Abstract: A method and device for delivering therapeutic agents to the cervix. The method utilizes a diaphragm with an electrically conductive surface that is placed atraumatically over the outer surface and inner os of the mammalian (animal or human) cervix. The agent is delivered to the diaphragm after which the conductive surface of the diaphragm may be charged by a power source to deliver a electrophoretic field to force the agent deep into cervical tissue and cells. The diaphragm may be used with or without the aid of external or internal leads. A unique intrauterine lead designed in this patent may also be used with the diaphragm to enhance delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Apparatus for remodeling in the urinary tract of a human female comprising a remodeling device having a shaft with a profile and with proximal and distal extremities. A handle is secured to the proximal extremity of the shaft. A member is mounted on the distal extremity of the shaft. A plurality of needle electrodes are carried by the distal extremity of the shaft and are disposed circumferentially of the shaft. A pusher is carried by the handle for moving the needle electrodes from a retracted position in which they are within the profile of the shaft and an extended position in which they extend sidewise beyond the profile of the shaft. A pump is connected to the handle for supplying a cooling liquid to the distal extremity of the shaft so that it exits from the shaft in the vicinity of the needle electrodes. An RF generator is coupled to the handle and to the needle electrodes for supplying radio frequency energy to the needle electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine specifically to medical technology, and concerns electrical gastro-intestinal tract and mucous membrane stimulators. The electrical gastro-intestinal tract stimulator comprises a casing (1) with electrodes and in the form of a medicinal capsule containing a power source (4), a control unit (5) of which M outputs are connected to M electrodes (3), a device (6) for receiving signals from internal organs and/or an external transmitter, to (1-N) outputs of which are connected (1-N) inputs of the control unit (5). The electrical stimulator can contain P additional electrodes (7) provided with a coating of microelements or medicinal preparations and connected to P separate outputs of the control unit (5). The electrical stimulator can also contain a signal transmitter (10) designed to transmit signals from the device (6) for receiving signals from internal organs and/or external transmitter and control unit (5) to an external receiver for medical observation and monitoring.

Abstract: A disposable article to be fitted to a wearer having an external anal sphincter muscle, the external anal sphincter muscle having a basal electrical activity. The disposable article preferably comprises a sensor or sensor system operatively connected to the article wherein the sensor is adapted to detect changes in the electrical activity of the wearer's external anal sphincter muscle that correlates to an impending elimination of bodily waste and to provide a signal to the wearer, a caregiver or an element of the article notifying the wearer, caregiver or element of the article of the impending event.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing females by occluding the uterotubal junction. The device includes a catheter with a releasable heat generating plug which is used to thermally damage the uterotubal junction and cause it to constrict around the plug, after which the plug is released from the catheter and left in place in the uterotubal junction.

Abstract: Muscle cells and nerves of the uterus and cervix are treated with electrical pulses having selectives parameters in order to stimulate or inhibit contraction thereof. Either a needle or probe is provided having stimulation electrodes thereon from which the treatment pulses emanate. In a further embodiment, patients are simultaneously treated with pharmacological agents in conjuction with the electrical treatment.

Abstract: A device for carrying out hyperthermia in a mammalin uterus cavity, including an elongate, rigid distal section (3) and a flexible and elastic bladder (9) encompassing said distal section which, together with said bladder, is intended for insertion into said uterus cavity, further including means (27) for the supply of a heat-transmitting medium under pressure for the expansion of said bladder (9) within said uterus cavity, and heating means (29) for heating said medium, the device further having an intermediate section (5) whose distal part when inserted is positioned in a cervix canal belonging to said uterus, and a proximal section (7) for operating the device, said distal and intermediate sections (3,5) containing at least a central tube (17), whose distal part is surrounded by said bladder and is provided with at least one outlet (19) for said medium within said bladder, and whose intermediate part is surrounded by an axially displacable tube (21;35), onto whose distal end (23;51) the proximal end (25) o

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating incontinence, which device includes a frame part (1) and a, at least partially tubular, sensor part (2) fastened at an angle in relation to the frame part, having sensors (3) on its sides for measuring the function of the pelvic floor muscles. According to the invention: the sensor part is detachably attached to the frame part (1), which makes it exchangeable regarding to every patient; the sensors (3) are placed on the sides of the sensor-part-tube, on both sides of the center of the side; and the sensors (3) are electrodes which are arranged to measure the muscle activity of the pelvic floor muscles with the help of the electrical signal produced by them.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for placement of a tubular body in the urethra. The tubular body includes a proximal portion adapted for placement toward a bladder end and bladder neck end of the urethra and a distal portion opposite from the proximal portion. A sensor component located on the tubular body is responsive to a feature of the urethra and outputs a first signal indicating proper placement of the proximal portion of the tubular body relative to the bladder and bladder neck. Preferably, an insertion tool is used during positioning of the urethral apparatus. The insertion tool is coupled to the distal end of the urethral apparatus and is used to push the urethral apparatus proximally in the urethra. The first signal can be transmitted from the urethral apparatus through the insertion tool from which it is perceivable by the person positioning the urethral device.

Abstract: Electrodes for stimulating living tissue such as penile, scrotal, anal, vaginal, and clitoral tissue are shown. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to induce penile erection, or to induce excitation and orgasm in either males or females, particularly where impotence or frigidity is a problem. Four embodiments of the electrode apparatus include a flexible base and an electrode removably coupled to the base. The electrode is formed from elastomeric material and can be optionally formed into a loop for use around penile or scrotal tissue and against vaginal or anal issue. In addition, two embodiments include a penile sheath for secure placement and retention of the electrode on the penis. An electrical contact at one end of the electrode allows the electrode to be connected to an electrical source.

Abstract: An electrode for insertion into a body cavity during medical treatment, for example, urinary incontinence treatment, may be inserted into a body cavity and used in contact with a muscular surface, and through which at least one electrical signal is applied to the muscular surface under a control of a controller and at least one EMG signal is detected from the muscular surface.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for repeatably and reliably contracting fascia and other support tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Rather than relying on a surgeon's ability to observe, direct, and control the selective shrinking of pelvic support tissues, a relatively large surface of a tissue contraction system is placed statically against the target tissue. Sufficient controlled energy is transmitted from the surface into the engaged tissue to contract the tissue and inhibit incontinence (or otherwise provide the desired therapeutic results).

Abstract: Electrodes for stimulating living tissue such as vaginal, anal, clitoral, penile, and scrotal tissue are shown. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to induce excitation and orgasm in either females or males, particularly where frigidity or impotence is a problem. Four embodiments of the electrode apparatus include a flexible tube shaped base and an electrode either in the form of a loop or a stem coupled to the base. The electrode is formed from one of an electrically-conductive solid cord, an electrically-conductive tube, and an insulated conductor cable. An electrical contact at one end of the electrode allows the electrode to be connected to an electrical source. Auxiliary members such as conductive beads, conductive endpieces, conductive or nonconductive tube shaped coverings, and vibrators are added to any of the electrode apparatuses to impart specific stimuli in specific regions of the user's anatomy.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for repeatably and reliably contracting fascia and other support tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence. A probe surface includes at least one heating element with a heating area and at least one cooling element with a cooling area. The heating and cooling areas are interspersed along the probe surface so as to produce alternating heated and cooled regions across a tissue engaged by the probe. Sufficient controlled energy is transmitted from the surface into the engaged tissue to contract the tissue and inhibit incontinence (or otherwise provide the desired therapeutic results). The interspersed cooling element helps decrease trauma to the tissue for a given amount of shrinkage.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and method for treating urinary incontinence generally rely on energy delivered to a patient's own pelvic support tissue to selectively contract or shrink at least a portion of that pelvic support tissue so as to reposition the bladder. The energy will preferably be applied to the endopelvic fascia and/or an arcus tendineus fascia pelvis. The invention provides a variety of devices and methods for applying gentle resistive heating of these and other tissues to cause them to contract without imposing significant injury on the surrounding tissue structures. Alternatively, heat-applying probes are configured to heat tissue structures which comprise or support a patient's urethra. By applying sufficient energy over a predetermined time, the tissue can be raised to a temperature which results in contraction without significant necrosis or other tissue damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and cost effective device for applying electrical stimulation to a body cavity. Preferred embodiments of the invention also provide the function of measuring the pressure exerted by the body cavity. The present invention is particularly useful when treating urinary incontinence in females. By providing electrical stimulation to the vagina, the present invention strengthens the pelvic floor muscles to improve urinary continence. The preferred embodiments of the invention which provide the function of measuring the pressure exerted by the body cavity convey to a user in a humanly perceptible manner the pressure exerted by the body cavity in order to provide feedback on the strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles. Most advantageously, a carrier structure which is inserted into the body cavity is fabricated from a low cost material, such as an injection molded thermoplastic material.

Abstract: An endometrial ablation apparatus and method wherein an RF current having a frequency of between 250 kHz and 100 MHz is passed through the entire surface of an endometrium in order to provide heating of the endometrium. An electroconductive expandable member such as a balloon is used as the medium for passing the current and causing the heating of the endometrium. The temperature of the endometrium is raised to a temperature between 45.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. and preferably not above 70 for a time sufficient to destroy the cells of the lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature below approximately 42.degree. C. The expandable balloon is connected to a power source which provides the radio frequency power having the desired characteristics to selectively heat the endometrial lining to the desired temperature.

Abstract: Muscle cells and nerves of the uterus and cervix are treated with electrical pulses having selective parameters in order to stimulate or inhibit contraction thereof. Either a needle or probe is provided having stimulation electrodes thereon from which the treatment pulses emanate. In a further embodiment, patients are simultaneously treated with pharmacological agents in conjunction with the electrical treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for placement of a tubular body in the urethra. The tubular body includes a proximal portion adapted for placement toward a bladder end and bladder neck end of the urethra and a distal portion opposite from the proximal portion. A sensor component located on the tubular body is responsive to a feature of the urethra and outputs a first signal indicating proper placement of the proximal portion of the tubular body relative to the bladder and bladder neck. Preferably, an insertion tool is used during positioning of the urethral apparatus. The insertion tool is coupled to the distal end of the urethral apparatus and is used to push the urethral apparatus proximally in the urethra. The first signal can be transmitted from the urethral apparatus through the insertion tool from which it is perceivable by the person positioning the urethral device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fertility status in a female mammal comprising the steps of placing in the vagina of the female a probe having opposed electrodes, orienting the probe so that at least one of the electrodes is touching the cervix of the female, measuring across the electrodes at least one physical parameter indicative of the phase of the female fertility cycle, and comparing the value of the parameter with a reference; a probe useful in practicing this method comprises an elongated body having an insertion end, two electrodes attached to said body at the insertion end, and orienting means for orienting the body so that at least one of the electrodes touches the cervix of the female.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating incontinence, which device includes a frame part (1) and a, at least partially tubular, sensor part (2) fastened at an angle in relation to the frame part, having sensors (3) on its sides for measuring the function of the pelvic floor muscles. According to the invention: the sensor part is detachably attached to the frame part (1), which makes it exchangeable regarding to every patient; the sensors (3) are placed on the sides of the sensor-part-tube, on both sides of the center of the side; and the sensors (3) are electrodes which are arranged to measure the muscle activity of the pelvic floor muscles with the help of the electrical signal produced by them.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for stimulating or detecting activity of muscles accessible through a body orifice includes a carrier member having contact elements electrically connected to a detecting or stimulation assembly and an elongated sheath member formed of a rigid insulating material and having a handle portion and an insertion portion. The insertion portion has electrical contact elements including contact lips extending outwardly from the insertion portion. The elongated sheath member is positioned on the carrier member so that the contact lips are in electrical contact with the contact elements of the carrier member and the contact lips project radially into the sheath member and are resiliently supported in an axial direction against the contact elements of the carrier member.

Abstract: Electrodes for stimulating living tissue such as penile, scrotal, anal, vaginal and clitoral tissue are shown. The electrodes are formed from elastomeric material. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to control incontinence, to induce penile erection, or to induce excitation and orgasm. A plug electrode formed from elastomeric material, has a nonconductive base plate and base, and a conductive portion comprising a stem extending from the base and the ellipsoid ball extending from the stem. A snap contact on the base plate allows the electrode to be connected to an electrical source, and a wire within the base terminating in the stem carries the electricity, when applied, from the contact to stem and to the ellipsoid ball. A memory wire is also shown allowing the ellipsoid ball to be bent along its length or allowing the stem to be bent against the base, thereby angling the posture of the ball relative the base.

Abstract: A device adapted to be worn by a human to provide transcutaneous neural stimulation or EMG monitoring useful for treating pelvic floor dysfunctions which includes a base portion comprising a flexible, nonabsorbent material layer configured to overlie the pelvic floor region of a human. The base is provided with an opening or slot disposed to overlie the anus or the vagina of the wearer to aid in proper positioning of the device. A pair of electrodes are mounted to the base in spaced relationship to one another and in surrounding and closely adjacent relationship to said slot. The electrodes preferably have a configuration adapted to overlie a sufficient portion of the pelvic floor region surrounding the anus of the wearer to effect a highly efficient stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles.

Abstract: An intravaginal or intrarectal electrode for electro-stimulation and/or biofeedback monitoring of muscle activity, which electrode comprises a pair of electrode lines each comprising a lead 10, 11 with an electrode terminus 7, 7' and a probe body 1 having an enlarged head portion 2 to seat within the vagina or rectum or the rectum and having at least one longitudinal convex surface 5, 7 extending for a majority of the length of the probe body 1 head portion and carrying at least one of the electrode termini, a narrower neck portion 3 adapted to seat at the introitus of the vagina or of the rectum and handle means 4 extending from the neck portion 3 to enable the probe body 1 head and neck to be inserted into and withdrawn from the vagina or the rectum.

Abstract: Electrodes for stimulating living tissue such as penile, scrotal, anal, vaginal and clitoral tissue are shown. The electrodes are formed from elastomeric material. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to control incontinence, to induce penile erection, or to induce excitation and orgasm. A plug electrode formed from elastomeric material, has a nonconductive base plate and base, and a conductive portion comprising a stem extending from the base and the ellipsoid ball extending from the stem. A snap contact on the base plate allows the electrode to be connected to an electrical source, and a wire within the base terminating in the stem carries the electricity, when applied, from the contact to stem and to the ellipsoid ball. A memory wire is also shown allowing the ellipsoid ball to be bent along its length or allowing the stem to be bent against the base, thereby angling the posture of the ball relative the base.

Abstract: Electrodes for stimulating living tissue such as penile, scrotal, anal, vaginal and clitoral tissue are shown. The electrodes are formed from elastomeric material. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to control incontinence, to induce penile erection, or to induce excitation and orgasm. Three embodiments of a tube electrode formed from elastomeric material, have a nonconductive base, and a conductive tube weaving through holes in the base. Two have single adjustable loops and are for use around penile or scrotal tissue, and against anal tissue. The third comprises two loops, one to wrap each testicle against scrotal tissue.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode comprises molding a plurality of spaced conductive sections which include a pin receptacle for receiving a connector pin of a wire harness. A skeleton of conductive sections, connector pins and lead wires are placed in a mold which defines the electrode. A non-conductive polymer is molded to the skeleton to form an integral electrode having a elongated body of conductive sections separated by non-conductive sections. Multiple durometer polymers may be used to achieve desired levels of flexibility of the electrode.

Abstract: Electrical stimulation for the treatment of neuro-muscular disorders, in particular incontinence. A portable electrical stimulation apparatus for treatment of incontinence, comprising one or more electrodes (302) for applying one or more electrical stimulation signals to a patient's body, a signal generator for generating the electrical stimulation signal(s), one or more conductive leads for connecting the signal generator to the electrode(s), to deliver the electrical stimulation signal to the electrode(s); and a power supply, characterized in that the apparatus includes an instruction storage or a programming device for imparting a set of instructions to the signal generator, the signal generator being responsive to the instruction storage or programming device so that the generated signal adopts signal waveform characteristics selected in accordance with said set of instructions.

Abstract: Electrodes for stimulating living tissue such as penile, scrotal, anal, vaginal and clitoral tissue are shown. The electrodes are formed from elastomeric material. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to control incontinence, to induce penile erection, or to induce excitation and orgasm. A plug electrode formed from elastomeric material, has a nonconductive base plate and base, and a conductive portion comprising a stem extending from the base and the ellipsoid ball extending from the stem. A snap contact on the base plate allows the electrode to be connected to an electrical source, and a wire within the base terminating in the stem carries the electricity, when applied, from the contact to stem and to the ellipsoid ball. A memory wire is also shown allowing the ellipsoid ball to be bent along its length or allowing the stem to be bent against the base, thereby angling the posture of the ball relative the base.

Abstract: An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women.

Abstract: Methods, and apparatus used in the methods, for stimulating, and monitoring the exercise of, muscles near a body cavity by transmitting electrical energy between an electrical source or processor and the wall of the body cavity. A flexible airtight sheath with a resilient skeleton and outer conductive bands is collapsed by vacuum and inserted into the body cavity. Air is allowed to enter so that the skeleton expands the sheath and forces the conductive bands against the body cavity wall. The skeleton may be a foam member, internal ribs or a separate internal frame. The leads for conducting electrical energy to and from the bands may be embedded in the bands for a substantial portion of the band circumference, or the leads may be connected to the bands by piercing conductive mounds on the bands or by being joined to conductive straps on the bands.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and devices for heating a thermally conductive fluid within an internal body organ to thermally ablate or necrose the body organ. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a thermal ablation device having an elongate member with a proximal end and a distal end. A heating apparatus is provided near the distal end of the elongate member which is constructed to heat a thermally conductive fluid without substantial direct heating of the heating apparatus. A fluid circulator is provided near the heating apparatus which circulates the thermally conductive fluid past the heating apparatus.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode comprises molding a plurality of spaced conductive sections which include a pin receptacle for receiving a connector pin of a wire harness. A skeleton of conductive sections, connector pins and lead wires are placed in a mold which defines the electrode. A non-conductive polymer is molded to the skeleton to form an integral electrode having a elongated body of conductive sections separated by non-conductive sections. Multiple durometer polymers may be used to achieve desired levels of flexibility of the electrode.

Abstract: Male and female electrodes for stimulating penile, scrotal, anal vaginal and clitoral tissue is shown. The electrodes are formed from elastomeric material. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to control incontinence, to induce penile erection where impotence occurs, or to induce excitation and orgasm. A male penile ring electrode formed from elastomeric material and intended for use in pairs, has an outer nonconductive surface, and an inner conductive portion comprising the inner surface, and the sides of the ring, and all the material between the inner surface, the sides of the ring, and the outer nonconductive surface. A contact for connecting the electrode to a source of electricity is mounted on the outer surface and connects to the inner portion. A like connector that can be used alone has two nonconductive portions separating two conductive ring sections that outer nonconductive surfaces.

Abstract: Electrical stimulation for the treatment of neuro-muscular disorders, in particular incontinence. A portable electrical stimulation apparatus for treatment of incontinence, comprising one or more electrodes (302) for applying one or more electrical stimulation signals to a patient's body, a signal generator for generating the electrical stimulation signal(s), one or more conductive leads for connecting the signal generator to the electrode(s), to deliver the electrical stimulation signal to the electrode(s); and a power supply, characterized in that the apparatus includes an instruction storage or a programming device for imparting a set of instructions to the signal generator, the signal generator being responsive to the instruction storage or programming device so that the generated signal adopts signal waveform characteristics selected in accordance with said set of instructions.

Abstract: The existence of gap junctions between cells is detected by stimulating the cells with electrical pulses having selective parameters and then detecting propagated signals emitted by the cells. A needle is provided having stimulation electrodes thereon from which the stimulating pulses emanate and an array of recording electrodes for detecting the pulses. In an alternative embodiment, an array of piezoelectric electrodes is distributed within the array of recording electrodes. The signals detected by the recording electrodes and piezoelectric electrodes are monitored by a recording device and stored within a computer.

Abstract: An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women.

Abstract: Device for the combined electropharmacological treatment of the bladder and the prostatic urethra including a bougie comprising a flexible tubular body, openings for connection to the outside, an opening in its tip and elastic sealing elements arranged perimetrically around it, the bougie being internally provided with a stem-like electrode having two independent conductors, one shorter than the other, and suitable to perform a combined electropharmacological treatment of the bladder and of the prostatic urethra.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode comprises molding a plurality of spaced conductive sections which include a pin receptacle for receiving a connector pin of a wire harness. A skeleton of conductive sections, connector pins and lead wires are placed in a mold which defines the electrode. A non-conductive polymer is molded to the skeleton to form an integral electrode having a elongated body of conductive sections separated by non-conductive sections. Multiple durometer polymers may be used to achieve desired levels of flexibility of the electrode.

Abstract: A body cavity insert for transmitting electrical energy between a body cavity wall and an electrical device has conductive and nonconductive segments which are interconnected to form the whole body cavity insert. The segments are connected by snap fit, threads or other interference or friction fits. The conductive segments may comprise a conductive polymer outer layer and an inner metal layer to which electrical leads may be easily be conductively and mechanically attached.

Abstract: An endometrial ablation apparatus and method wherein an RF current having a frequency of between 250 kHz and 100 MHz is passed through the entire surface of an endometrium in order to provide heating of the endometrium. An electroconductive expandable member such as a balloon is used as the medium for passing the current and causing the heating of the endometrium. The temperature of the endometrium is raised to a temperature between 45.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. and preferably not above 70.degree. for a time sufficient to destroy the cells of the lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature below approximately 42.degree. C. The expandable balloon is connected to a power source which provides the radio frequency power having the desired characteristics to selectively heat the endometrial lining to the desired temperature.

Abstract: A non-invasive method of treatment for urinary incontinence wherein the electromyographic biofeedback equipment is used on a patient by medical personnel without the necessity of insertion and removal of the catheter or neuromuscular stimulation, wherein the biofeedback results are monitored by both the medical personnel and the patient and are computed in "real-time" allowing contemporaneous instructions to the patient. The method includes the steps of preparing a patient for the method of treatment; attaching sensors of an electromyographic biofeedback device to the patient; monitoring biofeedback signals resulting from voluntary muscle contractions by the patient; interpreting the biofeedback signals; instructing the patient to control muscle contractions according to the signals; and developing a self-treatment program of muscle contraction maneuvers for the patient.

Abstract: A method of varying the appropriate muscle strength of a person to at least alleviate urinary or fecal urgency or incontinence, or vaginal or bladder spasms, includes placing a surface electrode of electromyographic measuring apparatus at an appropriate position on the person and/or inserting a probe electrode of electromyographic measuring apparatus and/or pressure transducer probe of pressure measuring apparatus into the vaginal or anal passage of a person and measuring with the electromyographic or pressure measuring apparatus the appropriate muscle strength of the person while the person is tensing the appropriate muscles in a urine or feces stopping manner to obtain an EMG or pressure signal. The threshold value of a portable electromyographic or pressure measuring unit is then adjusted to enable the person to repeat the measurement at different times to attempt to obtain better EMG or pressure signals in an urge, incontinence or spasm reducing sense.

Abstract: The existence of gap junctions between cells is detected by stimulating the cells with electrical pulses having selective parameters and then detecting propagated signals emitted by the cells. A needle is provided having stimulation electrodes thereon from which the stimulating pulses emanate and an array of recording electrodes for detecting the pulses. In an alternative embodiment, an array of piezoelectric electrodes is distributed within the array of recording electrodes. The signals detected by the recording electrodes and piezoelectric electrodes are monitored by a recording device and stored within a computer.

Abstract: An electrode for activating pelvic reflexes in a patient is made of a molded elongated tubular member and a patient conforming handle member. The tubular member has a plurality of conductive polymer bands separated by at least one nonconductive polymer band. The patient conforming handle member connects to the distal end of the tubular member for properly positioning the electrode and for preventing movement of the electrode in either a proximal or a distal direction.

Abstract: An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating regions of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a flexible tubular body. Electrical leads couple the conductive regions to an electrical stimulation controller. The controller provides electrical current to the conductive regions at two different frequencies to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women. The conductive regions have a volume resistivity which closely approximates the impedance of vaginal tissue, thereby substantially eliminating current density burns to the vaginal tissue.

Abstract: An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women.

Abstract: A method of killing microorganisms which form a biofilm on a tissue or implant surfaces in a patient, and which are refractory to a biocide at a dose which is effective to kill the microorganism in planktonic form. The effect of the biocide is potentiated, to an effective killing level, by applying an electric field across the surface containing the biofilm.

Abstract: A method of improving the pelvic floor muscle strength of a person in a manner to lessen urinary incontinence includes placing surface electrodes of electromyographic measuring apparatus on the perineum of the person, measuring with said apparatus the bladder controlling pelvic floor muscle strength of the person while the person is tensing the pelvic floor muscles in a urine stopping manner to obtain an EMG signal, and adjusting the threshold value of a portable electromyographic measuring unit to enable the person to repeat the measurement at different times to attempt to obtain better EMG signals in a urinary incontinence reducing sense. The portable unit gives an audible and/or visual indication when an EMG signal above the threshold value is achieved.