Female incontinence control device

• US 20020083949A1
• Filed: 01/03/2001
• Published: 07/04/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/03/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Larry W. James
• Original Assignee: Larry W. James
• Inventors: James, Larry W.
• Granted Patent: US 6,460,542 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/830
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/005 with pressure applied to urethra by an element placed in the vagina
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/25 Artificial sphincters and devices for controlling urinary incontinence

Abstract

A female incontinence device and method for placement of an intravaginal device for repositioning and supporting the prolapsed neck of the urinary bladder and realigning the urethra both vertically and laterally to approximate normal anatomical position enable a patient to remain stress-continent. The device includes an open, generally droplet-shaped base coupled with a pair of elongate spaced parallel legs shaped to extend in orthogonal relationship to the plane of the base in a predetermined configuration. Upon installation, the legs provide support for the anterior wall of the vagina and adjacent neck of the urinary bladder at a preconfigured variable distance from the posterior vaginal wall, as well as lateral and vertical alignment and support of the adjacent urethra. Alternatively, the base may be coupled with a single leg having a predetermined configuration which extends orthogonal to the plane of the base and is attached to the base at both ends.

Claims

1. A device for controlling urinary incontinence in women, by repositioning and supporting a urinary bladder and aligning a urethra, said device comprising:

a) a base having a first end and a second end, said first end having a superior orientation and said second end having an inferior orientation upon vaginal placement of the device;

b) a support leg coupled with said base;

c) said support leg having a central portion extending in spaced relation away from said base in an orthogonal plane and for engaging an anterior vaginal wall upon vaginal placement and shaped for aligning and supporting the urinary bladder and the urethra.

2. The incontinence device according to claim 1, wherein:

a) said base has a planar droplet-shaped configuration; and

b) said base includes a central opening.

3. The incontinence device according to claim 1, wherein:

a) said leg has an overall D-shaped configuration.

4. The incontinence device according to claim 3, wherein:

a) said leg includes an indent coupled with said base second end for permitting grasping of the device during insertion and removal.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

a) said device is constructed of a flexible material for permitting temporary deformation during installation.

6. A device for repositioning and supporting a urinary bladder and laterally aligning a urethra of a woman, comprising:

a) a base having a first end and a second end, said first end having a superior orientation and said second end having an inferior orientation upon vaginal placement of the device;

b) a pair of elongate parallel support legs coupled with said first end and extending in a predetermined bladder-supporting configuration in orthogonal relationship with the plane of said base; and

c) said support legs having a space therebetween sized to receive and laterally align the urethra upon vaginal placement.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein:

a) The base has a planar droplet-shaped configuration, with said first end having an elliptical shape; and

b) said legs are coupled with said first, elliptical end.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein:

a) said planar base includes a central opening.

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein:

a) said legs present an s-shaped profile.

10. The device according to claim 6, wherein:

a) said device is constructed of a flexible material for permitting temporary deformation during installation.

11. The device according to claim 6, wherein:

a) said legs each include a superior portion and an inferior portion, said superior portion is curved away from said base and said inferior portion is curved toward said base.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein:

a) The base has a planar droplet-shaped configuration, with said first end having an elliptical shape; and

b) said legs are coupled with said first, elliptical end.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein:

a) said base includes a central opening.

15. The device according to claim 12, wherein:

a) said legs present an s-shaped profile.

16. The device according to claim 12, wherein:

a) said device is constructed of a flexible material for permitting temporary deformation during installation.

17. The device according to claim 12, wherein:

a) said legs each include a superior portion and an inferior portion, said superior portion is curved in away from said base and said inferior portion is curved in toward said base.

12. A vaginally insertable device for repositioning and supporting a urinary bladder and laterally aligning an associated urethra, comprising:

a) a base; and

b) a pair of elongate parallel legs coupled with said base and extending therefrom for engaging an anterior vaginal wall on either side of the urethra for aligning and supporting the urethra between said support legs.