Abstract: An actuator device comprising a housing in which there is arranged a permanent magnet extending at 90.degree. from an axially supported member, said member being attached to a driving pawl via a springy leaf, the movement of said magnet being limited by two stop members attached to the bottom plate of the housing, a ratchet wheel with a plurality of teeth pointing downwards and adapted to be engaged by said pawl, another pawl attached to a springy member rigidly attached to said housing, the pawl being adapted to stop a reverse movement of the ratchet wheel, the arrangement being such that application of a magnetic field of adequate strength from a certain distance results in the movement of the magnet and the pawl attached thereto within the range defined by the stop members, each such movement resulting in the stepwise advance of the ratchet wheel by one tooth.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for the treatment of edema, comprising a substantially flat inflatable band divided into a plurality of internal inflatable cells extending along one dimension of the band, and wrappable about the body part to be treated to form a sleeve with the inflatable cells extending annularly around the sleeve, the inflatable cells being in partially overlapping relationship widthwise of the band. The band is made of three strips of resilient sheet material bonded to each other along spaced bond lines to define the partially overlapping inflatable cells.

Abstract: A mechanical continent ileostomy or colostomy device adapted for permanent insertion at the time of operation including a body portion having a flexible flange at one end, an insert portion attachable to the body portion and a stopper member having a central plug fitting into the insert. A plurality of permanent magnets embedded in a rim of the insert portion and in the stopper rim holds the stopper in sealing relationship to the insert.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing and treating stress urinary incontinence includes a belt surrounding the patient's trunk, a support plate on the belt, parallel tubes on the plate, and a generally U-shaped, downwardly opening pressure member having bent portions at the ends of the legs with enlarged tips. The bent portions enter the vagina and apply pressure against the anterior wall thereof to modify the urethrovesical angle, relieving the condition. The pressure member is wire coated with a physiologically inert polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial anus obturating device.The device according to the invention includes a magnetic peri-orificial plate (3) provided on one of its surfaces with an adhesive coating (5), and a flexible plug lodgeable in the intestinal opening and essentially constituted by a hollow cylindrical body (6) provided at its end turned towards the outside of the abdomen with a magnetic ring (7) which surrounds it and, when said plug is in the intestinal opening, cooperates with the peri-orificial plate to obturate the artificial anus, the said cylindrical body including, at its opposite end turned towards the intestine, slots (12) for the passage of gases, the cavity of said cylindrical body being closed at its outer end by a suitable closure device provided with one or several slots (14) for the passage of gases.

Abstract: An arterial pressure control system comprises an inflatable cuff for encircling the artery and a fluid pump connected to inflate the cuff. The outlet pressure of the pump is controlled by a programmable controller which receives a feedback signal from a pressure sensor contacting the artery downsteam from the cuff. The output of the pressure sensor is compared with a reference value so that the feedback signal to the controller represents the difference between the actual arterial pressure and the desired pressure. The controller thereupon regulates the output pressure of the pump so as to inflate or deflate the cuff as needed to maintain the desired arterial pressure.

Abstract: A pump/valve unit for controlling the inflation and deflation of a urethral collar in a prosthetic urinary sphincter device is disclosed including a compressible bulb pump defining a reservoir made integral with a valve unit for implant wherein the valve unit includes a movable valve member operable by depression of a flexible portion of the valve unit housing for controlling fluid flow between the reservoir and collar and a pressure sensing means which operates the valve member to relieve an excess pressure in the collar should too much pressure be applied by the patient.

Abstract: Pressure-regulated artificial sphincter apparatus for controlling vesicular incontinence is disclosed herein. The apparatus preferably comprises a generally toroidal cuff member for constricting a vessel to be opened and closed in response to fluid pressure, a squeezable fluid supply pump bulb in communication with the cuff, and a fluid pressure regulator for maintaining substantially constant fluid pressure within the cuff. The pressure regulator preferably comprises a variable volume, distensible balloon which is in fluid flow communication with the cuff. Check valve means are provided to maintain correct fluid flow throughout the apparatus. One form of this invention includes a low pressure fluid reservoir interconnected with the fluid supply bulb.

Abstract: A colonic endoprosthesis includes a tubular jacket element which consists of two tubular members which are telescopically received within one another and arrested in a telescoped position thereof when the tubular jacket element is implanted in the body of a user. A container element consisting of a hollow support member and an elastic lining member received in the hollow support member is removably insertable into the jacket element and retained in the fully inserted position thereof. The distal end of the intestinal tract of a user is connected to and communicates with the colonic endoprosthesis for the digested matter to enter and accummulate in the elastic lining member mounted on the support member of the container element until the time for emptying the hollow support member.

Abstract: An artificial sphincter for closure of a channel in a patient's body communicating with an opening adjacent the outside of the patient's body. The sphincter has a plug having a distal portion received in the channel, and a collection bag of flexible material covering the distal portion of the plug. The bag has a distal portion of reduced configurations received in the channel, with the bag inverting and the distal bag portion expanding to an enlarged configuration when the plug is removed from the channel in order to collect materials from the channel.

Abstract: An artificial sphincter for closure of a channel in a patient's body communicating with an opening adjacent the outside of the patient's body. The sphincter comprises, a generally annular member containing a first material for placement around the channel of the patient's body, and a plug having elongated flexible sidewalls of an elastic material for placement within the annular member in the body channel. The plug contains a particulate second material positioned in a region within the annular member when the plug is located in the patient's body. At least one of the first and second materials comprises a permanent magnetic material, while the other of the first and second materials comprises a material substantially susceptible to the one magnetic material. The sphincter has an applicator for selective placement and removal of the plug relative the channel in the patient's body.

Abstract: To provide reliable holding of a closure tampon for incontinent natural anus or an artificial anus after colostomy, an elongated essentially cylindrical body of cellular material, for example similar to a catamenial tampon, is provided with non-homogeneous sections, taken in longitudinal direction, and having differential diametrical compressibility, so that a section of low compressibility can be inserted in the exit opening for internal expansion to thereby hold its position in the artificial anus, the section of high compressibility permitting constriction to provide, after insertion of the low-compressibility section first, a plug effect.

Abstract: An artificial sphincter for closure of a channel in a patient's body communicating with an opening adjacent the outside of the patient's body. The sphincter comprises, an elongated sheet of relatively thin flexible material containing a particulate first material dispersed throughout a substantial portion of the sheet, with the sheet extending at least partially around the channel. The sphincter also has a plug having an elongated annular sleeve of elastic material defining a cavity communicating with a port in the plug, such that the sleeve may be inflated in the body channel. The sleeve has a second particulate material dispersed throughout a region in the sleeve, with at least one of the first and second materials comprising a permanent magnetic material, and with the other of the first and second materials comprising a material substantially susceptible to the one magnetic material.

Abstract: An implantable artificial sphincter in the form of a sleeve for receiving and supporting therein the remaining terminal end of healthy bowel tissue. The sleeve is provided with multiple openings therethrough for the growth and passage of anchoring fibrous granulation tissue and the sleeve is provided with a removable closure which is position in the patient at the point were the anal sphincter was surgically removed thereby providing an artificial sphincter in near normal anatomical position.

Abstract: A device for controlling flow of fluid to and from a resilient inflatable cuff implanted about the urethra to control flow of urine therethrough. The device comprises a housing of rigid material that provides an expansible sealed chamber, a piston forming one wall of the chamber and spring pressed to a position for decreasing the volume of the chamber to thereby force fluid from the chamber to the cuff, manually operable means for moving the piston to another position for enlarging the chamber to permit deflation of the cuff by return of fluid to the chamber, and a flexible cover or envelope encapsulating the housing, piston and manually operated means.

Abstract: A device for selectively opening and closing a tubular body organ comprises a sleeve adapted to encircle the body organ and formed with a pressurizable compartment between inner and outer walls. The sleeve is connected by a duct to a supply vessel which is compressible to express a pressure medium into the sleeve by manipulation externally of the body. The supply vessel, which is implanted below the skin of the patient, is provided with means for retaining it in a compressed state, thereby retaining the blocked state of the body organ and preventing passage of a body material, e.g. feces or urine, therethrough. The latter means can be released to permit expansion of the supply vessel and hence return a fluid from the sleeve into the vessel.

Abstract: A device for controlling flow of fluid to and from a resilient inflatable cuff implanted about the urethra to control flow of urine therethrough. The device comprises a flexible bulb reservoir and a control unit that includes a manually operated valve that opens automatically when the bulb is squeezed to force fluid into the cuff for closing the urethra. The control unit also includes a movable valve seat member having a relatively large area exposed to pressure of fluid in a chamber that is connected to the cuff and which moves to a position in which the valve member is unseated by an abutment when fluid pressure in the chamber exceeds a predetermined value to thereby relieve excess fluid pressure in the cuff.

Abstract: An implantate comprising an essentially annular permanent magnet which is axially magnetized is located in the vicinity of an orifice from an intestine, surrounding the intestine. A plug element having a core of magnetic material and an outer casing is inserted into the intestinal orifice. The casing is essentially cylindrical and is made of a material which is radially compressible, and inserted in the orifice, the magnetic material within the core thereof -- which is preferably removable -- in cooperation with the magnetic field from the permanent magnet locating the plug element within the orifice to establish an axial equilibrium position and hold the plug element in position closing the orifice.

Abstract: A device for controlling urinary incontinence in female patients. The device includes a body section for being inserted completely into the vagina. The body section includes a circumferential surface therearound for being gripped by the walls of the vagina for restricting the relative movement therebetween. A protruding section is rigidly attached to the body section and is oriented for displacing a surface of the superior wall of the vagina, and the urethra adjacent thereto, toward the pubic bone, thereby reducing the urethro-vesicle angle for further restricting the flow of urine through the urethra from the bladder to the urethral opening.

Abstract: A method of male contraception utilizing external pressure applied to the underside of the penis at the base thereof to close the urethral canal and thereby prevent the escape of semen. Apparatus comprises a pressure pad which applies a concentrated force on the canal and is held in place by a strap member around the penis.

Abstract: Method and means for reversible sterilization of females in which caps are placed over the fimbriated ends of the Fallopian tubes and sutured to the serosa thereof. The caps block passage of sperm and ova to prevent pregnancy. The caps can be sutured to and removed from the ends of the Fallopian tubes without damage to the transport mechanism of the tubes.

Abstract: An improved artificial sphincter for occluding a duct. The basic sphincter includes means to increase the occlusive force about the duct and means to control the increase of such occlusive force. To protect the duct from excessive or damaging occlusion the basic sphincter is improved by including means for preventing increase of the occlusive force about the duct beyond a predetermined position. An additional improvement includes means for adjusting the occlusive means after the sphincter has been implanted in a human or animal body to account for variations in fit about different ducts.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in training the bladder of an incontinent patient including a pressure chamber connectable to the bladder with a catheter and a collecting container connected to the pressure chamber by a narrow tube. The pressure chamber is to be lower than the bladder and the collecting container is below the pressure chamber, while the tube extends upwardly from the pressure chamber. In use, the pressure chamber fills up, pressurizing the bladder, until urine reaches the highest part of the tube whereon the pressure chamber and bladder are emptied and the pressure reduced.

Abstract: A control device in implantable sub-cutaneously for use in medicine and surgery. It is actuable by pressing on a sub-cutaneous membrane. It comprises a first chamber closed by the membrane which is placed on one surface of its casing and contains an incompressible fluid, and a second chamber, containing a gas and housing two coaxial bellows connected at their free ends. One of the bellows communicates with the first chamber and the second bellows communicates with a flexible duct going to the duct or cavity to be controlled.

Abstract: An electrically controlled magnetic fluid actuated device, which can be used in controlling fluid flow and which has particular utility in controlling this flow from a pressurized reservoir implanted in the body such as might be used for an artificial pancreas, sphincter for bladder control or other orthotic devices in the body of a human, has no freely moving parts and consists of a flow passageway having a portion the cross-section of which may be varied to control and to stop the flow of fluid, such as medicine, from a reservoir in the body to the point where this fluid is needed. A magnetic fluid which surrounds or contacts this portion of the passageway can, according to the presence or lack of a magnetic flux in its vicinity, occlude the passageway or allow it to open so as to control the fluid flow in the flow member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial bladder. It is characterized in that it comprises a leak-proof enclosure wall, which internally forms a closed cavity accessible through two upper apertures and through one lower aperture, means for connecting each of the upper apertures to a ureter, means for connecting the lower aperture to the urethra, a small balloon made of leak-proof, flexible material, which is positioned inside the said cavity and forms a closed space internally, means for introducing a fluid at will into the said small balloon and for extracting it from there so as to inflate and deflate it respectively, means for sealing the two upper apertures, which are open when at rest, and means for opening the lower aperture, which is closed when at rest, when the said small balloon is inflated, so as to induce urination. Its use is either to replace the bladder in the case of ablation or to re-establish the normal functions of a defective bladder.

Abstract: A urinary catheter having a pair of longitudinally-spaced passage closing means which may be individually and sequentially operated for draining the urinary bladder and when in closed position providing an air lock effectively preventing transmission of infecting agents into the bladder.

Abstract: A magnetic structure in the form of a filament which can be wound into a coil or the like. Such a structure can be made compatible with human tissue and implanted so that with a pair of such coils, for example, situated on opposite sides of a passage such as the urethra, it is possible to control the flow of fluid through a body passage.

Abstract: An improved vaginal device for females afflicted with urinary incontinence. The device consists of a molded, resilient cellular mass of plastic or rubber-like material formed in the general shape of a mushroom and dimensioned so that when inserted into the vagina, the head of the mushroom exerts an upward thrust against the anterior wall of the vagina of sufficient magnitude to block the flow of urine through the uretha, while the stem of the mushroom is posterially positioned in the vagina resting either against the prineal body or in the posterior fornix of the vagina. For ease of insertion, the cellular mushroom-shaped body is pre-compressed and inserted in a plastic sleeve or tubing which is then sealed to maintain the device in the compressed condition until it has been inserted in proper position in the vagina.

Abstract: A compression implant to resist the flow of urine through the urethra comprising a cap, an external planar pressure face on the cap, a base, an external bearing face on the base, and a peripheral wall continuously interconnecting the cap and the base. A peripheral fold in the peripheral wall enables the face to move toward and away from the base by changing the shape of the fold without elastic stretching of the material which forms the wall. The cap, base and peripheral wall together define an internal cavity which can be filled with an adjustably variable amount of fluid whereby to adjust the firmness of the capsule and thereby to adjust the force which it exerts against the urethra after implantation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing conception as well as for general use in variable filtering. For preventing conception at least temporarily the devices and methods provide a selective flow for fluid in a vas deferens with sperm being acted upon at the flow path in a manner which will prevent fluid which flows beyond the selective flow path from carrying viable sperm in numbers sufficient for conception. By regulating the size of the selective flow it is possible to achieve a variable filtering or flow controlling action which is of general utility.

Abstract: A kit for closing the intestinal opening on an anus praeter patient, which comprises at least one permanent magnet adapted to be positioned in the region of the intestinal opening and magnetic means for closing the intestinal opening, said magnetic means being operable to be retained in the closed position by magnetic attraction to said permanent magnet and to be opened by manual separation of said magnetic means from said permanent magnet.

Abstract: A valve for compressing a duct or vessel within a living animal having a permanent magnetic core enveloped by a biochemically inert sheath surgically implanted adjacent the duct or vessel and actuated by a magnet topically positioned by a belt, adhesive patch or other means.

Abstract: A device for controlling flow of fluid to and from a resilient inflatable cuff implanted about the urethra to control flow of urine therethrough. The device comprises a flexible bulb reservoir and a control unit that includes a manually operated valve that opens automatically when the bulb is squeezed to force fluid into the cuff for closing the urethra. The control unit also includes a movable valve seat member having a relatively large area exposed to pressure of fluid in a chamber that is connected to the cuff and which moves to a position in which the valve member is unseated by an abutment when fluid pressure in the chamber exceeds a predetermined value to thereby relieve excess fluid pressure in the cuff.