Importance

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Abstract

Pressure-regulated artificial sphincter apparatus for controlling vesicular incontinence is disclosed herein. The apparatus preferably comprises a generally toroidal cuff member for constricting a vessel to be opened and closed in response to fluid pressure, a squeezable fluid supply pump bulb in communication with the cuff, and a fluid pressure regulator for maintaining substantially constant fluid pressure within the cuff. The pressure regulator preferably comprises a variable volume, distensible balloon which is in fluid flow communication with the cuff. Check valve means are provided to maintain correct fluid flow throughout the apparatus. One form of this invention includes a low pressure fluid reservoir interconnected with the fluid supply bulb. Another form of this invention includes pump means for deflating the cuff by manually transferring fluid therefrom into the balloon and a restricted flow passageway extending between the balloon and the cuff to reinflate the cuff after a predetermined time to automatically occlude the affected vessel. A fluid transfer bulb described and claimed herein for use with artificial sphincter systems includes an interiorly-located, restricted flow passageway for automatic actuation of a fluid pressure responsive element. A method for treating incontinence described herein includes the steps of surgically mounting an inflatable cuff on the vessel to be artificially opened and closed, implanting a fluid source in fluid flow communication with the cuff at another location within the animal body, and locating a pressure regulator at another location within the body for maintaining substantially constant cuff fluid pressure. A method for automatically reinflating a cuff member is also set forth herein.

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First Claim