Importance

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Abstract

A urethral plug assembly having a cooperating housing and inner member, the plug assembly possessing a contracted diameter for insertion and removal through the orifice of the urethra, and a larger, expanded diameter for blocking the flow of urine in the urethra, bladder neck and bladder. A larger diameter is achieved by mechanical deployment of the inner member, which results in the expansion of the housing, or in another embodiment, which results in the expansion of the inner member. A balloon is additionally expanded, thus sealing the plug assembly to the urethral, bladder neck and bladder wall. The plug assembly further has a meatal plate for anchoring the plug assembly in the urethra, preventing migration of the plug assembly into the bladder. Removal of the plug assembly for bladder evacuation, is easily accomplished by pulling a cord causing the contraction of the expanded housing or inner member, and grasping a tab associated with said meatal plate. In accordance with a further feature of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling incontinence in humans.

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First Claim