초록 ▼

Methods and apparatus for maintaining urinary continence in normally incontinent individuals. The present invention involves the non-surgical implantation of a bolus of ferromagnetic material into the bladder. The bolus of ferromagnetic material may comprise a biocompatible membrane, containing a fe

Methods and apparatus for maintaining urinary continence in normally incontinent individuals. The present invention involves the non-surgical implantation of a bolus of ferromagnetic material into the bladder. The bolus of ferromagnetic material may comprise a biocompatible membrane, containing a ferromagnetic material. The bolus will normally rest at the juncture between the bladder and the urethra and will prevent the flow of urine from the bladder into the urethra. Essentially, the bolus serves as a seal between the urethra and the bladder. When it is desired to void the bladder, the ferromagnetic bolus is moved out of the intersection between the bladder and the urethra by positioning a magnet along the external surface of the person\s body and manipulating the magnet until the desired movement of the bolus is accomplished. Movement of the magnet is sufficient to displace the bolus such that flow may be initiated from the bladder into the urethra.

대표청구항 ▼

A system for maintaining urinary continence in incontinent patients, the system comprising: a compliant ferromagnetic bolus adapted to be inserted into the urinary bladder of the incontinent patient, said bolus comprising a compliant membrane containing within its interior an aqueous-based fluid, sa

A system for maintaining urinary continence in incontinent patients, the system comprising: a compliant ferromagnetic bolus adapted to be inserted into the urinary bladder of the incontinent patient, said bolus comprising a compliant membrane containing within its interior an aqueous-based fluid, said bolus having a specific gravity greater than that of urine and being capable of seating in the trigone region of the bladder so as to prevent flow of urine into the urethra, and further capable of being selectively moved away from the trigone region to allow the bladder to empty and then again capable of being seated in the trigone region; and means adapted to be used at a point external to the body of the incontinent patient capable of magnetically manipulating the position of the bolus within the bladder away from the trigone region, thereby permitting flow of urine into the urethra, and then replacing the bolus within the trigone region to again prevent urine flow into the urethra.