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Abstract

Devices and methods for measuring the weakness of body lumens, and in particular, urethral sphincters and similar valves, are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a catheter with a hollow fluted distal end can be inserted into a lumen. The hollow fluted distal end of the catheter is then expanded into an enlarged configuration. The measurement of resistance to withdrawal of the catheter in the enlarged configuration provides an indication of weakness of the lumen. In one aspect of the invention, the catheter is inserted into a bladder via the urethral sphincter and the weakness of the urethral sphincter is measured. In another aspect of the invention, a device for measuring weakness of a body lumen, such as a urethral sphincter and similar valves, can consist of a catheter with a hollow fluted distal end having of an array of wings, and an expanding means for radially expanding the wings into an enlarged configuration. Subsequent withdrawal of the catheter in the enlarged configuration encounter resistances which can be measured as an indication of the weakness of the body lumen, such as a urethral sphincter and similar valves. In still another aspect of the invention, a system for measuring weakness of a body lumen can consist of a catheter, a means for expanding a hollow fluted distal end of the catheter from a first configuration into a second enlarged configuration and means for measuring resistance to withdrawal of the catheter in the enlarged configuration as an indicator of weakness of the body lumen, such as the urethral sphincter and similar valves.

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First Claim