Patent ID: 6494879
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising,a first tubular element including, first and second ends spaced apart from each other and a first wall, defining a lumen, extending between the first and second ends, and including at least a first external diameter and an external surface, the external surface including a substantially continuous surface portion, a drainage hole, located in a portion of the first tubular element, adapted to reside in a patient's bladder, and adapted to receive urine from the patient's bladder into the first lumen, a second tubular elements, adapted for residing within a penile urethra of the patient, including first and second ends spaced apart from each other by a second wall, and defining a second lumen extending between the first and second ends of the second tubular element, a bridge segment extending between the second end of the first tubular element and the first end of the second tubular element, having at least one external diameter less than the first external diameter of the first tubular element, comprising a spring disposed within a pliable, biocompatible material, and adapted for passing through a urinary sphincter of the patient, and for holding the urinary sphincter in an open position to enable urine flow between the first lumen and the second lumen, and a valve disposed within the second lumen and adapted for controlling urine flow between the first and second ends of the second tubular element.