Importance

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Abstract

An inflatable cuff used as an artificial sphincter may be used in either of two different ways. The first embodiment involves the cuff encircling the urethra for maintaining pressure on it to occlude it except when voiding the bladder. The second embodiment involves placing a one-way valve in the urethra which is encircled by the inflatable cuff such that the cuff is only inflated when it is desired to void the bladder by opening the valve in the urethra through pressure being applied to the exterior of the valve body. In each embodiment a syringe-type pump bulb is used which is connected to a one-way valve in turn connected to a tube to the inflatable cuff. The bulb side wall has sufficient memory to cause it to return to its normal expanded condition which causes the suction of fluid from the cuff when the manually operated valve is actuated. Fluid pumped to the cuff through the valve causes a positive pressure on the cuff side of the valve blade elements and a negative pressure on the bulb side which combine to assist in maintaining the valve in a sealed closed condition.

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First Claim