Importance

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Abstract

An implantable hydraulic urinary sphincter system is disclosed for maintaining continence in those patients unable to control or stop inadvertent urinary flow. The invented apparatus generally consists of an artificial urinary sphincter and a control means for obtaining continence while causing the artificial sphincter to apply minimal pressure to the urethra for all conditions of the bladder. The invented apparatus: (1) automatically causes sphincter fluid pressure to increase or decrease with sensed bladder and/or abdominal pressure, and (2) is manually actuated by a patient when he or she desires to urinate. The invented apparatus can be filled with fluid, or the fluid pressure can be reset, after implantation without necessitating a surgical procedure.

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First Claim