Importance

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Abstract

A mechanically-expandable urethral bougie (10) especially useful for dilation of urethral strictures comprises a probe formed from two elongated rods (12, 14) connected at their one end, the rods having a semicircular cross-section and grooves at the mating surfaces. These grooves form a guide slot 26 for a core element (28) which has wedging elements (34, 36) engageable with camming surface of the rods. The end of the probe opposite to the connected ends of the rods is provided with a drive mechanism for axial movement of core element (28). When the core elements move in the axial direction, engagement of its wedging elements (34, 36) with camming surfaces of the rods causes expansion or dilation of the probe, depending on the direction of movement. At its front end, the bougie is provided with a leader (52) of a smaller diameter and higher flexibility than the rest of the probe. The leader facilitates the insertion of the bougie into the patient's urethra. Another feature of the invention is a provision of a longitudinal channel which is formed either in one of the probes or in the core element. When the probe penetrates into the bladder, dripping of urine through this channel indicates to the urologist the fact of penetration of the probe into the bladder. Another feature of the probe is the provision of means for positively locking the rods and core in an assembled state.

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First Claim