Patent ID: 6135945
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for preventing uncontrolled discharge of urinary fluid from a patient urethra, the device comprising:a pressure sensor operable for sensing intra-abdominal pressure when implanted in a patient and operable for generating a pressure signal in response to said sensed pressure;an actuating device operably coupled to the pressure sensor, the actuating device responsive for generating an electrical signal in response to the pressure signal;a controller operably coupled to the actuating device and configured for engaging a urethra to selectively compress the urethra and prevent incontinence, the controller comprising a plate adapted to be positioned on one side of the urethra and an element adapted to be positioned on another side of the urethra, the controller operable for varying the distance between the element and the plate in response to said electrical signal to compress the urethra therebetween so that incontinence is prevented when intra-abdominal pressure is experienced by a patient.