Artificial Sphincter

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes an artificial sphincter designed for implantation in a patient's urethra. It includes a housing with a controllable closure mechanism and one or more sensors capable of detecting the patient's own biosignals, such as muscle contractions or specific body sounds. These biosignals are processed by a control unit, allowing the patient to intuitively open or close the artificial sphincter based on conscious, deliberate actions (e.g., muscle tensing or tapping).

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Treatment of severe urinary incontinence in men, such as after prostate surgery
• Treatment of stress incontinence in women, especially after childbirth
• Support for patients with neurological disorders that impair natural sphincter control
• Replacement of conventional manual sphincter devices, providing a more discreet and easier-to-use solution
• Use in patients with physical disabilities who may have difficulty operating traditional continence devices

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows intuitive and discreet control of urinary continence via natural biosignals, removing the need for visible or manual external controls
• Reduces the need for complex, manual manipulations and enables operation even by patients with limited hand dexterity
• Improves patient comfort, dignity, and quality of life by offering more natural control over continence
• Potentially lowers complication rates compared to existing surgical implants that require more invasive or mechanically complex manipulation
• Customizable to detect various types of patient biosignals (muscle, pressure, movement, or sound), enhancing adaptability and user-friendliness

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Künstlicher Schließmuskel (1, 11, 13, 15), der in die Harnröhre eines Patienten einsetzbar ist, mit einem eine Durchgangsöffnung (3) aufweisenden Gehäuse (2) und einem in der Durchgangsöffnung (3) angeordneten Schließmechanismus, der zwischen einer ersten Stellung, in der die Durchgangsöffnung (3) freigegeben ist, und einer zweiten Stellung, in der die Durchgangsöffnung (3) verschlossen ist, bewegbar ist, wobei der künstliche Schließmuskel (1, 11, 13, 15) wenigstens einen zum Erfassen eines körpereigenen Biosignals ausgebildeten Sensor (7, 12, 14, 16) aufweist oder mit einem derartigen Sensor (7, 12, 14, 16) verbunden ist und eine zum Auswerten des Biosignals ausgebildete Verarbeitungs- und Steuerungseinheit (6) aufweist, durch die der Schließmechanismus in Abhängigkeit des ausgewerteten Biosignals steuerbar ist.