Abstract:
A urethral occlusive assembly includes an implant component and external component. The implant component includes a flexible bridge member connecting two opposed implant supports. The implant component is implanted about a dorsal surface of an animal urethra. An external component is disposed external to and proximate the animal urethra. The external component operatively communicates with the implant component to transmit a compressive load on the urethra. By communication between the implant and external components, either the implant component or the external component actively compresses the urethra against the flexible bridge member, thereby effecting urinary continence.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application draws priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/569,420 and 60/600,613, both entitled “Magnetic Urethral Occlusive Device,” and both of which are incorporated herewith by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates to a urethral occlusive device for preventing urinary incontinence. More particularly, the invention relates to a urethral occlusive assembly and method for the same employing an implant component operatively communicating with an external component, whereby one of the implant or external components actively compresses a patient&#39;s urethra to prevent urinary incontinence.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Urethral occluding devices are well known and widely used to prevent urinary incontinence. In particular, a variety of external penile clamps and implanted devices have been proposed for solving urinary leakage problems. 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]     The Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS 800) is produced by American Medical Systems. The AUS 800 is a totally implantable hydraulic sphincter implanted in both males and females experiencing urinary incontinence. A silicone pressure regulating balloon, silicone control pump, and silicone urethral occlusive cuff are packaged separately for implant. In males for example, an incision is made in the perineum, and a bulbous urethral dissection is performed. The cuff is filled with saline or contrast media and placed around the urethra. The control pump also is filled with saline or contrast media, and placed within the scrotum through this same incision. The pressure regulating balloon is placed into the prevesical space through an additional incision made in the abdomen. Tubing, emanating from each component is routed between incisions and appropriate connections are made. The device is deactivated for a period of approximately six weeks to allow tissue healing to proceed and urethral edema to subside.  
         [0005]     At activation, the control pump is squeezed sharply to unseat a puppet and open operational fluid flow paths. The AUS 800 provides a urethral occlusive state. The patient is taught to operate the device by squeezing the control pump through the scrotal skin. This action transfers fluid from the cuff to the pressure regulating balloon. The balloon forces the fluid through a fluid restrictor and back into the cuff to reestablish an occlusive urethral pressure within three to five minutes.  
         [0006]     The AUS 800 is a complicated device to implant. The requirement of multiple components and the required intraoperative techniques make it prone to component failure. Some common failures include infection, urethral erosion and atrophy leading to increased urine leakage. Additionally, fluid leaks due to tubing disconnection, intraoperative punctures, and silicone wear within the silicone urethral cuff folds are also causes of device failure.  
         [0007]     Urethral and bladder neck slings have long been used in the treatment of female incontinence, but are infrequently used for male urinary incontinence. In the male for example, a perineal or abdominal incision is made and titanium bone screws are place in the pelvic bone. A synthetic or biologic sling material is attached to the screws, which elevate the urethra or bladder neck, thereby applying a compressive force to stop urine leakage.  
         [0008]     Studies of autologous tissue slings mention infection and urinary retention requiring intermittent self catheterization, as complications in some patients.  
         [0009]     Furthermore, others have employed external penile clamps. The Cunningham clamp, for example, provides a padded, hinged clamp with a latch used to compress the penis. For the clamp to be effective, however, imparts large clamping forces on the penis that often lead to pain, swelling and penile skin break down.  
         [0010]     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. However, the C3 is available in only two fixed sizes. As there is great penile anatomical variation requiring multiple clamp sizes, it may be frequent that an improper clamp is 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, however, make the C3 less reliable in its ability to control leakage.  
         [0011]     Still, others have employed male external (condom) catheters (MEC). These catheters are rolled onto the penis, like a typical condom, and have a specially designed funnel end that connects to a collection device, usually a leg drainage bag. These devices are available in a variety of adhesive application methods due to differences in patient skin sensitivity, changes in penis size during wearing time, penile retraction and manual dexterity. The MEC is typically replaced every twenty-four hours. Difficulties with the MEC include skin sensitivity to materials, tissue sloughing due to the constantly wet environment, manual dexterity required for application, leakage due to adhesive release, and change in penis size during wearing time and penile retraction.  
         [0012]     Urethral bulking agents have been injected into the area around the urethra to augment or bulk the sphincter enabling it to coapt and close.  
         [0013]     Bulking agents are either synthetic or biologically derived. Biologically derived bulking agents include injections of a patient&#39;s own fat cells, polysaccharides or bovine collagen. The body tends to resorb these substances over time, and reinjection over time must be performed. Some synthetic bulking agents, may not be resorbed, but are prone to migrate and reduce coaptation of the urethra. Some of these products may consist of a balloon, which can be reinflated periodically to accommodate changes in continence status, thereby obviating the problems of resorption and migration. Urethral bulking agents have been used extensively in women. However, the performance of injectables in men has not met expectations, and is not widely used. Only 2% to 21% total continence and 19% to 35% improved continence was reported in studies of collagen injections in men.  
         [0014]     While these previous applications have provided some advancement for controlling urinary dysfunction and protecting against bladder malfunction, improvements may yet be made to a urethral occlusive assembly for females and males experiencing stress urinary incontinence. There is need for a urethral occlusive assembly that provides optimum comfort and that is convenient for use, while sufficiently preventing urinary leakage. Improvements may still be made to a urethral occlusive assembly that prevents tissue necrosis.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     It is the purpose of the present invention to overcome these difficulties, thereby providing an improved urethral occlusive assembly. The present invention provides a surgical cure for stress urinary incontinence in males and females. The urethral occlusive assembly includes an implant component disposed on a male or female patient urethra, and includes an external component placed external to a user&#39;s body. The implant component operatively communicates with the external component to compress a male or female urethra and effect urinary continence.  
         [0016]     In one preferred embodiment, only one of the implant component or external component actively compresses the patient&#39;s urethra. Preferably, the implant component laterally compresses the urethra, or the external component compresses the urethra by imparting an external load on the urethra to compress the urethra against the implant component.  
         [0017]     In one embodiment, this may be accomplished by providing an implant component that includes implant magnets disposed around the male or female urethra. An external component includes at least one external magnet placed external to a user&#39;s body. Attraction of the implant magnets to the external magnet(s) compresses the urethra against a portion of the implant component, thereby to control of urine leakage.  
         [0018]     One embodiment of the urethral occlusive assembly includes a pair of rare earth magnets implanted on each side of the male or female urethra. The implant magnets are joined by a flexible bridge member. An external magnet or magnets are disposed proximate the urethra. Attraction of the external magnet(s) to the implant magnets causes urethral compression against the flexible bridge member. This increases urethral luminal pressure and prevents inadvertent urine leakage encountered by men and women with urinary stress incontinence.  
         [0019]     When attracted to the implant magnets, the external magnet(s) enable the external component to actively compress the urethra against the flexible bridge member. The external magnet(s) may be held in place under its attractive force to the implanted magnets. The external magnet(s) may also be held in place by an external securing member, such as a flexible or rigid clamp to prevent dislodgement due to bodily movement.  
         [0020]     In another embodiment, the external component includes an external urethral occluding member. The external magnet(s) aid in locating and holding the occluding member in place against a surface proximate and external to the urethra. The occluding member actively localizes compression on the urethra and against the flexible bridge member.  
         [0021]     In another embodiment, the external magnet(s) may be disposed on an external magnet support. In one preferred embodiment, the external magnet(s) and support are housed within a sleeve, and may be held in place through an attractive force with the implant magnets.  
         [0022]     In another embodiment of a urethral occlusive assembly, an implant component includes a pair of rare earth magnets implanted on each side of the male or female urethra. These magnets are joined by a flexible bridge member. The external component includes a pair of magnets external to the body attracted to the implanted magnets. By varying the spacing between the external magnet pair, the spacing of the implant magnet pair may be varied. As the spacing of the implant magnet pair is decreased, the urethra is actively compressed by the two implant magnets, and the urethra is occluded to prevent urine leakage.  
         [0023]     Another embodiment of an external component includes a flexible web portion. The flexible web portion is disposed along the body of a magnet support. The flexible web enables the magnet support to articulate on an outer tissue proximate the urethra.  
         [0024]     In another embodiment of the external component, the magnet support includes a removable spacer disposed thereon. The removable spacer is positioned proximately to the implant component. The dimensions of the removable spacer may be varied to alter the compression load, such as by varying the distance between the implant magnets and the external magnet(s).  
         [0025]     In yet another embodiment of an external component, a single topically applied magnet is employed to enable the external component to actively compress the urethra.  
         [0026]     In another embodiment of an external component, the magnetic strength of the external magnet(s) may be increased thereby increasing urethral compression. To effect a desired urethral compression load, a stronger magnet may be employed rather than a weaker one or vice versa.  
         [0027]     In yet another embodiment, the external component provides the external magnet(s) being disposed within the magnet support at varying separation distances from the implant magnets. In this configuration, the increase/decrease of the separation distance between the implant and external magnets respectively determines the decrease/increase of urethral compression load.  
         [0028]     In yet another embodiment of an external component, a recess is disposed on the external magnet support. Such a recess enables expansion of the urethra and contacting skin to expand into the recess. In this configuration, tissue necrosis and user discomfort can be prevented when the urethra is. actively compressed by the implant component.  
         [0029]     In yet another embodiment of a urethral occlusive assembly for a male, an implant component does not employ magnets. In this configuration, a non-magnetic implant is disposed around a male urethra. An external securing member is applied around the penis to compress the same. The compression by the external securing member is imparted to the non-magnetic implant, which actively compresses the urethra to prevent urine leakage.  
         [0030]     The urethral occlusive assembly provides several features and advantages. Urethral compression may be adjusted without additional surgery to accommodate changing degrees of incontinence. This may be accomplished through application of external magnets of varying strengths or the selection of different urethral occluder geometries. This non-surgical adjustability is not available with the AUS 800 or male slings.  
         [0031]     The present invention provides the ability to periodically remove the external magnet and hence the occlusive pressure from the urethra and penis, so as to minimize urethral atrophy and erosion.  
         [0032]     The present invention provides removal and re-application of the external magnet by the user, so that voiding urine from the body is a simple, convenient procedure. The need to locate and pump an implanted component, as with the AUS 800, is eliminated. Further, there is no abdominal straining required to void urine, as typically required with urethral slings.  
         [0033]     The urethral occlusive assembly of the present invention provides a simple, one-piece, implant component not prone to wear and subsequent fluid leakage as with the AUS 800.  
         [0034]     The urethral occlusive assembly may be implanted using a single implant incision with uncomplicated penile urethral dissection as opposed to a minimum of two incisions required to implant the AUS 800.  
         [0035]     These and other various advantages and features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out in the following detailed description. For better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects 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 the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0036]     Like reference numbers generally indicate corresponding elements in the Figures. The embodiments illustrated are exemplary only and are in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 1A  represents an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a urethral occlusive assembly.  
         [0038]      FIG. 1B  represents an elevated side plan view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 1A  vaginally applied.  
         [0039]      FIG. 1C  represents an elevated end view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 1A  as applied to penile tissue shown in section.  
         [0040]      FIG. 2  represents an elevated end view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 1A  further showing one embodiment of an external securing member in a released position.  
         [0041]      FIG. 3A  represents an elevated end view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 1A  further showing another embodiment of an external securing member in a secured position.  
         [0042]      FIG. 3B  represents an elevated end view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 1A  showing the external securing member of  FIG. 3A  in a released position.  
         [0043]      FIG. 4A  represents a side sectional view of another embodiment of a urethral occlusive assembly. The assembly is shown in operation for penile urethral compression.  
         [0044]      FIG. 4B  represents an elevated perspective exploded view of one embodiment of an external component.  
         [0045]      FIG. 4C  represents an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a sleeve of the external component of  FIG. 4B .  
         [0046]      FIG. 5A  represents an elevated side view of another embodiment of a sleeve of the external component.  
         [0047]      FIG. 5B  represents another elevated side view of a sleeve of the external component of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0048]      FIG. 6A  represents an elevated side view of yet another embodiment of a sleeve of the external component.  
         [0049]      FIG. 6B  represents another elevated side view of the sleeve of  FIG. 6A .  
         [0050]      FIG. 7A  represents a side schematic view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 1A .  
         [0051]      FIG. 7B  represents a top plan view of one embodiment of an implant component.  
         [0052]      FIG. 8  represents an elevated end view of one embodiment of magnetic member orientation.  
         [0053]      FIG. 9A  represents an elevated side view of another embodiment of a urethral occlusive assembly. The assembly is shown before penile urethral compression.  
         [0054]      FIG. 9B  represents an elevated side view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 9A  showing the assembly during penile urethral compression.  
         [0055]      FIG. 9C  represents yet another side view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 9A  showing the assembly when the penile urethra is occluded.  
         [0056]      FIG. 10  represents yet another side view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 9A  showing another embodiment for interaction between an implant component and an external component.  
         [0057]      FIG. 11  represents an elevated perspective view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 1A  showing the assembly for vaginal application and including one embodiment of a vaginal insertion member.  
         [0058]      FIG. 12A  represents an elevated exploded perspective view of another embodiment of an external component.  
         [0059]      FIG. 12B  represents an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a sleeve for the external component of  FIG. 12A  showing an embodiment of an external securing member attached thereto.  
         [0060]      FIG. 13A  represents an exploded view of yet another embodiment of an external component.  
         [0061]      FIG. 13B  represents a side view of the external component of  FIG. 13A  secured to a penis.  
         [0062]      FIG. 14A  represents a side partial sectional view of yet another embodiment of a urethral occlusive assembly showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is compressed.  
         [0063]      FIG. 14B  represents a side partial sectional view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 14A  showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is not compressed.  
         [0064]      FIG. 15A  represents a side partial sectional view of yet another embodiment of a urethral occlusive assembly showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is not compressed.  
         [0065]      FIG. 15B  represents a side partial sectional view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 15A  showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is compressed.  
         [0066]      FIG. 16  represents an elevated side view of yet another embodiment for an external component.  
         [0067]      FIG. 17A  represents a side partial sectional view of yet another embodiment of a urethral occlusive assembly showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is not compressed.  
         [0068]      FIG. 17B  represents a side partial sectional view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 17A  showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is compressed.  
         [0069]      FIG. 18A  represents a side partial sectional view of yet another embodiment of a urethral occlusive assembly showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is not compressed.  
         [0070]      FIG. 18B  represents a side partial sectional view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 18A  showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is compressed.  
         [0071]      FIG. 19A  represents a side partial sectional view of yet another embodiment of a urethral occlusive assembly showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is not compressed.  
         [0072]      FIG. 19B  represents a side partial sectional view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 19A  showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is compressed.  
         [0073]      FIG. 20A  represents an elevated perspective view of yet another embodiment of an implant component.  
         [0074]      FIG. 20B  represents a side partial sectional view of yet another embodiment for a urethral occlusive assembly showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is not compressed and employing the implant component of  FIG. 20A .  
         [0075]      FIG. 20C  represents a side partial sectional view of the urethral occlusive assembly of  FIG. 20B  showing the assembly in a position where the urethra is compressed. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0076]     One embodiment of a urethral occlusive assembly  1  is provided in  FIGS. 1A-3B .  FIGS. 1A and 1C  illustrate the urethral occlusive assembly  1  as applied to a male urethra  5 , and  FIG. 1B  shows an embodiment of the urethral occlusive assembly  1  vaginally applied to a female urethra  7 .  
         [0077]     The urethral occlusive assembly  1  provides an implant component including implant magnets  2  connected with a flexible bridge member  6 . The implant component is implanted inside a patient&#39;s body and around a male  5  or female urethra  7 . Preferably, the implant magnets  2  and bridge member  6  are arranged on a dorsal surface of the male  5  or female urethra  7 , such that the implant magnets  2  straddle either urethra.  
         [0078]     The implant component may be secured to surrounding tissue, such as penile tissue of a male urethra  5  ( FIG. 1C ). In one embodiment, suture attachments  8  preferably fix the flexible bridge member  6  to surrounding penile tissue of the urethra  5 .  
         [0079]     Preferably, the implant component provides that the implant magnets  2  are disposed parallel to one another by the flexible bridge member  6 . The flexible bridge member  6  may be constructed of a material, such as but not limited to, silicone rubber, polyester reinforced silicone sheet, stainless steel or titanium encased in a silicone jacket, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in a silicone jacket.  
         [0080]     Lateral extensions of the bridge member  6  may be provided as a means by which the surgeon may anchor the implant component, for instance to the urethral spongiosum or tunica albuniginea in the male and the periurethral tissue in the female. Urethral circumferences within the range of 1 cm to 4.5 cm can be accommodated and multiple sizes for the implant component may be considered.  
         [0081]     The urethral occlusive assembly  1  further includes an external component  4 . Preferably, the external component  4  may itself be at least one external magnet, or may include a separate external magnet support (further discussed below) containing the external magnet(s) therein.  
         [0082]      FIG. 1B  illustrates one example in a vaginally applied urethral occlusive assembly  1 . The urethral occlusive assembly  1  compresses a urethra  7  to prevent leakage through the urinary pathway  7   a  from the urinary bladder  7   b.  The external magnet  4   a  resides within a support. It will be appreciated that the external component  4  for a male ( FIGS. 1A  and C) also will include an external magnet (not shown), such as external magnet  4   a.    
         [0083]     As will be detailed below, only one of the implant component or external component actively compresses the patient&#39;s urethra. Preferably, the implant component laterally compresses the urethra, or the external component compresses the urethra by imparting an external load on the urethra to compress the urethra against the implant component.  
         [0084]     FIGS.  1 A-C illustrates that the external magnet may compress either the male urethra  5  or female urethra  7  against the flexible bridge member  6 . In this manner urine leakage may be prevented through pathways  5   a,    7   a.  The external magnet may be held in place under its attractive force to the implant magnets  2 . It may also be held in place by a flexible or rigid clamp to prevent dislodgement due to bodily movement (further discussed below).  
         [0085]     As shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1C  for a male, the external magnet of the external component  4  are held in place on an outer skin surface of the penis  3  through attraction to the implant magnets  2 . For a female, the external magnet  4   a  of the external component  4  is held in place at the anterior vaginal wall by its attraction to the implant magnets  2 .  
         [0086]     The implant magnet  2  and flexible bridge member  6  may twist relative to the urethral axis. This may occur as a result of preferential attraction of one end of an implant magnet to the external magnet. To prevent urethral damage, FIGS.  7 A-B illustrate another embodiment for a flexible bridge member  6   a.  The flexible bridge member  6   a  includes a leading edge of the flexible bridge member  6   a  defining a flex point  6   b.  Axial extensions of the leading bridge edges may also be made to create a flex point ( FIGS. 7B ).  
         [0087]     The degree of urethral compression may be varied by changing the external magnet  4   a  strength, or by changing the distance which the external magnet  4   a  is separated from the penile or vaginal skin. For example, a non-magnetic structure may be included for surrounding the external magnet. An increasing a thickness of a non-magnetic structure increases a distance from, for instance, the penile skin and internal magnet. Such a structure reduces magnetic attractive force between the implant magnets and external magnet, thereby reducing urethral compression. Likewise, decreasing a thickness of a non-magnetic structure increases attractive strength and urethral compression. This is further described below.  
         [0088]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , another preferred embodiment of holding the external component  4  on the penis  3  includes an external securing member  9 . The external securing member  9  may be a flexible strap, made from materials such as but not limited to woven cotton, polyester fabrics, open or closed celled urethane, or open or closed polyethylene foams. Such an external securing member  9  may also include a closure member  9   a.  The closure member  9   a  may be arranged to accommodate a wide variety of penile sizes, and may be constructed of an adhesive or Velcro® closure. It will be appreciated, however, that the embodiment shown is exemplary only. Other configurations and materials for the securing and closure members may be equally or more suitable.  
         [0089]     In another embodiment of a securing member  9   b,  a rigid clamping mechanism may alternatively be employed to hold the external component  4  in place. As shown in  FIG. 3A -B, the external component  4  may be fixed to the external securing member  9   b.  Preferably, the external securing member  9   b  is an enclosed compressible biasing member. Such a biasing member may be compressed to allow insertion of a penis  3  ( FIG. 3B ), and may be released from its compressed position to bias onto the penis  3  in a relaxed state ( FIG. 3A ). In the relaxed state, the external securing member  9   b  conforms to the size of the penis  3  and holds the external component  4  firmly in place.  
         [0090]     As shown by the arrow directional of  FIG. 3B , the external securing member  9   b  may be squeezed across its body, such that it deforms and forces the external magnet away from the penis  3 . In this configuration, the attraction between implant magnets  2  and external magnet may be reduced thereby allowing unobstructed urinary voiding.  
         [0091]     It is anticipated that the varying external securing member  9   b  sizes below may be employed to accommodate some of the known anatomical variations of the penis. Such sizes may include but are not limited to: 4 cm to 6 cm penile circumferences (medium), 6 cm to 10 cm penile circumferences (large), and 10 cm to 14 cm penile circumferences (extra large).  
         [0092]     The external securing member  9   b  may be a one-piece injection molded or thermoplastically formed component. Thermoplastics such as, but not limited to, Delrin® may be used in this application. It will be appreciated, however, that such materials are exemplary only. Other plastic and non-plastic materials may be employed that are equally or more suitable.  
         [0093]     As one exemplary embodiment, the implant magnets  2  and external magnets  4   a  of the urethral occlusive assembly  1  includes two neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) grade 45 (energy product of 45 MGOe) rod magnets, and magnetized across their diameter. Preferably, a diameter of 0.125″ and a length of 0.50″ have an appropriate magnetic attractive strength. Such magnets are readily produced, for example by Magstar Technologies, Inc. and by Dexter Magnetics, Inc.  
         [0094]     More preferably, the magnets may be coated or plated with a precious metal (gold, tantalum, platinum) or di-para-xylene (parylene). Such coatings are intended to prevent magnet corrosion and promote tissue biocompatibility. The magnets, in addition to the above-mentioned plating and coating processes, may be encased in a silicone rubber body intended to promote biocompatibility and retard any corrosive process.  
         [0095]     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the implanted magnets  2  each may be contained within a holder  2   a.  Preferably, the holder  2   a  resembles a canister to contain the implant magnet  2  therein.  
         [0096]     As one example only, a holder  2   a  may be a 316 LVM stainless steel or 6AI 4V ELI titanium canister, which may be used as an alternative to precious metal plating. Such canisters would be constructed with end caps of the above-mentioned materials, and welded to the canister in an oxygen-free atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the magnets. As  FIG. 8  shows, the implant magnets  2  may freely rotate within the holders  2   a.  This free rotation allows the poles of the implanted magnets  2   a  to assume the most advantageous position relative to the external magnet  4   a  in response to inadvertent movement of the external magnet  4   a.    
         [0097]     As another exemplary alternative, a parylene coating may be employed to provide a low coefficient of friction between the magnet and holder  2   a  to facilitate free relative rotation.  
         [0098]     It will be appreciated, however, that such holders and materials for the same are exemplary only. Other materials may be employed that are equally or more suitable. It will be appreciated that the use of such holders is exemplary only, as holders may or may not be employed as desired for a urethral occlusive assembly  1 . As will be further discussed below, the implant magnets  2 , for example, may be enclosed within implant supports constructed from any number of the materials above.  
         [0099]     Alternately, FIGS.  4 A-C illustrate another embodiment for a urethral occlusive assembly  10 . A modified external component  14  includes external magnets  14   a  that aid in locating and holding in place an external urethral occluder  14   d.  The external magnets  14   a  may be disposed on a magnet support member  14   b.  As one exemplary embodiment only, the magnet support member  14   b  is a plate. The external component  14  defines a main body having a sleeve with an opening  14   c.  The urethral occluder  14   d  disposed on the main body. Preferably, the opening  14 c houses the external magnets  14   a  and support member  14   b.    
         [0100]     The urethral occluder  14   d  may be held in place under its attractive force to the implant magnets  12   a.  As discussed above, the implant magnets  12   a  may be enclosed within implant supports  12 , so as to protect the magnet material during its implanted state. Preferably, an implant support  12  and implant magnet  12   a  resemble a capsule structure with the magnet residing therein (further discussed below).  
         [0101]     The implant support  12  and implant magnet  12   a  define a width W 1  and length, to maximize a surface area of the tissue compressed between the implant  12   a  and external  14   a  magnets. As can be seen by the equation P=F/A where P=tissue pressure, F=magnetic force and A=Area of tissue compression, when the area of tissue compression increases for any given magnetic force, the applied tissue pressure can be reduced proportionately. As one example only, a suitable tissue pressure can be achieved with a width W of 0.25 inches, a length of 0.55 inches, and an attractive force of 0.083 kg. As one preferred example only, a tissue pressure of about 68.9 mm Hg is desired. Such a pressure is below the typical diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg, where blood perfusion is maintained and continued tissue viability is insured.  
         [0102]     The urethral occluder  14   d  may also be held in place by external securing member  19  and closure member  19   a.  Preferably, the external securing member  19  may be a flexible or rigid clamp as previously described. The external securing member  19  helps prevent dislodgement due to bodily movement when closed by the closure member  19   a.  The closure member  19   a  may be constructed as described above.  
         [0103]     In operation, the urethral occluder  14   d  actively compresses the urethra  5  against the flexible bridge member  16  and closes the urinary pathway  5   a.  This compression occurs when the implant magnets  12   a  attract the external magnets  14   a.    
         [0104]      FIG. 4A  illustrates urethral compression with respect to a male urethra  5 . However, it will be appreciated that the external magnets  14   a  may also be held on an anterior vaginal wall for holding and positioning a urethral occluder, such as  14   d,  against a female urethra. The degree of urinary incontinence achieved is determined by the degree of compression between the occluder  14   d  and the implanted flexible bridge member  16  (See  FIG. 4A ).  
         [0105]     The external magnets  14   a  are guided to the implant magnets  12   a  and may be held in place on the penis or vaginal wall by their attraction to the implant magnets  12   a.  The internal  12   a  and external  14   a  magnets have the strength necessary to hold the appropriate attraction to one another.  
         [0106]     As one example only, the magnets may be constructed as 0.125″ diameter×0.5″ long grade 45 NdFeB magnets. Preferably, the external magnets  14   a  are a reusable parallel pair of grade 45 NdFeB rod magnets (0.125″ diameter×0.5″ long) magnetized across their diameter. Orientation of the implant and external magnetic poles is such that the magnets are attracted to one another.  
         [0107]     Preferably, the separation distance of the implanted magnets  12   a  is the same as that of the external magnets  14   a  to insure the greatest possible magnetic attractive strength. Separation distance of the external magnets can be maintained, for example, by encasing them in a magnet support member, such as a reusable thermoplastic plate.  FIG. 4B  best illustrates the external magnets  14   a  encased within a magnet support member  14   b.  Preferably, the thermoplastic plate is injection molded from a material such as but not limited to ABS, polycarbonate, polysulfone or other rigid thermoplastic resin.  
         [0108]     The surface of the thermoplastic plate may be marked with a raised visible and or tactile cue indicating the “North Pole” side of the Insert (not shown). To minimize the separation distance between the implant  12   a  and external  14   a  magnets, the external magnets  14   a  may have no plastic extending over their pole surfaces and may be partially exposed (not shown). In such a configuration, the external magnets also may include a plated or parylene coating as described above to prevent oxidative corrosion.  
         [0109]     As one example only, the urethral occlusive assembly  10  may be assembled as follows. The external magnets  14   a  and support member  14   b  are placed within a disposable external magnet sleeve having an opening  14   c  and an integral urethral occluder  14   d  (FIGS.  4 B-C). The sleeve may be manufactured from a material such as but not limited to open or closed celled urethane foams, or open or closed celled polyolefin foams. Such a foam may be compression thermoformed or injection molded to obtain the shape of the urethral occluder  14   d.  As one example only, it has been found that  41   b  polyolefin foams have a structural strength adequate to prevent collapsing when being compressed against the urethra. The use of foam is intended to promote user comfort and to wick away sweat, which may lead to irritation of, for instance, the penile skin.  
         [0110]      FIGS. 5A-6B  illustrate exemplary embodiments for a urethral occluder, such as  14   d.  It will appreciated that several shapes may be employed for the urethral occluder to maximize urethral occlusion and protection from urine leakage.  
         [0111]     FIGS.  5 A-B illustrate a urethral occluder  14   e  shaped as an arcuate or semi-circular bump with dimensions W 2  and H 1 . The urethral occluder  14   e  may prevent urine leakage when a bladder pressure of 60 cm H 2 O to 70 cm H 2 O is exerted.  
         [0112]     FIGS.  6 A-B illustrate a urethral occluder  14   f  shaped as a bi-lobed or bumped structure. With reference to penile length, the bi-lobed structure defines that one of the bumps is a proximal or upstream occluding lobe, and the other of the two bumps is a distal or downstream occluding lobe. The urethral occluder  14   f  also may have a width and height dimensions W 2  and H 1 . It will be appreciated that the dimensions may be substantially similar to that of the urethral occluders  14   d,    14   e.  The urethral occluder  14   f  may prevent urine leakage when a bladder pressure of 75 cm H 2 O to 85 cm H 2 O is exerted. The proximal (upstream) lobe provides an initial urethral restriction, which reduces the urine pressure escaping past it. The distal (downstream) lobe provides further urine stream pressure reduction to minimize or eliminate leakage.  
         [0113]     It will be appreciated that the width and height dimensions W 2  and H 1  may be varied for both occluders  14   e,    14   f  as necessary to effect suitable urethral occlusion. It will further be appreciated that the arcuate and bi-lobed geometries illustrated are exemplary only. Other geometries may be equally or more suitable.  
         [0114]     Preferably, any of the described urethral occluders are designed to have a width less than the spacing of the external magnets, such as  14   a.  In this configuration, a urethral occluder does not interfere with the ability of the implant  12   a  and external  14   a  magnets to be attracted to one another. Preferably, the parallel sets of implant and external magnets enable a urethral occluder to be centered on the urethra  5 . Preferably, the attractive force between implant and external magnets during placement, but prior to bodily contact, also creates a tactile sensation. This sensation may enable positioning of the external magnets relative to the implant magnets help to correctly align the occluder over the urethra.  
         [0115]     It is preferable that the implant magnets  12   a  repel one another. The magnetic poles of the implant magnets  12   a  are oriented to one another as shown in  FIG. 10 . This prevents attraction of the implant magnets  12   a  to one another across the urethra  5 . If such attraction were to occur, the constant urethral pressure could erode or atrophy the urethral tissue. If the urethra  5  were to atrophy, the implant magnets  12   a  may be brought into closer proximity to one another. Exponentially increasing the attractive force between the implant magnets can increase tissue pressure to dangerous heights. Repulsion of the implant magnets  12   a  to one another also prevents a surgeon from having to intra-operatively separate the magnets to place them in the preferred position around the urethra.  
         [0116]     FIGS.  9 A-C illustrate another embodiment for modifying urethral compression in the urethral occlusive device  10 . The degree of urethral compression may be varied by changing the separation distance between external magnets  14   a.  The external magnets  14   a  may be separated at varying distances, for example, decreasing distance D E1  to D E2  to D E3 . The decreasing distances adjust urethral compression, thereby varying the separation distance between the implant magnets  12   a  from D I1 , to D I2  to D I3 . For example, distance D I3  provides the highest urethral compression, where the urethra  5  is actively compressed by convergence of the implant supports  12 . The urinary path  5   a  closes and the urethra  5  pushes against a flex point  16   a  of the flexible bridge member  16 .  
         [0117]      FIG. 11  illustrates a modified embodiment for vaginal urethral occlusion. Similar to  FIG. 2 , the implant component, including the implant magnets  2  and flexible bridge member  6 , is disposed on a dorsal surface of a female urethra  7 . The external magnets  4   a  may be brought into proximity with the implant magnet  2  at the anterior vaginal wall  7   a  by inserting an insertion member  4   c.  The insertion member  4   c  may resemble a tampon-like structure. A releasing member  4   d  may be connected at a distal end for removing the insertion member  4   c.  As one example only, the releasing member  4   d  may be a string.  
         [0118]      FIG. 12A -B illustrate another embodiment for an external component  24  including external magnets  24   a  encased in a support plate  24   b.  A main body of the external component  24  defines a sleeve that is provided with a sleeve opening  24   c.  The external component  24  does not include a urethral occluder. The external component  24  may be held in place with an external securing member  29  and closure member  29   a.  The external securing member  29  and closure member  29   a  are similar to previously described members  19 ,  19   b,  and materials of manufacture are not further discussed.  
         [0119]     Preferably, the external component defines a sleeve wall thickness of 0.085 inches between the attractive faces of the implant and external magnets. In this exemplary configuration, the opening of the sleeve assists in maintaining a constant separation distance and attractive or tissue force.  
         [0120]     FIGS.  13 A-B illustrate another embodiment for an external component  34 . Similarly, external magnets  34   a  are encased in a support plate  34   b.  The main body of the external component defines a tray-like opening  34   c  (shown in phantom) rather than the previous sleeve opening. A modified external securing member  39  and modified closure member  39   a  are employed. The external securing member  39  may be, but is not limited to a strap or band-like or tie-like structure thread through the main body of the external component. The closure member provides a friction closure that employs an o-ring.  
         [0121]     In this configuration, the external securing member  39  is pulled through the main body to hold the external magnets  34   a  and support plate  34   b  tightly within the opening  34   c.  The penis  3  is then placed through the external securing member  39 . The external  34   a  and implant magnets (not shown) may be aligned. As indicated by the arrow directional in  FIG. 13B , two free ends of the securing member  39  are pulled apart, forcing the closure member  39   a  downward along the arms of the securing member  39  toward the penis  3 . Once the penis  3  is cinched within the securing member  39 , frictional forces between the closure member  39   a  and securing member  39  prevent loosening.  
         [0122]     As detailed above, a wide variety of magnetic materials and geometries may be used for the reusable external magnet. As one example only, a pair of grade 32 NdFeB rectangles, 0.10 inches×0.27 inches×0.72 inches magnets may be employed. Preferably, these magnets are magnetized across the 0.10 inch dimension and have the strength necessary to attract and hold the implant magnets.  
         [0123]     Implant experiments have indicated that misalignment of the implant magnets may occur. Application of a rigid external magnet may cause localized pressure zones that are excessively high, and can result in tissue necrosis.  
         [0124]     FIGS.  14 A-B show another embodiment for an external component  40  having a flexible web. The flexible web may prevent implant misalignment and help preserve skin integrity, while providing sufficient attractive strength between the external magnets and implant magnets of an implant component.  
         [0125]     The magnet support  44   b  includes a flexible web portion  44   e  disposed along the body thereof. The flexible web  44   e  enables the magnet support  44   b  to articulate on the outer surface of the penis  3 . As shown in FIGS.  14 A-B, the flexible web  44   e  allows the external magnet  44   a  to align with each implant support  42  and implant magnet  42   a.  Assuring that flat faces of the implant and external magnets  42   a,    44   a  are parallel, compressive loads may be distributed over a larger tissue surface area, thereby reducing excessive tissue pressure. The urethral occluder  44   d  may then actively compress the urethra  5  against the flexible bridge member  46  and flex point  46   a.    
         [0126]     Tissue pressure can be determined by the surface of contact between the implant and external magnets including any air gap between the implant and external magnets. Tissue thickness determines the effective air gap and may vary due to anatomical differences from user to user, difference in tissue compressibility and degree of capsular formation around the implant. To maintain an appropriate tissue pressure (approximately ≦60 mmHg), the air gap may be altered to fit a particular patient by measuring the force required to remove the external magnet from the penis, calculating the tissue pressure and selecting a removable spacer for disposal on the external support and magnet.  
         [0127]      FIG. 16  illustrates one embodiment of a removable spacer  64   c,  of which dimensions may be varied as necessary for use. The removable spacer  64   c  is disposed over the external magnets  64   a  and an external magnet support  64   b.  The “X” dimension represents a thickness T 2  that may be available in 0.020 inch increments. The “Y” dimension defines a height H 2  of the occlusive bump  64   d  that may be available in 0.020 inch increments to allow modification of urethral pressure. It will be appreciated, however, that these measurements are exemplary only, as other dimensions and increments may be equally or more suitable.  
         [0128]     Magnetic field interference among multiple implant and topically applied magnets might limit the ability of the implant component to squeeze the urethra  5  and close the urinary pathway  5   a,  previously described, for instance, in FIGS.  9 A-B.  
         [0129]     FIGS.  15 A-B illustrate an embodiment for an external component including a single topically applied magnet. In this embodiment, the external component  50  includes only one external magnet. This single magnet can obviate some of the field interferences. In this configuration, active compression by the implant supports  52  through the implant magnets  52   a  may be more positive and reliable. The implant component as described in FIGS.  9 A-C is similar to the implant component shown in FIGS.  15 A-B. An implant support  52  and implant magnets  52   a  are provided with a flexible bridge member  56 . Preferably, the external magnet is a reusable magnet as the previously described.  
         [0130]     It will be appreciated that the single topically applied magnet may be adapted to fit with any of the previously described external magnet supports without an occluder. It will be appreciated that the single magnet may be adapted for use with any of the external securing members previously described.  
         [0131]     Several methods may be employed to vary the degree of urethral compression provided by the urethral occlusive assembly as disclosed in any of the previously described embodiments. By varying the urethral compression, a physician can provide the degree of urinary continence appropriate for individual patients. As shown in FIGS.  17 A-B, the magnet strength may be increased to increase urethral compression, where a stronger magnet may be employed rather than a weaker one or vice versa for a decrease in urethral compression. In this configuration, external magnet  54  may be replaced by magnets of differing strength as desired.  
         [0132]     FIGS.  18 A-B illustrate an embodiment for varying urethral compression by varying the separation distance D.  FIG. 18A  illustrates an external magnet  54  contained within the external component  50  having a separation distance D 1  from the outer surface of the penis  3 . In this configuration, urethral pressure can be increased, where the implant supports  52  actively converge to compress the urethra  5  against the flexible bridge member  56 . Differently, urethral compression may be increased when the external magnet  54  is disposed within the external component  50  at a reduced separation distance D 2 . Thereby, the urethral compression may be decreased.  
         [0133]     Thus, the separation distance between the top surface of the external magnet and penile skin may be increased/decreased to effectively increase/decrease the magnetic attractive strength between the implant and external magnets  52   a,    54   a.  The varying separation distances accordingly effect change in the urethral compression.  
         [0134]     It will be appreciated that the separation distances and magnetic strengths may vary as desired for application of the urethral occlusive assembly. As illustrated in  FIGS. 17A-18B , the magnetic strength and separation distance principles are shown with respect to a urethral occlusive device employing a single external magnet. It will be appreciated, however, that such principles are not limited to this embodiment, and may be suitably adapted to any of the previously described embodiments.  
         [0135]     It has been noted in some patient trials, that an expansion space or recess is desirable on the external magnet support of the external component. Such a recess enables expansion of the urethra and outer penile skin into the recess, when the urethra is actively compressed by the implant supports and magnets of the implant component.  
         [0136]     FIGS.  19 A-B illustrate a recess  54   a  disposed on the external magnet support of the external component. When the implant supports  52  and implant magnets  52   a  actively compress the urethra  5  to close the urinary pathway  5   a,  the urethra  5  and outer skin of the penis  3  may move into the recess  54   a.    
         [0137]     In this configuration, compression of the urethra may be accomplished without undue pressure against the penile tissue, thereby preventing tissue necrosis. It will be appreciated that a recess, as recess  54   a,  may be employed with any of the previous embodiments not employing an occluding bump on the external component. For example, a recess may be employed when two external magnets are used to compress the urethra (FIGS.  9 A-C).  
         [0138]     It will be appreciated that an embodiment may be employed where magnets are not necessary to magnify the occlusive load on the urethra to prevent urine leakage.  
         [0139]     FIGS.  20 A-C illustrate another embodiment for a urethral occlusive assembly that does not employ magnets. An implant component defines a semi-rigid implant having a flexible bridge member  66  with two implant supports  62  at each end. The implant supports  62  may be a semi-rigid silicone material and the flexible bridge member  66  may be a reinforced silicone backing material. Preferably, the implant supports  62  are semi-rigid silicone capsules as previously described without any implant magnets residing therein. It will be appreciated that other materials may be employed that are equally or more suitable. As an example only, the implant supports  62  and flexible bridge  66  may be produced of materials described in the previously detailed embodiments.  
         [0140]     As shown in  FIG. 20C , an external securing member  69  may be employed as the external component. Preferably, the external securing member  69  may be an external strap placed around the penis  3  to compress the penile tissue around the outer penile circumference. The external securing member  69  may include a closure member  69   a  secured to hook portions  69   b  to thereby secure the member  69  to the penis  3 . Preferably, the closure member  69   a  is an elastic biasing band. However, it will be appreciated that an elastic biasing band is merely exemplary. Other forms of a closure member may be employed and may be equally or more suitable. This compression is transmitted or imparted to the implant supports  62 . The implant supports  62  actively concentrate a load on the urethra  5  as a result of the implant supports&#39; non-viscous elastic nature. This non-magnetic action can improve efficiency of the urethral occlusive assembly. Lower external penile pressures than that of the magnetically compressed embodiments may be applied to effect urinary continence.  
         [0141]     The urethral occlusive assembly provides several features and advantages as mentioned above. For example, urethral compression may be adjusted without additional surgery to accommodate changing degrees of incontinence. This may be accomplished through application of external magnets of varying strengths or the selection of different urethral occluder geometries.  
         [0142]     The urethral occlusive assembly described provides the ability to remove the external magnet and hence the occlusive pressure from urethra and penis periodically, so as to minimize urethral atrophy and erosion.  
         [0143]     The urethral occlusive assembly described provides removal and re-application of the external magnet by the user, so that voiding urine from the body is a simple, convenient procedure. The need to locate and pump an implanted component is eliminated. Further, there is no abdominal straining required to void urine, as typically required with urethral slings.  
         [0144]     The urethral occlusive assembly described provides a simple, one-piece, implantable component not prone to wear and subsequent fluid leakage. The urethral occlusive assembly may be implanted using a single implant incision with uncomplicated penile urethral dissection.  
         [0145]     The above specification provides a complete description of the composition, manufacture and use of the improved urethral occlusive assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.