Abstract: A method, device, and system for treatment of urinary tract disorders is provided. The device includes a catheter having multiple lumens for insertion into a urinary bladder and for providing fluid flow within the bladder and within the fluid reservoir within the urethra. The device further includes an anchor to be placed within the bladder. A port hub having multiple ports is connected at a proximal end of the catheter. A method of treatment includes providing heated fluid to a urinary bladder and to a fluid reservoir for insertion into an adjacent organ such as the urethra. Simultaneous treatment or separate treatment may be done. Optionally, a medicated solution may be added to the heated fluid. Additionally, pressure may be adjusted so as to optimize the therapeutic effect.

Abstract: This invention provides an artificial sphincter including a component coated on at least one contacting surface with a polymeric material, the polymeric coating adapted to expand and return to an original configuration and to prevent or inhibit wear or abrasion of the contacting surface. The polymeric material is parylene in some embodiments. The component adapted for inflation and deflation may be a cuff formed from silicon and adapted to surround a urethra or a rectum. Also provided by the present invention is a method of depositing a coating to a surface of an inflatable component by providing a vacuum chamber system having an inner chamber positioned within an outer chamber. At least one coating material is introduced into at least one of the inner and outer chambers to deposit a coating onto an exposed surface of the component. This invention also provides methods of masking portions of surfaces of an inflatable component to prevent a coating from being deposited on the masked portion.

Abstract: A gastric band implant characterized in that a strap constituted by an elongate piece is secured to the inside of an inflatable bag. The width and thickness of the piece are smaller than the corresponding dimensions of an oblong right cross-section of the bag. The piece possesses convex longitudinal edges and has complementary overlapping connection structures on opposite end portions of the strap.

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 apparatus, and corresponding method, for management of fecal incontinence comprising a catheter having at least two electrodes and an inflatable balloon, a non-conductive sleeve surrounding the electrodes, and an alarm box, wherein the catheter is insertable into a rectal vault and is inflatable to serve as a block to passage of stool and wherein moisture sensed by the electrodes triggers the alarm box and thereby notifies a user that fecal material has entered the rectal vault.

Abstract: The present invention provides a urethral prosthesis including a substrate, an inflatable pillow attached to the substrate, a pressurized reservoir in fluid communication with the pillow and a restrictor. Upon compression of the inflatable pillow, inflating agent is transferred from the inflatable pillow to the pressurized reservoir. Upon terminating compression, inflating agent returns to the inflatable pillow. The urethral prosthesis may be implanted such that the inflatable pillow prevents unintentional voiding of a patient's bladder.

Abstract: The invention provides a sling prosthesis (10) for urinary incontinence and also a method of treating urinary incontinence. The sling (10) has a flexible elongate member (12) and a distensible portion (14) and is configured to be inserted dorsally between the urethra and pelvic bone, with ends of the elongate member attachable to retropubic or ischial structures. A valve (18) which is subcutaneously implantable in a labial or scrotal region may be connected via a conduit (16) to the dispensible portion. Fluid is injected via the valve into the distensible portion (14) to that the distensible portion (14) sufficiently constricts the urethra to inhibit undesirable leakage of urine. Fluid can then either be injected into or extracted from the distensible portion in order to alter distension thereof.

Abstract: An implantable digestive organ is provided for the transport of materials through the digestive tract and in one particular application to an artificial large bowel for replacing all or part of a colon or large bowel. The prosthetic organ of one embodiment includes an outer support structure, an expandable member or members located within the outer support structure, and a flexible inner member forming a conduit for the passage of material. The flexible inner member is located within the outer member and the expandable member or members are located between the inner member and the outer support structure. The expandable members are expanded and contracted, or inflated and deflated to provide a pumping action that pumps the material through the organ. The prosthesis may also include valves or sphincters at the entrance and/or exit points of the organ where material moves into and out of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable prosthesis.

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 implantable constriction device for treating an incontinent patient comprises an elongate composite structure adapted to constrict the urethra, urine bladder, anus, colon or rectum of the patient. The elongate composite structure is composed of a base material, such as hard silicone, making the composite structure self-supporting. Property improving means is provided for improving at least one physical property of the composite structure other than self-supporting properties, such as fatigue resistance, liquid impermeability, aggressive body cells resistance, anti-friction properties and lifetime.

Abstract: A device (10) for extracting biliary or urinary stones, calculi or the like (stones 104) from the biliary or urinary tract (100) of a patient including a catheter shaft (12), a first expandable apparatus for dilating the tract entrance or the sphincter thereat, and a second expandable apparatus for capturing the stone and/or urging it out of the tract. The first expandable apparatus may be an inflatable balloon (14) fixed on the catheter shaft (12), and the second expandable apparatus may be a second inflatable balloon (18) fixed on the catheter shaft or on a second tube telescopically associated with the catheter shaft, or may be a reversibly collapsible extraction basket (154) such as of nitinol wires, that is slidably receivable in and extendable from the catheter shaft (112).

Abstract: A rod-like or tube-like sphincteric closure device is micro-invasively implanted beneath the surface of the posterior mucosal wall to elevate the mucosa and close the lumen, by using a delivery device operated through the urethra. To initiate voiding, the muscle-rich anterior urethral wall contracts and widens the lumen beyond the closing or elevating range of the sphincteric closure device. For urethral obstruction, repelling magnets are micro-invasively implanted beneath the surface of mucosa with the delivery device through the urethra, to widen the lumen with magnetic force.

Abstract: A catheter system is provided that permits easy cannulation and radiological examination of the biliary and pancreatic ducts during an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatograhy (ERCP) procedure. The system of biliary catheters provides for a method of gaining access to the biliary tree, particularly when the contralateral wall or septum of the biliary tree interferes with access to the biliary tree. This anatomical interference is remedied using a pulling biliary catheter that withdraws the papilla of Vater away from the contralateral wall or septum by pulling proximally upon a chute expanded within the papilla of Vater. The enlarged opening then permits additional medical devices to be advanced through the pulling biliary catheter into the desired duct requiring the ERCP procedure.

Abstract: An anal incontinence treatment apparatus and method includes and uses an adjustable restriction device implanted in a patient, who suffers from anal incontinence. The restriction device engages the rectum of the patient to restrict the fecal passageway. An adjustment device is adapted to adjust the restriction device such that the rectum is temporarily released, in order to open the fecal passageway when the patient wishes to achieve defaecation.

Abstract: A urinary flow control device having a bladder responsive flow control assembly operatively engaged with an elongate member having proximal and distal ends, and a lumen capable of discharging urine therethrough is provided. The flow control assembly includes first and second fluid containing compartments adapted to be in fluid communication. The flow control assembly is adapted to receive and contain urine from a bladder so as to impinge upon the first fluid containing compartment. The flow control assembly is responsive to increased bladder pressure such that fluid is displaced from the first fluid containing compartment to the second fluid containing compartment to thereby permit select passage of received urine to the lumen of the elongate member for discharge therethrough. A method of controlling urinary flow is likewise provided.

Abstract: An implantable device for controlling a body conduit including a cuff portion adapted to substantially encircle a body conduit. An inlet tube is operatively connected for delivering fluid to the cuff portion. The inlet tube has a one-way valve. An outlet tube is operatively connected to the cuff portion for releasing fluid therefrom and includes a normally closed valve. A pumping reservoir is in communication with the inlet tube and the outlet tube, wherein manipulation of the pumping reservoir inflates the cuff portion and manipulation of the normally closed valve deflates the cuff portion. An inflatable lumen surrounds the pumping reservoir and the cuff portion to provide rigidity and balance pressure between the cuff portion and the pumping reservoir.

Abstract: A system for treating a urinary bladder of an individual. The system comprises a resiliently flexible, solid body for insertion into the urinary bladder. The system also comprises an applicator for inserting the body into the urinary bladder or for removing the body from the urinary bladder. The system is useful in treating the urinary bladder, in monitoring the urinary bladder and in the treatment of urinary incontinence.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable, self-sealing element having a continuous wall, including an inner surface defining a chamber. The adjustable element expands or contracts due to fluid volume introduced into the chamber for restricting a body lumen. After being implanted into a patient, the size of the adjustable element is altered by first locating the adjustable element implanted adjacent the body lumen, and then establishing fluid communication with the adjustable element. The volume of the adjustable element is then adjusted by either introducing or removing volume from the chamber of the adjustable element.

Abstract: An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus and method include and use an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the colon or rectum to form a restricted. An energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient's body is provided. An implanted energy transfer device transfers the energy of a first form transmitted by the energy transmission device into energy of a second form, which is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device, i.e. to open and close the fecal passageway.

Abstract: A urinary apparatus includes a catheter system for pressurizing either a bladder cavity or a urethral canal within a female urinary system and an endoscope device for observing a urethral sphincter muscle within the female urinary system for assessing the sling tension of an implant support adapted to restore female urinary continence. The catheter system includes a obturator occlusion member for plugging the urethral canal during the performance of a sling tensioning procedure.

Abstract: A surgeon-implantable, fluid-filled, flexible device for automatically controlling stress incontinence in female patients employs a flexible diaphragm element positioned in the patient's abdominal space to compress in response to increases in intraabdominal pressure. Upon such compression of the diaphragm, pressurized fluid flows therefrom via a flexible tubing, optionally via a flow control element, to an inflatable urethra-constricting element in fluid communication therewith and positioned over the patient's urethra close to her bladder neck. Thus, when the patient experiences an increase in intraabdominal pressure, e.g., when she coughs, fluid from the diaphragm flows rapidly to the urethra-constricting element which presses against and forcibly constricts the urethra adjacent thereto. Upon abatement of the intraabdominal pressure, the flow control element releases fluid from the urethra-constricting element which then ceases to press on the urethra.

Abstract: An implantable device for controlling a body conduit including a cuff portion adapted to substantially encircle a body conduit. An inlet tube is operatively connected for delivering fluid to the cuff portion. The inlet tube has a one-way valve. An outlet tube is operatively connected to the cuff portion for releasing fluid therefrom and includes a normally closed valve. A pumping reservoir is in communication with the inlet tube and the outlet tube, wherein manipulation of the pumping reservoir inflates the cuff portion and manipulation of the normally closed valve deflates the cuff portion. An inflatable lumen surrounds the pumping reservoir and the cuff portion to provide rigidity and balance pressure between the cuff portion and the pumping reservoir.

Abstract: A female incontinence device made of a soft semi-collapsed hollow tube that can be easily inserted into the bladder by a patient or a healthcare professional. The proximal end can open diagonally within the bladder to retain the catheter in the proper position, and can be easily removed without the use of special tools. A valve system which is pressure-sensitive is provided at the distal end such that it can be manually activated to empty the bladder.

Abstract: A surgeon-implantable, fluid-filled, flexible device for automatically controlling stress incontinence in female patients employs a flexible diaphragm element positioned in the patient's abdominal space to compress in response to increases in intraabdominal pressure. Upon such compression of the diaphragm, pressurized fluid flows therefrom via a flexible tubing, optionally via a flow control element, to an inflatable urethra-constricting element in fluid communication therewith and positioned over the patient's urethra close to her bladder neck. Thus, when the patient experiences an increase in intraabdominal pressure, e.g., when she coughs, fluid from the diaphragm flows rapidly to the urethra-constricting element which presses against and forcibly constricts the urethra adjacent thereto. Upon abatement of the intraabdominal pressure, the flow control element releases fluid from the urethra-constricting element which then ceases to press on the urethra.

Abstract: Oxybutynin chloride formulations having increased stability at body temperature, even at high concentrations. These formulations comprise oxybutynin chloride at a pH of between 3.0 and 5.0, and may include a buffer capable of providing adequate buffering capacity in this range. The OC solutions can be placed in an infuser device for treatment of bladder dysfunction.

Abstract: A urethral valve system includes a valve balloon that inflates to provide continence and deflates to allow urine to flow around the balloon and an attached catheter that extends through the urethra, and out of the body through the meatus. The urine cleanses the valve balloon, the catheter and the urethra of bacteria, and thus, minimizes infection. The catheter includes a check valve at the end that is accessible to the user. To inflate the balloon, the user attaches to the check valve a small pump that supplies air or a liquid such as water to inflate the balloon. To deflate the balloon, the user manipulates the check valve to allow the water or air to drain from the balloon. The valve balloon may be positioned in the bladder. To retain the system in the bladder when urine flows around the balloon and the catheter, the balloon deflates to a shape that is wider than the diameter of the neck of the bladder.

Abstract: Provided is a device to control fecal incontinence and methods for its use. The device comprises a longitudinal tubular member having attached thereto bilaterally-extending wings for securing the device while in use. The device also comprises an expandable portion for prevention of unwanted defecation during use of the device.

Abstract: An intraurethral female bladder control apparatus and method for nonsurgically inserting the apparatus distally into a patient. A preferred apparatus has a rigid plastic inner housing with soft, flexible retainer attached distally and a flow control unit mounted within the inner housing lumen. A rigid, plastic outer housing having a softer proximal retainer and distal, upper tip, surrounds the inner housing and has the distal retainer within prior to insertion. In use, the upper tip is inserted through the urethra into the bladder and the inner housing advanced to deploy the distal retainer within the bladder floor.

Abstract: An adjustable gastric banding device is used for contracting a patient's stomach in order to fight obesity. A gastric band (1) of a known type, implanted around the stomach and including a cavity (2) filled with liquid, is connected by a tube (7) to a control box (9) and a balancing reservoir (11) which are implanted under the patient's skin. The box (9) contains an electric pump and an electronic control unit capable of communicating by radio with a monitor (13) carried by the patient and with a controller (12) intended for the doctor. The controller can operate the pump by remote control to transfer determined volumes of liquid in a closed circuit from the gastric band to the reservoir or vice versa, to adjust the diameter of a passage in the stomach. The monitor receives and signals alarms from the control box.

Abstract: An inflatable cuff used as an artificial sphincter may be used in either of two different ways. The first embodiment involves the cuff encircling the urethra for maintaining pressure on it to occlude it except when voiding the bladder. The second embodiment involves placing a one-way valve in the urethra which is encircled by the inflatable cuff such that the cuff is only inflated when it is desired to void the bladder by opening the valve in the urethra through pressure being applied to the exterior of the valve body. In each embodiment a syringe-type pump bulb is used which is connected to a one-way valve in turn connected to a tube to the inflatable cuff. The bulb side wall has sufficient memory to cause it to return to its normal expanded condition which causes the suction of fluid from the cuff when the manually operated valve is actuated.

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 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 female incontinence device according to the present invention includes one or more rings of water swellable gel forming material mounted on a female incontinence plug or catheter. The water swellable ring swells upon insertion of the device into the urethra and non-traumatically secures the device in the urethra while providing a seal between the device and the walls of the urethra. The water swellable ring may be replaced by other stimuli sensitive materials which allow the ring to be swollen and later reduced in volume for removal of the device. The stimuli sensitive materials which may be used in the invention include materials sensitive to light, pH, electrical field, mechanical stress, temperature, and solvent interaction.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the physical and chemical properties of urine in the urinary bladder and functioning of the bladder. For example, the system can include sensors for pressure, temperature, pH, various different chemical constituents of urine, sodium, potassium, glucose, drug markers, drug metabolites, specific gravity, proteins, leukocyte esterase, nitrites, urobilinogen, whole or crenated blood cells, ketones, bilirubin, turbidity or color, the sensors being connected to transmission means for delivering signals representative of the properties detected by the sensors.

Abstract: An intra-vaginal device includes an anterior inflatable body having a hose extending therefrom and a pressure application zone structured and disposed to direct pressure against the urethra and urethra vesicle junction when inflated, to thereby prevent loss of urine. A posterior portion extends from the inflatable anterior body, terminating at a distal end, and is structured and configured to promote insertion and passage of the device within the vagina. A source of pressurized air is releasably attachable to a distal end of the hose to facilitate inflation of the anterior body.

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 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 method of shaping polymeric structures by coating a support structure with a bond-preventing agent to attain a particular shape and subsequently coating the shaped structure of the bond-preventing agent with a polymeric bonding composition is provided. Such shaped polymeric structures can have one or more cavities which can be fluid-filled or gel-filled. Also provided is a hand-actuating retention female urinary catheter having an inner tube and an outer overcoat layer encircling the tube with an elastomeric collar with a shroud. A cavity containing a fluid is interposed between the tube and the overcoat layer. The cavity includes a balloon portion and a reservoir portion. The shroud encircles the reservoir section to inhibit the ballooning of the reservoir section when the reservoir section is squeezed to force fluid from the reservoir portion to the balloon portion through the sleeve portion of the cavity. The overcoat layer and the collar with a shroud are made of soft resilient material.

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: The organization is arranged to provide for a sterile spacing of the labia majora permitting retraction of the labia majora permitting ease of inserting a catheter device into the urethra. The organization is of a pentagonal configuration to anatomically accommodate the labia majora and to visualize the urethra.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence prosthesis in the form of an inflatable implant. The implant includes a uniquely configured balloon having a central portion for positioning adjacent the patient's urethra and pairs of claw like arms partially circumscribing the patient's corpus cavernosa. The process for use comprises implanting the balloon and suturing apertured tabs to a patient's tunica to maintain the prosthesis device in its desired position. A pump/reservoir is positioned in the patient's scrotum and connected in fluid communication with the prosthesis by a suitable tube. The entire device is made of biocompatible implantable material.

Abstract: A method for implanting an artificial sphincter to control urinary incontinence in a patient includes two implantation procedures and an intervening interval of testing and healing. The first procedure employs a trocar or laparoscope to insert and position an inflatable compression balloon 66 in the patient's space of Retzuis between the patients's posterior pubic symphysis and bladder neck/urethra 12,14 with a fluid conduit 26 extending transcutaneously through the abdominal wall. Using a trocar and Foley catheter, the patient's anterior bladder is elevated and connected to the patient's abdominal wall by a felt matrix or mesh patch 32 to effectively lengthen and stabilize the urethra. The conduit is used externally to determine respective first and second fluid pressures needed to occlude the urethra and to permit voiding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling urinary incontinence in a patient includes positioning a reservoir containing fluid subcutaneously over the patient's anterior pubis; an inflatable compression balloon between the patient's posterior pubic symphysis and urethra; and a conduit extending over the pubis for fluid communication between said reservoir and said compression balloon. The compression balloon is inflated in response to fluid flow from said reservoir, when manually compressed by the patient. A manually releasable, one-way valve positioned in the conduit between said reservoir and said compression means retains fluid in the compression balloon under pressure and is externally actuable by the patient for equilibrating pressure in the reservoir and compression balloons to permit voiding. The bladder of the patient is elevated and connected anteriorly to the patient's abdominal wall by a felt matrix or mesh patch affixed to the bladder to effectively lengthen and stabilize the urethra.

Abstract: A control device for an artificial sphincter for a natural bodily passage, in particular a urinary passage, which contains a variable volume envelope. The control device includes a first chamber in the form of a balloon, a second chamber defined by two plates joined by a membrane forming a bellows, between which the balloon is accommodated, and an elastic return mechanism including at least one elastic band around the plates.

Abstract: Embodiments of a prosthesis designed to be used to treat female incontinence are disclosed. In each of the embodiments, the prosthesis is of generally U-shaped cross-section, including one leg of the "U" inserted within the vagina and another leg of the "U" engaging against the mons pubis area. The leg which is inserted within the vagina has attached thereto an inflatable balloon designed to be inflated to press against the urethra to compress the urethra against tissue in the rear portion of the symphysis pubis of control urinary incontinence. In one embodiment of the present invention, the entirety of the device is of unitary construction. In a second embodiment, the legs of the "U" are pivotably interconnected to allow adjustment of the relative orientation thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling urinary incontinence in a patient includes positioning a reservoir containing fluid subcutaneously over the patient's anterior pubis; an inflatable compression balloon between the patient's posterior pubic symphysis and urethra; and a conduit extending over the pubis for fluid communication between said reservoir and said compression balloon. The compression balloon is inflated in response to fluid flow from said reservoir, when manually compresed by the patient. A manually releasable, one-way valve positioned in the conduit between said reservoir and said compression device retains fluid in the compression balloon under pressure and is externally actuable by the patient for equilibrating pressure in the reservoir and compression balloons to permit voiding. The bladder of the patient is elevated and connected anteriorly to the patient's abdominal wall by a felt matrix or mesh patch affixed to the bladder to effectively lengthen and stabilize the urethra.

Abstract: A female incontinence device inserted into the vagina for supporting the vaginal tissue on each side of the upper urethra so that the tissue therebetween will be stretched like a hammock and will offer counter pressure to sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure such as during coughing, sneezing, laughing and physical exercise thereby preserving continence. The device includes an annular inflatable body section having an aperture extending therethrough, means for inflating and deflating the body section and two projections attached to the body section for supporting the tissue of the vaginal wall lateral and adjacent to each side of the urethra therebetween. The inflating and deflating means includes a tubing extending from the body section, and a valve housed within the tubing for regulating the flow of air into and out of the body section.

Abstract: A self-contained, implantable device for controlling passage of material through internal body conduits, and in particular to control the material passage through a closure point commonly referred to as a sphincter, such as flow through the urethra from the bladder, movement through the bowel, or flow of medications from an artificial conduit that is implanted. The magnetic occluding device comprises a fixed magnetic pressure plate assembly, positioned on one side of a conduit, and a permanent magnet on an opposite side of the conduit. The permanent magnet can be moved so that the magnetic force between the pressure plate and the magnet can be altered from a position wherein the attraction between the movable magnet and the pressure plate carries the conduit between the magnet and the pressure plate to collapse to close off flow through the conduit, to a position wherein the conduit can open.