Abstract: A system for implanting a catheter in a urethra. The system includes a catheter having a valve disposed at a distal portion of the catheter. The valve may be operable in response to an external magnetic field. The system also includes a tool having a tip member extending into an opening at the distal portion of the catheter to couple the tool to the catheter. the system also includes an element extending from the tool. The catheter has an internal path that provides a conduit for the element to be extended through the valve to engage a proximal portion of the catheter. The tool is adapted use the element to stress the catheter and stiffen the catheter along the length of the catheter. Stiffening the catheter facilitates implantation of the catheter in the urethra by enabling pull forces, push forces, and torque forces to be transmitted from the tool through the catheter to the proximal portion of the catheter without undue stress on the urethra.

Abstract: A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter and a wall forming the stomach and pyloric sphincter. At least one implant is formed in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to inhibit emptying of the stomach.

Abstract: An implant delivery system can be used to deliver an implant into a body. The implant delivery system can include an inflation tube and a tubular member surrounding the inflation tube. The inflation tube can be used to provide an inflation medium to the implant. The tubular member can have a distal tip and an opening spaced from the tip to allow the implant to be released through the opening into an anatomical structure within the body.

Abstract: A medical article is used to repair prolapses of various pelvic organs including vaginal vault prolapse. The medical article can include a first flap comprising a dual density mesh formed of a first and second filament, a second flap comprising a single density mesh formed of the first filament, and a third flap comprising a single density mesh formed of the second filament. The first, second, and third flap can share a common intersection that can form an arc. The medical article can be formed by knitting a uniform piece of mesh and the arc can be configured to conform to a surface of a pelvic organ. Methods of manufacturing and methods of using the medical article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A urological device comprises a urological valve having a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and an open configuration in which the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to applied urological pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and promoting tissue growth in wounds, in which irrigant fluid optionally containing cell nutrients and/or other physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing, a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The apparatus has means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the wound. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a handle and an elongate member coupled to the handle. The elongate member has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion of the elongate member extends from the handle and defines a first longitudinal axis. The second portion of the elongate member extends from the first portion and defines a second longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis define a first angle and a first plane. The third portion of the elongate member extends from the second portion of the elongate member and defines a third longitudinal axis. The third longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis define a second angle and a second plane. The second plane is non-parallel with the first plane.

Abstract: A non-expandable pessary device, the pessary device having a top, a base, a length, a longitudinal axis, a maximum diameter, and a minimum diameter that is less than the maximum diameter. The pessary device has a pressure region adapted to extend between an anterior vaginal wall and a posterior vaginal wall of a user to provide pressure on the user's urethra through the vaginal wall. The pressure region includes the maximum diameter, and the maximum diameter is less than 25 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes an elongate body having a distal end configured to releasably couple the elongate body to a delivery device. A lock tube is movably disposable within a lumen of the elongate body. A connector is disposed at a proximal end of the elongate body and is configured to releasably couple a pelvic implant to the elongate body. The lock tube is configured to be slidably moved to a position adjacent the pelvic implant to secure the pelvic implant to the elongate body. A method according to an embodiment of the invention includes placing a portion of an implant through an opening defined by a dilator. A first elongate body of the dilator is moved relative to a second elongate body of the dilator to secure the implant to the dilator.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided, including a bladder stimulator that includes an elongate element adapted to pass through a urethra or adapted to pass through another opening in the bladder, an expandable body coupled to said elongate element, and an array of one or more stimulator contacts coupled to the expandable body, the array including at least one contact adapted to contact a portion of a bladder of a subject when the expandable body is inserted in the bladder and expanded. A controller stimulates the portion of the bladder by driving a pulse into the bladder via the contact, the pulse having a frequency of 5 Hz-1 kHz. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A medical sling made from material that is suitably shaped for use in a medical application has sides, portions of which are smoothed to prevent abrasion of surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a female urinary incontinence-inhibiting device comprising a flexible torus including at least one slot configured to, under compression, flexibly reduce the outer diameter of the flexible torus, the flexible torus having a diameter configured to inhibit female urinary incontinence when placed in a vagina and a stabilizing element, coupled to the flexible torus, the stabilizing element having a size and position configured to stabilize the flexible torus within the vagina.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and applying therapy or prophylaxis to wounds, in which irrigant fluid containing a physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. A biodegradable scaffold underlies the dressing on the wound bed to promote tissue growth. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing, an assembly comprising the dressing and scaffold, and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing incontinence includes a tubular body with a first guiding element connected to a tube-shaped retaining element with a second guiding element that opens axially into a termination on a side of the retaining element. The retaining element is formed of a reversible stretchable and compressible metal grille that is air-tight and fluid-tight at the termination in a region of a transition thereof to the tubular body. A fixing device that fixes the apparatus when the apparatus is immovably implanted in a body tissue of a patient is formed of the first guiding element defining areas with axially spaced projections. In a non-extended state, the projections are formed as slits protruding out of the surface of the first guiding element and, in an axially extended state, the projections are immovably implanted in the body tissue when the first guiding element is compressed in an axial direction.

Abstract: A surgical procedure for repairing vaginal prolapse, including apical descent (vaginal vault or uterine descensus), cystocele and/or rectocele, avoids bladder injury, the need for laparoscopic suturing, and difficulties in tensioning the mesh used to hold the vagina in the correct anatomical position, and can be practiced with off the shelf components. The procedure typically comprises exposing a female patient's peritoneum; making a peritoneal incision (e.g. over the patient's sacrum); mobilizing the peritoneum; incising the patient's vagina and attaching the anterior and posterior surfaces of a first (e.g. generally rectangular) mesh component, with a truncated stem and first locking element, to the apex of the patient's vagina; passing a mesh base component having a second locking element at a distal end, and a proximal end, underneath the peritoneum; moving the first and second locking elements together into locking relationship; anchoring the mesh base (e.g.

Abstract: Devices, system and methods for deforming body channels are disclosed herein. At least some embodiments described may be used to deform a body channel so as to decrease or prevent the normal intrachannel flow of material within the body channel. Such deformation may be used to treat such maladies as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Abstract: A device (101) for supporting or exercising the pelvic floor muscles in a female human. The device has a unitary elongate body having a first enlarged end (103), a second enlarged end (105), and a relatively narrow interconnecting region (107) that interconnects the first enlarged end and the second enlarged end. The first enlarged end (103) generally extends in a first direction from the interconnecting region (107) and from one end of the interconnecting region. The second enlarged end (105) generally extends in a second generally opposite direction from the interconnecting region (107) and from the other end of the interconnecting region. The first enlarged end (103), the second enlarged end (105), and the narrow interconnecting region (107) are substantially fully insertable into the vagina to provide resistance to contraction of the pelvic floor muscles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence. The diagnosis and treatment involves the use of a multiple sensor-enabled catheter capable of providing real-time data regarding the patient's physiology, such as urinary flow and muscular function of the bladder of the bladder sphincter, as well as the position and movement of the catheter within the patient.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus that can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection device, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing can be powered by auxiliary power sources such as high efficiency batteries, photovoltaic panels or cells, fuel cells, combustion generators, human powered generators, or other mechanical, electrical, or chemical power sources such as hand operated dynamos or wound springs, or any combination of the foregoing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a high efficiency pressure controller for controlling the output of the vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the pressure controller can control the pump without using a processor, and can have other features such as an intermittent delay function and an anti-stall mechanism to reduce the energy consumption of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants (e.g., urinary incontinence sling, hammock, etc.) that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders such as incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, prolapse (e.g., cystocele, enterocele, rectocele, vault prolapse), fecal incontinence, and the like, wherein the implant involves the ability to adjust dimensions of an implant before, during, or after implantation. In a preferred embodiment the implant (680) comprises a support portion piece (682) and an extension portion piece (688, 690) adjustably connected to the support portion piece through a frictional adjusting element (696) comprising an aperture through which a segment of extension portion extends.

Abstract: A sensor for use in a canister for fluid collection, the canister having a canister top and defining a fluid collection chamber. The sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the first electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the first electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The second electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the second electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the second electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The sensor also includes an electric circuit configured to detect an electrical property associated with the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A method of treating pelvic organ prolapse in a patient is provided. The method includes inserting a support device into a natural vaginal opening of the patient and placing the support device in contact with an interior apical portion of a vagina. The method additionally includes implanting an anchor in the patient and attaching a first end of the anchor to the support device and attaching a second end of the anchor to one of a sacrum and a ligament of the patient.

Abstract: A device is provided for applying pressure on a vaginal wall of a female subject, said device being configured for insertion into a vaginal cavity of said female subject. The device includes a first deformable element, a second deformable element and a transmission element. The first deformable element has a resting-state and at least one deformed state and is configured for undergoing deformation in response to an inner body pressure. When in the resting state, the first deformable element is configured to anchor the device inside the vaginal cavity. The second deformable element has a resting-state and at least one deformed state, and is configured for undergoing deformation to apply a second pressure on the vaginal wall, such second pressure being operable to narrow a urethral portion the female subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining whether an involuntary voiding event was attributable to stress or urge incontinence include determining an activity level of a patient that coincides with the occurrence of the involuntary voiding event or the activity level within a certain time range of the involuntary voiding event. Patient activity data may be collected via a signal that varies as a function of patient activity. The signal may be generated with one or more sensors that detect motion, such as an accelerometer or a piezoelectric crystal, and/or one or more sensors that monitor a physiological parameter of the patient that varies as a function of patient activity, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, electrocardiogram morphology, respiration rate, respiratory volume, core temperature, muscular activity level or subcutaneous temperature of the patient.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system for an inflatable sphincter prosthesis is disclosed. The implantable inflatable sphincter prosthesis may include a fluid transfer system and at least one inflatable cuff for occluding a body channel. The fluid transfer system may include an inflate pump, a deflate pump, and three one-way valves.

Abstract: A urination control device includes a conduit to be inserted into the urethra, an upstream restraint member located upstream of the conduit and having a through hole, a control member located on the downstream side from the upstream restraint member in the conduit, and a downstream restraint member located on the downstream side from the control member in the conduit, wherein the upper restraint member and control member attract each other with magnetic force, and the control member is brought in contact with the opening portion of the through hole in the upstream restraint member at least in the state exerting no fluid pressure on the upstream side so as to block passage of fluid through the upstream restraint member and admit the passage of fluid through the downstream restraint member in the state engaged with the control member.

Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50A to about 90A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5A to about 49A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: Devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.

Abstract: Devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.

Abstract: A fluid volume alarm system is presented. The alarm system has a container for storing fluid, and alarm module coupled to the container for notifying a user or observer that the fluid within the container has reached a predetermined level. The container has at least one exterior wall and defines an interior volume for at least temporary storage of fluid. In one aspect, there are at least two electrodes disposed on an interior portion of the exterior wall of the container and positioned at a position thereon an interior portion of the exterior wall corresponding to a predetermined fluid level at which it is desirable to receive an alarm. The system also has an alarm module configured to alert the practitioner that the fluid has met or has exceeded the predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating urinary incontinence, comprising a node; a support section adapted for providing urethral support attached to the node; and, an anchoring section adapted for resisting movement of the apparatus attached to the node; wherein the node is no longer than 30% of the entire length of the apparatus comprising the node, support section and the anchoring section together.

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: Various embodiments of an adjustable pessary device are provided. The device can include an elastic ribbon or band, such as Nitinol, encapsulated in a soft or flexible structure, such as a rubber shell. In addition to providing a conforming, comfortable shape, the rubber layer can have additional structures to interface and fit with the anatomical structures within the vagina.

Abstract: A pessary device having a top, a base, a length, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow interior. The pessary device has a hollow interior containing a protuberance.

Abstract: A device for the in situ clearing of blockages in a tube includes a controller and a clearing member. The controller can have a housing and an actuator for generating repetitive motion. The clearing member can be releasably coupled to the controller and suitable for insertion in the tube. The tube can be at least partially disposed within a living being. The controller can be located external to the living being. The clearing member can have a first end releasably coupled to the actuator, at least one flexible section which permits axial displacement of the clearing member, and a second end suitable for repetitively engaging and disrupting the blockage. The flexible section permits the clearing member to repetitively engage and disrupt the blockage within one of a straight and a curved portion of the artificial tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A release mechanism is provided for the tension element.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating urinary incontinence, comprising: a support section adapted for providing urethral support; an anchoring section for resisting movement of the apparatus; an insert, a portion of which is adapted to be positioned where the support section attaches to the node; and, wherein the insert urges the support section radially outwards from a central axis of the apparatus.

Abstract: A disposable urinary incontinence device comprises a liquid-stable resilient member, and a cover sheet that envelops the liquid-stable resilient member to form an elongated member having a tubular profile. The elongated member has a first end, a second end, a first fold region disposed between the first end and the second end, a second fold region disposed between the first end and the first fold region, a third fold region disposed between the second end and the first fold region, a first portion located between the first end and the second fold region, a second portion located between the second end and the third fold region, a third portion located between the first fold region and a second fold region, and a fourth portion located between the first fold region and the third fold region to form a W-shaped incontinence device.

Abstract: An applicator for urinary incontinence devices has an insertion barrel, a deployment plunger, and an adjustable insertion depth indicator. The applicators are useful to correct for a consumer's body mass index to ensure that urinary incontinence devices are placed in the appropriate position to be effective.

Abstract: A new, quick, simple, efficient, safe, and reproducible surgical technique for the treatment of female urinary incontinence, in which the posterior urethra is suspended using a tape passed through the obturator orifices from inside (underneath the urethra) to outside (thigh folds). A variety of specifically designed surgical instruments are utilized to perform this operative procedure.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence.

Abstract: Systems for providing support to body tissue to alleviate incontinence are disclosed that comprise an elongated incontinence sling (20) having a central support portion (40) adapted to be positioned to support any one of the urethra or anus (58, 67) and first and second sling end portions (42, 44) extending from the central support portion through body tissue and a tension adjustment mechanism acting on or within one or both of the sling end portions. The sling tension adjustment mechanism comprises one or more of a sling tensioning suture (312, 314) or band, and a tensioning device (310) coupled to a suture or band free end.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for treating patients suffering from several disorders including bladder dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, and bowel elimination disorders are disclosed and described. The method can include identification of the disorder followed by the step of accessing a pudendal nerve of the patient. A microelectrode array having a plurality of electrodes thereon is inserted into the pudendal nerve of the patient. A controller is electronically associated with the microelectrode array which is programmed to provide selective activation and/or blocking of various muscles using the microelectrodes of the array. The selective stimulation can be tuned to selectively activate or block at least one muscle selected from the group consisting of the external urethral sphincter, the detrusor muscle, the anal sphincter, and the cavernous smooth musculature of the penis.

Abstract: A surgical assembly including an introducer having a handle portion and a needle portion, and at least a first retaining device extending outwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes first and second sheath elements each having a proximal end, a closed tissue penetrating distal end, a channel extending therein and a side aperture extending into the channel, and an implant having first and second ends coupled to the proximal ends of the sheath elements respectively. Channels of the first and second sheath elements are dimensioned to slidably receive therein through the side aperture the needle portion of the introducer, and for each of the first and second sheath elements when the needle portion of the introducer is so received therein, the peripheral edge of the side aperture is capable of being removably coupled to the retaining device to thereby fixedly secure the sheath element to the introducer.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A symmetrical drive system including a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct is further provided. In accordance with an alternate embodiment an apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct including an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member.

Abstract: A urinary control device for sealing off at a neck and along the inside wall of a bladder to prevent leaking and dislodging of the device from within the bladder is disclosed. The device includes an inner tubular member. The device also includes an expandable sealing member. A deployable stiffening member is positioned within the expandable sealing member. The stiffening member expands within the expandable sealing member to erect and shape the expandable sealing member. The deployable stiffening member strengthens the expandable sealing member, retaining the device within the bladder and sealing off the bladder against leaking.

Abstract: Described are implants, tools, and methods useful for treating pelvic conditions such as prolapse, by placing an implant to support pelvic tissue, the implants, tools, and methods involving one or more of adjusting engagements, specific implants and pieces of implants, placement of implants at locations within the pelvic region, and insertion, adjusting, and grommet management tools.