Patent ID: 9707065
Date: 2017-07-18
CPC Classifications: A61F

Claim:
1. A method for using a device in the treatment of urinary incontinence in a male user, comprising: engaging the device with an applicator; while holding the applicator, inserting a leading portion of the device through a urethral orifice into a urethral canal of the male user; advancing the applicator to move the device into the urethral canal; stopping advancing the applicator when an area of diminished resistance is reached prior to the device reaching the user's bladder; withdrawing the applicator from the urethral canal; and pulling a holding member of the device until an increase in resistance is detected to secure the device within the user's urethra; wherein the device comprises: a non-absorbent body having an outer surface, said body having the leading portion including a proximal end of said body, a trailing portion including a distal end of said body, and a central portion disposed between the leading portion and the trailing portion, said leading portion, trailing portion and central portion included in a unitary body, and wherein the leading portion is shaped to spread tissue upon insertion in a penis of the male user; and a removal mechanism having a first end attached to the body, wherein, when the device is in situ, a portion of said removal mechanism is located outside the user, and wherein the removal mechanism, at a distal end, comprises the holding member; wherein: a maximum diameter of the leading portion is less than a maximum diameter of the central portion, and a maximum diameter of the trailing portion is less than the maximum diameter of the central portion, the maximum diameter of the central portion is larger than a relaxed internal diameter of a user's urethral canal, a shape of the body enables positioning the body within the user's urethra when the device is in situ, such that the entire body is retained within the user's urethra, the outer surface of the body is comprised of a material enabling the development of friction between the outer surface and a wall of the user's urethra, when the device is in situ, to maintain position of the device, and said removal mechanism is shaped for engaging an applicator.