Abstract:
A penile compression device for preventing urinary leaking and method for the same are described. The penile compression device includes a cuff component and an absorbent component. The penile compression device compresses the penis and imparts an occlusive effect on the urethra. A result of this compression is the control of urine leakage in men suffering from urinary stress incontinence. Urethral compression may be concentrated on the urethra through penile compression device, where the device may be opened for penile insertion between a smaller (compressive) configuration and a larger (non-compressive) configuration. The absorbent component can capture and hold any inadvertent urine that may leak past the cuff component.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/796,946, filed May 3, 2006, and entitled “External Penile Compression Cuff with Disposable Absorbent Pouch”, which is incorporated herewith by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD  
       [0002]     The technical disclosure herein relates to a penile compression device. More particularly, this disclosure relates to an external penile compression cuff and method for the same that externally compresses the penis to occlude the urethra and prevent or at least significantly reduce urinary leakage.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Penile compression clamps are well known and widely used to prevent urine leakage. In particular, penile clamps have been applied externally onto the penis for clamping the same. Such external penile clamps have been produced both as long-term reusable devices and also as short-term devices limited to one-week use. Typically, such devices have been employed for use in the inspection and treatment of diseases, wounds and other abnormal conditions of the bodies of humans and lower animals.  
         [0004]     For example, Bard, Inc. produces the Cunningham clamp. The Cunningham clamp provides two pivoting arms connected by a single-hinge. Clamp arm surfaces that face the penis are padded for intended comfort. The Cunningham employs a ratcheted latch to clamp the two arms closer together and compress the penis. This clamp is reported to be reusable, however, the large clamping forces often lead to pain, swelling, and penile skin break down.  
         [0005]     The Squeezer Klip™ disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,932 provides a padded top and bottom arm in a pivoting configuration. Like the Cunningham, the Squeezer Klip™ is a hinged, reusable clamp. The dorsal and ventral arms include pressure-applying projections intended to contact the urethra, and preferentially apply pressure between the dorsal veins and arteries. The Squeezer Klip™ avoids direct compression of the neurovascular bundle. Patients are often incapable, however, of repeatedly applying the pressure-applying projections to the appropriate location to effect urethral closure. A screw mechanism clamps the penis using a fine compression adjustment via a threaded adjustment knob. The screw mechanism, however, requires a higher degree of manual dexterity to adjust compression, which can be difficult for older arthritic men.  
         [0006]     The C3 clamp disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,629 provides a clamp intended for use that is limited to approximately one week. The C3 is constructed from a co-extruded and thermoformed polyolefin sheet. The resultant component has two clam shelled halves connected by a hinge. The penis is placed through a portal between the two halves and the halves are folded over to compress the penis. The clam shells are held closed by a Velcro® strap. Force is localized on the urethra by presence of a raised bump on the bottom clam shell half. The C3 is available in only two fixed sizes. As there is great penile anatomical variation requiring multiple clamp sizes, a clamp frequently may be improperly selected. Further, the ability to operate the strapping system is often difficult for older, arthritic men. Such inconsistencies in sizing and the user dependent strapping system have made the C3 less reliable in its ability to control leakage.  
         [0007]     None of the clamps above entirely eliminated urinary leakage.  
         [0008]     Other clamps have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,609,522, 6,289,895 B1, 6,609,522 B2, and 6,234,174 B1. These patents, however, provide detailed straps, latches, hinges and mechanisms for “dialing” in required urethral pressure. Experience with the C3 and such clamps indicate that users may be confused by the added complexity of such components.  
         [0009]     Experience with such penile clamps indicates that urine leakage still occurs despite penile compression and urethral occlusion. This leakage is due to clamp movement resulting from bodily movement and rubbing against undergarments. Leakage is also likely to occur during placement and removal of the clamp from the penis. As a result, it has been disclosed in a previous application of GT Urological, LLC, the Assignee of the instant application, to use an absorbent attachment as described U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,395 for “Penile Compression Device,” which is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005-0256365 having the same title.  
         [0010]     While such clamps and devices as described above provide some advancement for controlling urinary dysfunction and protecting against bladder malfunction, improvements may yet be made on urethral compression devices for males experiencing stress urinary incontinence. There is a further need for a device that provides optimum comfort and that is easy to apply and remove, while sufficiently preventing urinary leakage. Improvements may still be made to a device for urethral compression that provides an absorbent mechanism that can be conveniently and comfortably attached to the compression device.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0011]     It is a purpose of the technical disclosure herein to overcome such difficulties described above, thereby providing an improved penile compression device. The penile compression device described herein provides a cuff structure that can compress the penis and the urethra. In the compression position, the cuff structure can sufficiently impart compression on the male urethra to occlude the urethra and prevent urinary leakage. The penile compression device described herein also includes an absorbent structure that can be conveniently and comfortably attached to the cuff structure. The absorbent structure can absorb and hold any inadvertent urine leakage.  
         [0012]     Generally, a penile compression device includes a cuff component and an absorbent component attached to the cuff component. In one embodiment, the cuff component is adapted to compress a penis and impart compression on the urethra of the penis, to press a portion of the absorbent component against the penis when the cuff component compresses the penis, and to occlude the urethra when the cuff component compresses the penis. The cuff component and the absorbent component prevent urine leakage and spillage from the urethra and penis.  
         [0013]     In one embodiment, the cuff component is adapted to surround the penis and to apply an even circumferential compression on the penis.  
         [0014]     In another embodiment, the cuff component is adapted to apply a localized compression on the penis. In yet another embodiment, the cuff component is adapted to apply a localized compression of the penis by activating a hydraulic compression mechanism to expand for example an occluding member.  
         [0015]     In yet another embodiment, the cuff component is adapted to compress the penis when the cuff component is manually tightened, or when an electro-mechanical compression mechanism is activated to tighten the cuff component.  
         [0016]     In yet another embodiment, the cuff component is intrinsically biased toward a compressive position. The cuff component is configured to be expanded in a non-compressive position so as to be adapted to allow placement on or removal from the penis. The cuff component is configured to return to the compressive position so as to be adapted to allow placement on and compression of the penis.  
         [0017]     In one embodiment of an absorbent component, the absorbent component is configured to be removably attached or permanently attached to the cuff component.  
         [0018]     In another embodiment, the absorbent component is constructed and arranged to allow a portion of the penis to not be wrapped by the absorbent component.  
         [0019]     In one embodiment of a method of externally compressing a penis, a cuff component and an absorbent component are applied onto a penis. The step of applying the cuff component onto the penis includes compressing the penis and imparting compression on the urethra of the penis. The step of applying the cuff component and the absorbent component onto the penis includes pressing a portion of the absorbent component against the penis. The urethra is then occluded when the cuff component imparts a compression on the urethra.  
         [0020]     In one embodiment, the step of applying the cuff component on the penis includes surrounding the penis, and the step of compressing the penis includes one of applying an even circumferential compression on the penis or applying a localized compression on the penis.  
         [0021]     In one embodiment, the step of applying the cuff component onto the penis includes one of manually tightening the cuff component or electromechanically tightening the cuff component. In yet another embodiment, the step of applying the cuff component onto the penis includes expanding the cuff component, from an intrinsically contracted compressive position to an expanded non-compressive position so as to allow placement on or removal of the cuff component from the penis, and returning the cuff component to the compressive position so as to allow compression of the penis.  
         [0022]     The penile compression device of the present application provides suitable neurovascular load distribution that can also impart localized compression on the urethra. The penile compression device can be universally fitting, while improving user comfort and urine leakage prevention effect.  
         [0023]     These and other various advantages and features of novelty are pointed out in the following detailed description. For better understanding of the technical disclosure, its advantages and benefits obtained by its use, reference should also be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described specific examples of an apparatus in accordance with inventive concepts. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]     Like reference numbers generally indicate corresponding elements in the Figures. The embodiments illustrated are exemplary only and are in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.  
         [0025]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of one embodiment for a penile compression device. The device is shown before compression of the penis.  
         [0026]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the penile compression device shown in  FIG. 1A . The device is shown applied to the penis and the device is in a position where the penis is compressed.  
         [0027]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of another embodiment for a penile compression device. The device is shown in a compression position, where the penis is compressed.  
         [0028]      FIG. 2B  is an end view of the penile compression device of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0029]     The device is shown in the compression position.  
         [0030]      FIG. 2C  is another end view of the penile compression device shown in  
         [0031]      FIG. 2A . The device is shown in a position before compression.  
         [0032]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of another embodiment for a penile compression device. The device is shown in a position before use for compression of a penis.  
         [0033]      FIG. 3B  is another perspective view of the penile compression device of  FIG. 3A . The device is shown in a compression position when it may be used for compression of a penis.  
         [0034]      FIG. 3C  is another perspective view of the penile compression device of  FIG. 3A , except that the device further shows one embodiment of a urethral occlusive member that may be incorporated with the device.  
         [0035]      FIG. 3D  is an end view of the penile compression device of  FIG. 3C  having the urethral occlusive member incorporated. The device is shown in a position before compression of a penis.  
         [0036]      FIG. 3E  is another end view of the penile compression device of  FIG. 3C  having the urethral occlusive member incorporated. The device is shown in a position, where a penis is inserted in the open end region of the device and the penis and urethra are shown compressed.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment for a penile compression device.  
         [0038]      FIG. 43  is a partially exploded perspective view of the penile compression device of  FIG. 4A .  
         [0039]      FIG. 5A  is an end view of yet another embodiment for a penile compression device. The device is shown in a position before use for compression of a penis.  
         [0040]      FIG. 5B  is another end view of the penile compression device of  FIG. 5A . The device is shown in a compression position, for when it may be used to compress a penis.  
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view of one embodiment of an electro-mechanical compression mechanism, which may be employed in the device of  FIGS. 5A and 5B .  
         [0042]      FIG. 7A  is an end view of yet another embodiment for a penile compression device. The device is shown in a position before use for compression of a penis.  
         [0043]      FIG. 7B  is another end view of the penile compression device of  FIG. 7A . The device is shown in a compression position, for when it may be used to compress a penis.  
         [0044]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view of one embodiment of an electro-hydraulic compression mechanism, which may be employed in the device of  FIGS. 7A and 7B .  
         [0045]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a known penile compression clamp.  
         [0046]      FIG. 9B  is an end view of the penile compression clamp of  FIG. 9A . The clamp is shown in use while compressing a penis and urethra.  
         [0047]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an absorbent structure which may be used in a penile compression device. The absorbent structure is shown where it can be used with the clamp of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  as one example. The absorbent structure is shown before use for compressing a penis.  
         [0048]      FIG. 10B  is another perspective view of the absorbent structure of  FIG. 10A . The absorbent structure is shown in use when compressing a penis.  
         [0049]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an absorbent structure which may be used in a penile compression device. The absorbent structure is shown where it can be used with the clamp of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  as one example. The absorbent structure is shown before use for compressing a penis.  
         [0050]      FIG. 11B  is another perspective view of the absorbent structure of  FIG. 11A . The absorbent structure is shown in use when compressing a penis.  
         [0051]      FIG. 12A  is a side view of one embodiment of a pressure transducer used with a penile compression device.  
         [0052]      FIG. 12B  is a side view of another embodiment of a pressure transducer used with a penile compression device.  
         [0053]      FIG. 13  is a side view of one embodiment of a sensor component used with a penile compression device.  
         [0054]      FIG. 14  is an end sectional view of one embodiment of an absorbent component construction.  
         [0055]      FIG. 15  is an end sectional view of another embodiment of an absorbent component construction. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0056]     A penile compression device is described herein that provides a cuff structure, which can compress the penis and the urethra from an initial rest position of the device to a compression position. In the compression position, the devices described herein can sufficiently compress the male urethra to prevent or at least significantly reduce urinary leakage. A penile compression device as described herein can provide improved comfort, and that can be easy to apply and remove. Further, a penile compression device as described herein can provide a convenient and comfortable absorbent mechanism.  
         [0057]     Generally, a penile compression device as described herein includes a cuff component and an absorbent component attached to the cuff component.  
         [0058]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate one embodiment of a penile compression device  10 . The penile compression device  10  includes a cuff component  12  and an absorbent component  15 . The penis  1  may be inserted through the cuff component  12  through an open end or open region  18  defined by the cuff component  12  and the absorbent component  15 .  
         [0059]     The cuff component  12  is constructed as a securing member having free ends  13  that can be brought together or proximate of each other in a generally loop-like configuration. The generally loop-like configuration is configured so that a penis can be inserted through the “loop” and is capable of being tightened, or the opening therein is further closed, when compression of the penis and urethra is desired. A retaining member  16  can hold portions of the securing member of the cuff component  12  together, and particularly portions of the securing member proximate the free ends  13 .  
         [0060]     As shown in  FIG. 1A , an occlusive protrusion  14  can be disposed on a surface of the securing member of the cuff component  12 , such that the occlusive protrusion  14  faces inward when the securing member is in the generally loop-like configuration. The occlusive protrusion  14  is configured so that it can be positioned to contact the underside of the penis  1 . In one embodiment, the occlusive protrusion  14  can be sized and configured to impart localized compression on the penis and occlude the urethra when the compression device  10  is used.  
         [0061]     That is, when the penis  1  is inserted through the cuff component  12  and the securing member is tightened, the occlusive protrusion  14  can compress the penis. As a result, such compression can be imparted on the urethra to occlude the urethra and prevent or substantially reduce urine leakage. In one embodiment of operation,  FIG. 1B  shows the securing member being tightened and retained by the retaining member  16 . It will be appreciated that the occlusive protrusion  14  may not be used for compressing the penis, rather compression of the penis can be accomplished by even circumferential compression by tightening the cuff component  12  alone. This concept is further described in the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A  to  2 C.  
         [0062]     Turning back to the securing member of the cuff component  12 , in one embodiment the securing member is a draw string or strap-like part. It will be appreciated that the securing member is not limited to the specific structure shown, so long as the securing member can be configured to support an occlusive protrusion and/or be capable of being secured to facilitate compression of the penis and compression of the urethra. In one embodiment, the occlusive protrusion  14  is a single bump or other structure of increased dimension. It will be appreciated that the occlusive protrusion is configured to contact the underside of the penis, so that compression can be imparted on the urethra when it is pressed against the penis. It further will be appreciated that the occlusive protrusion  14  is not limited to the specific structure shown, so long as the occlusive protrusion  14  can provide the compressive functionality when pressed against the penis  1 .  
         [0063]     In one embodiment, the retaining member  16  is a retaining buckle or ring. It will be appreciated that the retaining member  16  is not limited to the specific structure shown, so long as the retaining member  16  can facilitate holding the cuff component  12  and particularly portions proximate the free ends  13  of the securing member.  
         [0064]     Regarding the absorbent component  15 , any inadvertent urine leakage can be captured and retained by the absorbent component  15 . The absorbent component  15  may be constructed as an absorbent sleeve, pocket, shield or pad which is integral to, or detachable from, the cuff component  12 . It will be appreciated that the absorbent component  15  can be attached, either integrally or removably, in a variety of ways as one skilled in the art can employ to accomplish such function, and is not limited to the specific configuration shown.  
         [0065]     When the absorbent component  15  is integral with the cuff component,  12 , such a configuration would allow a user to dispose of the entire unit or clean it and reuse it. When the absorbent component  15  is releasably attached from the cuff component  12 , such a configuration  15 A would allow a user the option to re-use the cuff component  12  and dispose of the used detachable absorbent component  15 .  
         [0066]     As shown, the securing member of the cuff component  12  along with the absorbent component  15  form the open region  18  circumferentially, so that when the retaining member  16  is pushed down along the free ends  13 , a circumferential compression of the penis  1  occurs. In one embodiment, the retaining member  16  holds together the free ends  13  and portions proximate the free ends  13 . In such a configuration, the cuff component  12  is in its occlusive condition, such as by a frictional fit with the retaining member  16 .  
         [0067]     In one embodiment, the cuff component  12  may be disposed within the absorbent component  15  (as shown by phantom line of  FIG. 1A ), such that the securing member of the cuff component  12  acts as a draw string. The absorbent component  15  can include slots  17  that allow access to the free ends  13  of the cuff component  12  and allow the securing member to be pulled from the slots  17  for tightening. The slots  17  allow the free ends  13  to be pulled through the absorbent component  15 . As shown, the free ends  13  pass through a collapsible portion of an absorbent component  15  surrounding the penis  1 . It will be appreciated that at least part of the absorbent component is constructed of a collapsible material at least with respect to the part where the cuff component  12  is to be operated. It will further be appreciated that the entire absorbent component may be constructed as a collapsible material. As the free ends  13  compress the penis  1 , the absorbent component  15  may be pulled tightly, so as to allow the occlusive protrusion  14  to press against the penis  1  and impart compression on the urethra to prevent urine leakage.  
         [0068]     During tightening of the securing member, the occlusive protrusion  14  can be pressed or pushed against the base of the penis  1  to localize compression of the urethra and stop urine leakage. The occlusive protrusion  14  may be disposed within the absorbent component  15 , or the absorbent component may include an opening corresponding to a position where the occlusive protrusion should be placed. It will be appreciated that the occlusive protrusion may be disposed on the absorbent component, rather than on the securing member of the cuff component  12 .  
         [0069]     In the compression position, the absorbent component  15  surrounds the penis  1  and can provide a fluid tight barrier between inner and outer surfaces of the absorbent component  15 . As an example, the absorbent component  15  includes an absorbent material, which can absorb leaked urine to prevent spillage and to maintain a dry penile surface. As some examples only, the absorbent component  15  may include absorbent and liquid barrier layers. The absorbent layer may be constructed of materials including but not limited to woven or non-woven constructions of cotton, other cellulosics, nylon, polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene materials. The liquid barrier layer may be constructed of materials including but not limited to woven or non-woven nylon, polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene materials. It will be appreciated that the absorbent component  15  may be composed of a variety of material, so long as the material accomplishes the function of absorbing inadvertent leakage and being retained with the cuff component  12  when in use.  
         [0070]      FIGS. 2A through 2C  illustrate another embodiment of a penile compression device  100 . For example, occlusion of the urethra is accomplished by an even circumferential compression of the penis  1  and without the use of an occlusive protrusion. It will be appreciated, however, that an occlusive protrusion may be employed but it is not required.  FIGS. 2A through 2C  show an absorbent component  105  integrally attached with a cuff component  102 . The cuff component  102  is a securing member which can be a biasing member, which is normally biased in a contracted mode. As one example the cuff component  102  is an elastomeric band which normally rests in a contracted mode.  
         [0071]     Members  106  are attached to the cuff component  102 . By manually retracting the members  106  or pulling them away, the cuff component  202  can be expanded from its free ends  103 . As a result, the cuff component  102  is expanded from its normally contracted mode to allow insertion of the penis  1  through open region  108  defined by the cuff component  102  and the absorbent component  105 .  
         [0072]     As shown, portions of the free ends  103  overlap in the contracted mode, where in the expanded mode the free ends  103  have less overlap. In one embodiment, retracting the members  106  allows the free ends  103  of cuff component  102  to slide over one another to increase the circumference of the open region  108  and allow insertion of the penis  1 . Releasing the members  106  allows the cuff component  102  to return toward its normal contracted shape under its intrinsic biasing force. It will be appreciated that the amount of overlap of the free ends  103  may be modified as necessary or suitable, so long as the cuff component  102  can be expanded to allow penis insertion therethrough. It further will be appreciated that the cuff component  102  may be a closed loop rather than including the free ends  103 , where the cuff component  102  is still constructed to be expandable to allow penis insertion therethrough.  
         [0073]     In further operation when penile compression is desired, releasing the members  106  allows the cuff component  102  to collapse onto the penis  1  and bias back toward its initial contracted position. As a result, the penis can be compressed circumferentially to impart compression on the urethra and occlude the urethra and prevent urine leakage. Further manual retraction of the members  106  once again releases penile compression of the cuff component  102 , and allows the device  100  to be removed, including the cuff component  102  and the absorbent component  105 .  
         [0074]     In one embodiment, the members  106  are constructed as pull tabs or loops. As shown, two members  106  are employed. It will be appreciated that the number of members  106  is non-limiting, as one or more than two members could be employed as desired and/or necessary. It further will be appreciated that the members are not limited to the specific structure shown. It further will be recognized that a variety of modifications may be made by one of skill in the art, so long as the resulting member structure can accomplish the function of expanding and contracting the cuff component  102 .  
         [0075]     The absorbent component  105  can be similarly constructed as described. The absorbent component  105  may be further modified from the absorbent component  15 , where slots or openings  107  are also disposed in side positions of the absorbent component  105 , so as to be suitable for operating the members  106 .  
         [0076]     Any of the penile compression devices described herein can be manufactured by a variety of automated, high volume processes, and employing concepts such as those used to produce diapers and absorbent pads. As some illustrative examples, the securing member of the cuff component may be manufactured from woven or non-woven constructions of cotton, nylon polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene materials. Further, the members may be manufactured, for example, from thermoplastic or thermosetting materials which are injection or transfer molded, or die cut from sheets of these base materials. As described, the absorbent component may include both absorbent and liquid barrier layers. Examples of materials for the absorbent layer may include woven or non-woven constructions of cotton, other cellulosics, nylon, polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene materials. Examples of materials for the liquid barrier may include a construction of woven or non-woven nylon, polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene materials.  
         [0077]     In further examples, when the cuff component is an elastomeric band, the cuff component may be manufactured from various elastomeric materials including but not limited to silicone, latex and neoprene rubbers, polyurethane, or other thermoplastic elastomers. In yet other examples, the elastomeric band may be replaced by a circumferential biased metal, such as but not limited to, stainless steel, nickel titanium alloy or rigid thermoplastic material.  
         [0078]      FIGS. 3A through 3E  illustrate another embodiment of a penile compression device  200 . The penile compression device  200  includes a cuff component  202  and an absorbent component  205 . The cuff component  202  includes a securing member that may be a flexible, non-distensible belt or strap-like part. The cuff component  202  can be used to apply circumferential pressure to the penis when it is closed.  
         [0079]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show one embodiment, in which the cuff component  202  can be closed so that it is wrapped around the penis. The cuff component  202  can be closed at free ends  203  using retaining members  206  to hold the cuff component in a closed position. In this position, the cuff component  202  can be used to manually apply an external compression on the penis to circumferentially compress the penis, and thereby impart compression upon the urethra. As described, the cuff component  202  may be a belt or strap-like member attached to the absorbent component  205 .  FIG. 3B  shows manual tensioning of the cuff component  202  by closing the free ends  203  using the retaining members  206  to compress the penis and limit urine leakage.  
         [0080]     In one embodiment, the retaining members  206  may be configured in a variety of ways, such as a material employing Velcro®, or a button, or a mechanical snap closure, or the like. It will be appreciated that the retaining members  206  are not limited to the specific structure shown, so long as the free ends  203  are configured to close the cuff component  202  at the open region  208 .  
         [0081]     The absorbent component  205  is attached to the cuff component  202 . It will be appreciated that the absorbent component  205  may be integrally or detachably connected to the cuff component  202 . In one embodiment, the absorbent component  205  includes free portions  209  along one longitudinal axis, such that the absorbent component  205  can be opened from the side. As shown, the free portions extend proximate the open region  208  from one end, and terminate before reaching the opposite end. In such a configuration, the absorbent component  205  can allow the penis to be easily placed within the absorbent component  205  without the need to insert it first through a closed loop.  
         [0082]     In one embodiment, the free portions  209  of the absorbent component  205  can come together or can overlap each other forming a seam  207 . The amount of overlap between the free portions  209  of the absorbent component  205  and/or the free ends  203  of the cuff component  202  may vary as necessary and/or desirable. As one example, the position or seam where the free portions  209  of the absorbent component  205  come together is offset from the position or seam where the free ends  203  of the cuff component  202  come together. In such a configuration, the penile compression device can be better secured. It will be appreciated that the configuration for making the free portions  209  come together, including the specific overlap and/or offset, can be accomplished in a variety of ways. It further will be appreciated that the free portions  209  and seam  207  are not limited to the specific structure shown, so long as the absorbent component can be closed along the side.  
         [0083]     In one embodiment, attachment of the absorbent component  205  to the cuff component  202  can be configured, such that manual tensioning of the cuff component  202  pulls one free portion  209  of the absorbent component  205 , allowing it to overlap the other free portion  209 . In such a configuration, a liquid barrier can be created to prevent leakage.  
         [0084]     In operation,  FIGS. 3A and 3B  the cuff component  202  and absorbent component  205 , can further open the open region  208  to allow the penile compression device  200  to wrap around the penis and thereby compress the penis.  
         [0085]      FIGS. 3C through 3E  show another embodiment of the penile compression device  200  that includes an occlusive protrusion  204 . Similarly as occlusive protrusion  14 , the occlusive protrusion  204  may be placed on the cuff component to allow concentration of occlusive pressure on the base of the penis  1  to further limit urine leakage through the urethra  2 .  FIG. 3D  shows the penile compression device  200 , having the occlusive protrusion  204 , in a position before the penis  1  is compressed and the urethra  2  occluded.  FIG. 3C  shows the device  200  in a compression position, where the device  200  can be used to compress the penis and occlude the urethra.  FIG. 3E  shows the penis  1  compressed and the urethra  2  occluded using the device  200 .  
         [0086]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate another embodiment of a penile compression device  300 . The penile compression device  300  includes a cuff component  302  and an absorbent component  305 .  
         [0087]     The cuff component  302  is a securing member that may be a strap or belt-like part. It will be appreciated that the cuff component  302  is not limited to the specific structure shown, and may be constructed a number of ways, so long as it can wrap around a penis and allow a penis to be inserted therethrough.  
         [0088]     As shown in  FIG. 4B , the absorbent component  305  can be releasably attached with the cuff component  302 , and includes an open region  308  at one end. The absorbent component  305  may be constructed as already described so as to be suitable for this embodiment. Further, the absorbent component  305  may be a disposable absorbent part. As some examples, the absorbent component  305  can be temporarily affixed to the cuff component by a variety ways, including but not limited to mechanical, adhesive, or Velcro® attachments, or the like. After use, the absorbent component  305  may be detached and disposed, while the cuff component  302  may be reused with another absorbent component that would replace the one used before.  
         [0089]     The penile compression device  300  also includes a reusable compression mechanism  306 . The compression mechanism  306  is configured to compress the penis and thereby impart compression on the urethra to provide an occlusive effect. In this regard, the compression mechanism  306  takes the place of and functions similar to the retaining members or occlusive protrusion previously described. In some embodiments, the compression mechanism  306  may be suited for use as an electromechanical or electro-hydraulic compression mechanism, and includes a housing that contains the retaining member or occluding components.  FIGS. 5A through 8  below further describe such components.  
         [0090]     The compression mechanism  306  also includes slots  307  in its housing so that the cuff component  302  can connect with the compression mechanism  306 . It will be appreciated that the cuff component  302  can be connected to the compression mechanism  306  by a number of ways. It further will be appreciated that the connection between the cuff component  302  and the compression mechanism  306  is not limited to the specific structure shown, so long as the connection allows cooperation of the compression mechanism  306  and the cuff component  302  to achieve urethral occlusion.  
         [0091]      FIGS. 5A through 6  illustrate one embodiment of a penile compression device  400 . The penile compression device  400  includes a cuff component  402  and an absorbent component  405 . The absorbent component  405  may be constructed as already described, and its construction is not further discussed. The cuff component  402  and the absorbent component  405  are configured to define an open region  408 . The open region  408  allows for the penis to be inserted through the cuff component  402  and into the absorbent component  405 . The cuff component  402  is connected with a compression mechanism  406 .  
         [0092]     As shown, the compression mechanism  406  is an electromechanical compression mechanism. In one embodiment, the cuff component  402  is a flexible, non-distensible belt or strap-like member, which can surround the penis. When compression is desired, the cuff component  402  is drawn within a housing of the compression mechanism  406  by operating an actuator  417 . In one embodiment, the actuator  417  is a switch. It will be appreciated that the actuator  417  is not limited to the specific structure shown, so long as the actuator  417  can function to operate the compression mechanism  406  to draw the cuff component  402  into the housing of the compression mechanism  406 .  
         [0093]     When the compression mechanism  406  is operated to draw the cuff component  402  into the housing, the cuff component  402  can apply an amount of compression on the penis. In some examples, the amount of compression applied can be either a pre-determined amount of compression on the penis or an amount of compression determined by the user. As a result, the amount of compression applied can impart compression on the urethra and provide the occlusive effect to prevent urinary leakage or at least substantially reduce it. In one embodiment, the compression applied is an even circumferential compression, which tightens the cuff component  402  on the penis.  
         [0094]     In  FIG. 6 , the actuator  417  is controlled by electromechanical components. In one example, the compression mechanism  406  includes electromechanical components that would reside in a housing. The electromechanical components include a take-up component  418  connected to the cuff component  402 . It will be appreciated that slots may be employed as described in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , so that the cuff component  402  can be connected to the compression mechanism  406 . The take-up component  418  is further connected to a motor component  419 , which is powered using a power supply  420 .  
         [0095]     Pushing the actuator a first time can activate the motor component  419  and move the take-up component  418  to draw the cuff component  402  into the housing of the compression mechanism  406 . Pushing the actuator  417  a second time reverses the motor component  419  and take-up component  418  to remove compression from the penis and occlusive pressure on the urethra. It will be appreciated that the actuator  417  may be single element, such as a button, switch, or the like, and that such single element is operable for putting the cuff component in the compressive and non-compressive positions. It will further be appreciated that the actuator  417  may comprise multiple elements to carry out putting the cuff component in the compressive and non-compressive positions if necessary or desired.  
         [0096]     As an example, the take-up component  418  is a spool, while the motor component  419  is an electric motor. In one embodiment, the power supply  420  is a battery. It will be appreciated that the components of the compression mechanism  406  are not limited to the specific structures shown. It further will be appreciated that the electromechanical components of the compression mechanism  406  can be accomplished in a variety of ways, so long as the compression mechanism  406  is capable of providing the amount of compression suitable to give the occlusive effect on the urethra.  
         [0097]      FIGS. 7A through 8  illustrate another embodiment of a penile compression device  500 . The penile compression device  500  includes a cuff component  502  and an absorbent component  505 . The absorbent component  405  may be constructed as already described, and its construction is not further discussed. The cuff component  502  and the absorbent component  505  are configured to define an open region  508 . The open region  508  allows for the penis to be inserted through the cuff component  502  and into the absorbent component  505 . The cuff component  502  is connected with a compression mechanism  506 . As shown, the compression mechanism  506  is an electro-hydraulic compression mechanism.  
         [0098]     As in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the cuff component  502  can be a flexible, non-distensible belt or strap-like member, which can surround the penis. When compression is desired, an occlusive member  504  is actuated from a housing of the compression mechanism  506 . In one embodiment, the occlusive member  504  is expandable when it is actuated and can press against the penis to provide a desired occlusive effect on the urethra. The occlusive member  504  is actuated by operating an actuator  517 . In one embodiment, the actuator  517  is a switch. It will be appreciated that the actuator  517  is not limited to the specific structure shown, so long as the actuator  517  can function to activate the occlusive member  504  from the housing of the compression mechanism  506 .  
         [0099]     When the compression mechanism  506  is operated, the occlusive member  504  is activated from the housing and can apply an amount of compression on the penis, which thereby imparts localized occlusion of the urethra. In some examples, the amount of compression applied by the occlusive member  504  can be either a pre-determined amount of compression on the penis or an amount of compression determined by the user. As a result, the amount of compression applied can impart compression on the urethra to provide the occlusive effect and prevent urinary leakage or at least substantially reduce it. It will be appreciated that an occlusive member may not be employed and that the entire cuff component may be configured to be expanded if desired or necessary. In such a configuration, urethral occlusion may be achieved through an even circumferential compression, rather than by localized compression.  
         [0100]     In  FIG. 8 , the actuator  517  is controlled by electro-hydraulic components residing within the housing of the compression mechanism  506 . In one example, the electro-hydraulic components are disposed in the housing of the compression mechanism  506  and/or on its housing. The components include the occlusive member  504 , which may be disposed within or on the housing, or a combination of both. It will be appreciated that, to the extent the occlusive member  504  is disposed within the housing, the housing would include an opening so that the occlusive member  504  can be released or expanded from the housing. The opening is not shown, however, one of skill in the art would be able to construct the opening in any number of ways that would be suitable to allow the occlusive member to be expanded. As with  FIGS. 5A and 5B , it further will be recognized that slots may be employed, so that the cuff component  502  is connected to the compression mechanism  506 .  
         [0101]     The occlusive member  504  is further connected to an expanding component  518 , which is powered using a power supply  520 . Pushing the actuator  517  a first time can activate the expanding component  518  and expand the occlusive member  504  to provide the necessary amount of compression on the penis. Pushing the actuator  517  a second time reverses the expanding component  518 , so that the occlusive member  504  can be contracted to remove compression from the penis and occlusive pressure on the urethra.  
         [0102]     As with the actuator  417  described in  FIGS. 5A-6 , the actuator  517  may be single element, such as a button, switch, or the like, and that such single element is operable for putting the cuff component in the compressive and non-compressive positions. It will further be appreciated that the actuator  517  may comprise multiple elements to carry out putting the cuff component in the compressive and non-compressive positions if necessary or desired.  
         [0103]     As an example, the occlusive member  504  is a balloon that can be inflated and deflated with fluid to provide the respective occlusion effect and compression release. In one embodiment, the expanding component  518  is a pump, where the power supply  520  is a battery. The pump further includes a fluid reservoir  518   a.  In operation, depressing the switch a first time can put fluid into the balloon and expand the balloon to provide the necessary amount of compression on the penis. Depressing the switch a second time reverses the pump, pulling fluid out of the balloon and returning it to the fluid reservoir  518   a,  so as to allow normal urinary flow. In one embodiment, the fluid used for inflation may be water, saline, air, other gas(es), combinations of these fluids, or the like.  
         [0104]     It will be appreciated that the components of the compression mechanism  506  are not limited to the specific structures shown. It further will be appreciated that the electro-hydraulic components of the compression mechanism  506  can be accomplished in a variety of ways, so long as the compression mechanism  506  is capable providing the amount of compression suitable to give the occlusive effect on the urethra.  
         [0105]     In both electro-mechanical and electro-hydraulic penile compression devices described, additional electrical hardware and software may be added to allow any of the devices to sense sudden increases in abdominal pressure or abdominal muscular activity such as may cause or indicate the potential for urine leakage. Once sensed, the devices would be activated to provide a momentary occlusion of the urethra to prevent urinary leakage. This momentary rather than constant occlusion can maximize user comfort and minimize potential damage to the compressed organ, such that the device would be activated when it is actually needed. That is, occlusion and non-occlusion can be automatically controlled.  
         [0106]     As one example, sensing of abdominal pressures could be accomplished through use of intra-abdominal pressure transducers introduced into the bladder, rectum, or surgically implanted into the abdomen.  FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate one embodiment of a pressure transducers  802 ,  804 , which may be incorporated with a penile compression device  800 . As one example, the penile compression device  800  may be either of the electro-mechanical and electro-hydraulic penile compression devices described above.  FIG. 12A  shows the pressure transducer  802  connected to the penile compression device  800 , where the pressure transducer  802  is a catheter based in the bladder  3  to sense pressure, such as may cause or indicate the potential for urine leakage.  FIG. 12B  shows the pressure transducer  804  connected to the penile compression device  800 , where the pressure transducer is a catheter based in the rectum  4  for measuring intra-abdominal pressures.  
         [0107]     As another example, sensing muscular activity can be accomplished with skin electrodes used to sense electromyographic signals through the skin.  FIG. 13  illustrates one embodiment of a skin electrode  902  connected to a penile compression device  900  through a cable  904 . As with the pressure transducers, the skin electrode  902  may be incorporated with a penile compression device, such as either of the electro-mechanical and electro-hydraulic penile compression devices described above. In one embodiment, the skin electrode is an electromyographic electrode that can sense abdominal muscular activity, such as may cause or indicate the potential for urine leakage.  
         [0108]     It will be appreciated that introduction of such sensory or monitoring components, can be achieved by a number of ways that one of skill in the art could employ.  
         [0109]     Turning back to the absorbent component, the absorbent components described above are depicted to totally envelop the penis to prevent leakage and wicking of urine from the absorbent material to the user&#39;s undergarments. However, reduced urine leakage due to the improved penile compression devices described may make possible that an absorbent structure is not required to totally envelop the penis. That is, an acceptable option can be that an absorbent component may be constructed which does not totally envelop the penis.  
         [0110]     Two different non-enveloping absorbent components  605 ,  705  are shown below in  FIGS. 10A-11B  and may be employed in with any of the penile compression devices described, so long as such use is consistent with the particular embodiment discussed.  
         [0111]     Before describing the improved absorbent components  605 ,  705 , GT Urological, LLC, the Assignee of the instant application, also discloses a penile compression clamp in its U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,395 for “Penile Compression Device,” which is now published U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005-0256365 having the same title and mentioned above.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate an embodiment of a penile compression clamp  40  disclosed in this application, for which the non-enveloping absorbent components  605 ,  705  are shown attached as in  FIGS. 10A through 11B .  
         [0112]     It is recognized that the non-enveloping absorbent components  605 ,  705  are shown attached to the arms  44  of the penile compression clamp  40  for exemplary purposes only. As described above, it further is recognized that the non-enveloping absorbent components  605 ,  705  may be employed with any of the above detailed penile compression devices, so long as such incorporation is consistent with the inventive concept of the particular embodiment.  
         [0113]     In one embodiment, the non-enveloping absorbent components  605 ,  705  require fewer manufacturing steps than a totally enveloping design and lend themselves to high volume manufacturing procedures.  FIG. 10A and 10B  depict an absorbent component  605  wrapping around the end of the penis  1  to enhance absorption. The absorbent component  605  is then permanently or removably affixed to two surfaces on the arms  44  of the clamp  40 . That is, free ends of the absorbent component  605  can be attached to the arms  44 ,  44  of the clamp  40 . In one embodiment, a strip  605   b  may be disposed on a location of a cuff component to indicate a location where the absorbent component  605  can be attached. In some examples, the strip  605   b  may be a piece of Velcro® or adhesive sufficient to attach the absorbent component  605  to a cuff component. In such a configuration, one free end is attached to one arm and the other free end is attached to the other arm. The absorbent component  605  includes an absorbent material  605   a  and the free ends include an open region  608 , where the penis can be inserted. The absorbent component  605  can wrap around the end of the penis but has open sides  609 . A fold is present at one end of the absorbent component. As an example, the fold is disposed at an end opposite the end where the open region  608  resides.  
         [0114]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict how an absorbent component  705  may be affixed permanently or removably to one surface an arm  44  of the clamp  40 . That is a free end of the absorbent component  705  can be attached to one of the arms  44  of the clamp  40 . As with the absorbent component  605  in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , a strip  705   b  may be disposed on a location of a cuff component to indicate a location where the absorbent component  705  can be attached. In some examples, the strip  705   b  may be a piece of Velcro® or adhesive sufficient to attach the absorbent component  705  to a cuff component. As with absorbent component  605 , the absorbent component  705  includes an absorbent material  705   a.  As shown, the absorbent component  705  can be one surface that can contact one side of the penis  1 , rather than two surfaces as in the absorbent component  605 .  
         [0115]     Turning back to the absorbent component structure,  FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate examples of absorbent component constructions in accordance with the inventive concepts herein and that may be employed with any of the embodiments described.  FIG. 14  show one configuration of an absorbent component  1000 . The absorbent component  1000  may be constructed with a liquid barrier layer  1002  and a liquid absorbent layer  1004 . Edges  1006  may be sealed to provide the generally sleeve-like configuration. In one embodiment, the edges may be heat sealed. However, it will be appreciated that the edges may be sealed by employing various approaches as known and suitable in the art, so long as the edges are connected together.  
         [0116]     As discussed above, the absorbent layer may be constructed of materials including but not limited to woven or non-woven constructions of cotton, cotton batting, other cellulosics, nylon, polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene materials. The liquid barrier layer may be constructed of materials including but not limited to woven or non-woven nylon, polyester, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, or silicon materials. It will be appreciated that the absorbent component  1000  may be composed of a variety of material, so long as the material accomplishes the function of absorbing inadvertent leakage and being retained with the cuff component when in use.  
         [0117]      FIG. 15  illustrates that the absorbent component  1000  may further include a transitional layer  1008 . The transitional layer  1008  is disposed as the innermost layer that would contact the penis, and can be functional for allowing wicking of urine away from the penis into the absorbent layer. Such a transitional layer  1008  can help maintain dryness of the penile skin. In some examples, the transitional layer may be a woven or non-woven polyethylene, polypropylene, or cotton.  
         [0118]     It will be appreciated that any of the components of the penile compression devices in  FIGS. 1A-8  and  10 A- 11 B described and their inventive concepts may be combined or not combined, so long as such combination is not inconsistent with the embodiment(s) disclosed. For example, any of the penile compression devices may employ an occlusive protrusion or occlusive member as necessary or desired to provide suitable localized urethral occlusion. As another example, slots may be employed in any of the absorbent components so that a cuff component may be disposed within layers of the absorbent component. As yet another example, any of the embodiments described may employ an absorbent component configured to be integrally or removably attached with the cuff component, and which may or may not totally envelop the penis when used. It will be appreciated that these examples are non-limiting and are described for exemplary purposes to illustrate that the inventive concepts of many of the embodiments can be combined.  
         [0119]     It further will be appreciated that the penile compression device can be universally fitting, so as to be used on a variety of penile sizes and dimensions. That is, the penile compression devices described herein can be modified as necessary and suitable to fit any penis. Any of the penile compression devices described are suitably constructed to provide sufficient pressure on the penis to impart compression of the urethra. In one embodiment, penile compression can be achieved with a pressure in the range of 0.500 kg to 0.850 kg.  
         [0120]     The above specification provides a complete description of the composition, manufacture and use of the improved penile compression device in accordance with the principles of the inventive concepts disclosed. Since many embodiments of the penile compression device can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.