly into the bladder. Removal of the plug assembly for bladder evacuation, is easily accomplished by pulling a cord causing the contraction of the expanded housing or inner member, and grasping a tab associated with said meatal plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a removable drug delivery system used by patients suffering from lower urinary tract infections or urine disorders and disorders of the urethra and bladder. The present invention delivers antibiotics to the infected areas utilizing modified urethral plugs. It is particularly advantageous in that it maintains a therapeutic effect without risking contamination. The device includes of a balloon at the proximal end and a fluid receiving port at the distal end. The balloon is inflated by injecting fluid into the fluid receiving port and deflated by pulling on a deflation string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable prosthetic sphincter device defining a closed pressure-fluid system operable by a recipient to control a body duct. The device includes an inflatable cuff (10), a fluid reservoir (11), and pump and control assembly (12) for deflating the cuff and controlling its reinflation. The pump and control assembly (12) includes an elastomeric sleeve (23) resiliently engaged around a bead (24, 25) normally to effect a fluid seal therebetween, with such engagement being selectively deformable to allow fluid flow between the elastomeric sleeve (23) and the bead (24, 25). A one-way valve (35) is provided to prevent flow directly from the pump volume (22) to the cuff (10). The bead engagement within the elastomeric sleeve (23) may form a valve between the reservoir (11) and the cuff (10) and/or between the pump volume (22) and the reservoir (11). The invention has applications in controlling urinary or faecal incontinence.

Abstract: A device for correcting urinary incontinence in women, in such a way that the implantation of said device is carried out by a surgical technique of vesical suspension, is basically comprised of a box that is implanted in the patient's body and an external handle that permits the elements of the box to be operated from outside the body, so that the box houses a drum with a toothed wheel that gears in a worm, while the external handle is formed by a body, in whose inside hole is housed a second body that operates by its end upon the head of the worm.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for guiding a medical instrument to a predetermined target location within the periurethral tissues of a patient. The apparatus directs the instrument along a predetermined path with respect to the patient's urethra and limits penetration of the instrument to a predetermined depth. The disclosed embodiment comprises an apparatus for implanting inflatable prostheses within the periurethral tissues to coapt the urethra and thereby manage incontinence. A method for effecting coaptation of a urethra of a patient is also disclosed. According to this method, a pair of working channels are formed within the periurethral tissues, and an inflatable prosthesis is introduced into each working channel. The prostheses are inflated only after both working channels have been formed, and preferably after both prostheses have been positioned within their respective working channels. The inflated prostheses confront the urethra and effect coaptation of the urethra.

Abstract: A female anti-incontinence device is described which includes two flexible discs attached to a flexible stem. The device is inserted into the urethra so that the larger disc occludes the bladder neck during sudden tensing of the abdominal muscles, while the smaller disc remains outside the urethra and prevents migration of the device into the bladder. The device is compact, easy to use, and, since it contains no moving parts, grooves or chambers, there is minimal chance of bacterial colonization and urinary tract infection.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in solving male urinary incontinence. In particular, the device comprises a lower concave or "U-shaped" body section having first and second ends and male member cradle portion therebetween. The cradle portion includes a male member engaging surface which is convex in shape. Compression means are provided for compressing the male member against the body. The compression means comprise a shaft having a preferably convex engaging foot located thereon. The position of the shaft is selectively adjustable with respect to the bar. The shaft is preferably located in a bar which spans the ends of the body, and which is hingedly connected thereto at one end and selectively lockable to the body at the other end.

Abstract: An intra-vaginal urinary incontinence device basically comprises a resilient base portion (31), and a bladder support portion (40) extending away from the base portion (31) and having two opposed projections having a support section (30) therebetween forming a cradle (32) which receives and supports the neck of the bladder. The base portion is flexible to allow insertion into the vagina and the size and position of the cradle can be varied for different patients. The two projections may extend from the base portion directly or be formed on the end of a stalk and the support section is preferably arranged above the plane of the base portion.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling urine flow from the bladder in a body which includes providing a magnetically responsive valve of a size to fit in the urethra, and providing a valve actuating magnet; installing the valve in the urethra, in the path of urine flow; and operating the valve between urine flow passing and urine flow blocking states, by controlling the position of the actuating magnet, outside the body, whereby the magnetic field of the actuating magnet effects the operating of the valve.

Abstract: An inflatable prosthesis is disclosed which comprises a structural member having a bore dimensioned to receive a needle formed in its back end. An elastomeric balloon has a back end in sealing engagement with the structural member and has a front end extending beyond the front end of the structural member such that a portion of the structural member is contained within the balloon. A port is defined in the structural member for placing the bore in fluid communication with a port location exterior of the structural member which is contained within the balloon, whereby fluid infused into the bore passes through the port and into a space between the balloon and the exterior surface of the structural member to inflate the balloon. An elastomeric member has one portion attached to the structural member and another portion attached to the front end of the balloon so as to partially constrain axial expansion of the prosthesis as the balloon is inflated.