초록 ▼

Apparatus and methods for treating urinary and fecal incontinence, urinary drainage, and prolapse. In the first preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a device body insertable into an anatomical passageway and includes a stimulus-producing device disposed therein to provide a signal to the us

Apparatus and methods for treating urinary and fecal incontinence, urinary drainage, and prolapse. In the first preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a device body insertable into an anatomical passageway and includes a stimulus-producing device disposed therein to provide a signal to the user to perform pelvic strengthening exercises or alternatively, an exercise monitoring device for monitoring exercise activity. In an embodiment for facilitating urinary drainage, there is provided an annular base panel coupled to an anchor member, the latter being designed to anchor the device within an anatomical passageway, such as the vagina. A port formed on the annular panel is provided to mate with the urethral meatus so that a continuous conduit is formed between the urethral meatus and the port. The various embodiments disclosed may further be utilized as pessary devices to provide structural support to the pelvis or utilized to construct customized pessary devices.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for determining the contours and dimensions of an anatomical passageway comprising:(a) providing an insert member having a measuring apparatus coupled therewith, said insert member being sized and configured to be slidably inserted within said anatomical passageway and selectively expand

1. A method for determining the contours and dimensions of an anatomical passageway comprising:(a) providing an insert member having a measuring apparatus coupled therewith, said insert member being sized and configured to be slidably inserted within said anatomical passageway and selectively expanded such that said insert member substantially conforms to the specific dimensions of said anatomical passageway within which said insert member is received, said measuring apparatus being operative to measure the size and shape of said insert member when said insert member selectively assumes said size and dimensions of said anatomical passageway; (b) inserting said insert member within said anatomical passageway; (c) expanding said insert member such that said insert member substantially conforms to the specific dimensions of said anatomical passageway; and (d) measuring the size and shape of said insert member when said insert member assumes such configuration in step (c).