Importance

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Abstract

A device for the control of urinary incontinence comprising a urethral plug self-movable between a first condition in which the plug is relatively rigid and generally tubular, with a smaller diameter for travel through the orifice of the urethra, and a second condition in which the plug is flexible and expansible to a larger diameter for retaining the plug in a mammalian body and blocking the flow of urine. A larger diameter is achieved by exposure of a tube-like member of the plug to natural bodily conditions, resulting in an automatic expansion of the tube, whereupon the expansion causes the tube-like member to form a seal with the urethra, bladder neck or bladder wall. The plug further has a meatal plate for anchoring the plug in the urethra and preventing migration into the bladder. Removal of the plug for bladder evacuation is easily accomplished by grasping and pulling a tab associated with the meatal plate, or in another embodiment by pulling on a cord means associated with the meatal plate, causing the deformation of the expanded tube to a smaller diameter. In accordance with a further feature of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling incontinence in mammals.

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First Claim