Abstract: An implantable artificial sphincter system for reversibly occluding a body passageway, which system includes occlusion means, pump means, and the unique feature of a fluid capacitor disposed on a control assembly for the system, which is capable of increasing volume under fluid pressure. The fluid capacitor is connected with the occlusion means in such fashion that said occlusion means will remain substantially inflated during short, but significant, pressure increases, but will at least partially deflate upon the advent of prolonged but moderate pressure increases on the body passageway. While in its preferred embodiment no other fluid containing component is needed, if desired a volume compensator can also be included in the system. A valve preferably of the magnetic type can also be included for activating or deactivating the system.

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 a reservoir and a compression balloon. The compression balloon is inflated in response to fluid flow from the reservoir, when manually compressed by the patient. A manually releasable, one-way valve positioned in the conduit between the reservoir and a compression balloon 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 device for controlling the flow of a fluid, more especially a biological fluid and in particular the urinary flow, said device including a rod which, in the rest condition is sealingly clamped, by any appropriate clamping mechanism, inside a connecting tube, which is made from a flexible plastic material presenting shrinkage on polymerization, and a mechanism which is adapted to prevent the axial movement of the said valve rod along the connecting tube under the effect of the pressure of a fluid filling two flexible activating bags connected through the connecting tube, which may cooperate with a third flexible bag.

Abstract: A closure device for a male urethra, which is formed by an elongated valve device to be inserted into the urethra and to be releasably fastened therein. The elongated object may be formed by a single basic body element, or by a basic body element combined with at least one intermediate element and an end element. The valve is open at both ends and includes a longitudinal through hole. The valve body, at least on its front end, includes a removable closure plug. The valve body is partly enclosed by a double-membrane tube that can be pressurized and expanded to secure the device within the urethra. The basic body element of the valve body is provided with at least one radial hole to permit the introduction of fluid such as air into a space between an inner and outer membrane which comprise the double membrane tube or sleeve. An opening provided in the inner sleeve is offset relative to the radial opening in the valve body.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implantable, inflatable helical cuff which is wrapped about a tubular body member such as a nerve cord, esophagus, colon, intestine, or blood vessel in a pressure transferring relationship. The cuff may be completely inflated to function as an occluder, or partially inflated to function as a pressure sensor or transducer in an appropriate system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling the discharge of materials through a body passage. The invention comprises a fluid actuated artificial sphincter mechanism that surrounds the body passage. The artificial sphincter includes an inflatable cuff surrounded by a hollow resilient C-shaped reservoir ring. The cuff, ring and pump are in fluid communication with each other. The fluid communication between the cuff and reservoir ring is controlled by a flow resistor means. In operation, the pump draws fluid from the cuff and diverts the fluid into a reservoir ring. By pumping the fluid from the cuff, the cuff deflates opening the body passage. Pumping the fluid into the reservoir ring increases the pressure in the ring causing the ring to open. As the ring opens the ring allows the cuff to move further away from the body passage opening the body passage further. The fluid displaced in the ring is continuously diverted from the reservoir ring back to the cuff.

Abstract: Apparatus and a non-surgical method for hypodermically implanting a genitourinary prosthesis comprising an extensible, inflatable containment membrane to be located between the urethra and the subcutaneous corpus spongiousum of a patient to overcome urinary incontinence by means of localized, controlled tissue volume increase. Hypodermic positioning, injecting and inflating instruments are also disclosed for implant of the containment membrane and for percutaneously infusing the membrane with bicompatible fluid or particulate matter. The containment membrane functions as an envelope for retaining the fluid or particulate matter therewithin while controllably and advantageously increasing localized tissue volume and simultaneously preventing the migration of such fluid or particles. Accordingly, an increased passive occlusive pressure may be applied to the patient's urethra to achieve continence.

Abstract: A blood flow control system comprising a primary arteriovenous fistula connecting a blood source to a vein, and a secondary fistula connected to the first fistual leading to a venous sink. A blood flow control device is engaged with the primary fistula so as to impede the flow therethrough, and is disposed between the secondary fistula and the vein, and it is actuated transcutaneously, whereby restriction of the blood flow through the primary fistula increases the flow of blood to the venous sink.

Abstract: An improved tissue expansion device for implantation beneath the skin, the improvement being the incorporation of a tensioning ring within the shell of the device. The tension ring exerts an outward force along the periphery of the shell to hold the device flat and prevent undesirable wrinkling during implantation.

Abstract: An ileostomy valve comprising an attachment plate having a central opening passing therethrough which communicates with a support housing is shown. The support housing has an elongated central member which defines a passageway which communicates with the opening in the attachment plate and which terminates at the remote end of the elongated second member. A cover plate has a central drainage opening extending therethrough. The cover plate is positioned contiguous the attachment plate positioning the coacting member to engage and coact with the attachment plate. An elongated flexible tubing member extends through the central drainage opening in the covering plate, through the opening in the attachment plate, through the passageway in the elongated central member to the second opening in the elongated central member.

Abstract: The incontinence control device of the present invention as described includes a cloth strap adapted to encircle a penis, the strap having cooperative pressure adherence layers on portions of the inner and outer surfaces so that the strap can form a circumference when the inner adherence layer is engaged with the outer adherence layer of the strap. The inner surface of the strap also has a compressible pad adjacent the pressure adherence layer and another compressible pad in fixed relation to the first pad. An inflatable sac is affixed to the strap between the two compressible pads. A tube passes through the strap to communicate with the interior of the inflatable sac at one end of the tube. A check valve is attached at the other end of the tube. A syringe is adapted to engage the check valve so that air in the syringe can be injected through the tube into the sac to inflate the sac.

Abstract: A sphincteric web for the treatment of incontinence having a particular alignment of three inflatable pressure cushions by which to prosthetically replicate the geometry of a normally continent rectum. The sphincteric web surrounds and embraces a patient's colon (or rectum), and the pressure cushions are inflated with hydraulic fluid from a hypodermically accessible source thereof. The inflated pressure cushions produce axial, deflective forces which closely mimic the three valvular deflections produced by the rectal valves in a healthy anatomy. Accordingly, the patient's colon is deflected, rather than constricted or obstructed, to increase the resistance to the flow of waste material and thereby return the patient to continence.

Abstract: An implantable hydraulic urinary sphincter system is disclosed for maintaining continence in those patients unable to control or stop inadvertent urinary flow. The invented apparatus generally consists of an artificial urinary sphincter and a control means for automatically increasing or decreasing sphincter pressure with sensed bladder and/or intra-abdominal pressure. An improved mechanical actuation means is also disclosed which allows the patient to urinate. To urinate the patient presses a push button centered on a septum located on the outer wall of the subcutaneously implanted control unit.

Abstract: An inflatable implant for use in human breast reconstruction includes at least one and preferably two chambers. The chambers are defined by a flexible membrane or lumen and include valves which are adapted to have a singular flexible filling tube passed therethrough for filling the inner chamber.A dual chambered device includes a viscous gel in the outer chamber. This viscous gel is in contact with the valves and sealingly cooperates with the valves and the filling tube.The implant also includes at least one valve having a short semi-rigid tube surrounding an opening and extending inwardly of the membrane, i.e. into the chamber. And the filling tube comprises a soft and flexible length of tubing and a solid portion at a distal end thereof. This solid portion has an outer diameter which is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the semi-rigid tube and is stretchable longitudinally to reduce its outer diameter to facilitate passage through the semi-rigid tube.