Importance

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Abstract

An elastomechanical sphincter comprising a prosthetic device for implantation about a patient's lumen such as the urethra for occluding or relaxing the lumen for the treatment of incontinence. The prosthetic sphincter includes a body of elastomeric polymer material configured to define an articulating structure having a normally closed elongated occlusion orifice arranged to embrace the patient's urethra with minimal ischemic interruption of circulatory blood flow. In a first sphincter embodiment, an integrally formed manually manipulable pressure relief cuff extends from a peripheral portion of the articulating structure in such a manner that physical pulling on the pressure relief cuff in a direction transverse to the elongation of the occlusion orifice will open the orifice and thereby open the lumen. The natural elasticity of the device results in occlusion of the lumen upon releasing of the pressure relief cuff. In a second sphincter embodiment, the articulating structure includes a hollow chamber formed therein which is adapted to receive a fluid under pressure from an associated fluid reservoir. As the chamber is filled, the articulating structure expands, such that the occlusion orifice thereof applies a corresponding pressure to occlude the patient's lumen. A pressure relief disk is provided which may be manually operated to permit fluid to be transferred from the chamber to thereby reduce the occlusive pressures being applied by the occlusion orifice, whereby to permit an opening of the patient's lumen thus maximizing the movement of material (e.g. blood) therethrough.

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First Claim