Patent ID: 6193646
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A device for placement in the urethra of a patient to selectively allow urine flow therethrough, comprising:a generally tubular housing defining a lumen for draining urine from a bladder positioned at a distal end thereof;a valve assembly for controlling the flow of urine through the lumen;the valve assembly comprising a stopper, a compression spring, and a valve housing defining an inner chamber in fluid communication with the lumen of the generally tubular housing;the spring having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough;the valve housing defining a valve seat at a first end of the inner chamber and a means for seating adapted to receive the proximal end of the spring disposed at an opposite end of the inner chamber;the stopper having a valve head adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat, and an elongated smaller diameter portion adapted to be received within the lumen of the compression spring;the distal end of the spring is connected to the stopper, and the proximal end of the spring being seated against the means for seating;wherein the compression spring urges the valve head toward the valve seat; anda selectively expandable retainer connected adjacent the distal end of the generally tubular housing;wherein the retainer is selectively expanded inside the bladder preventing the generally tubular housing from migrating out of the urethra.