Incontinence electrode apparatus
First Claim
1. A vaginal electrode, comprising:
- a molded elongated tubular body, with an interior surface and an exterior surface and a longitudinal axis, having a plurality of conductive polymer bands separated by at least one non-conductive polymer band;
each conductive polymer band having a width and an electrical receptacle at the interior surface wherein the electrical receptacle includes a domed region with a cylindrical cavity having an inner diameter; and
a plurality of leads configured for connection to an electrical power source, each lead having a terminal end with an electrical contact mated to one of the electrical receptacles to make mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer band and the lead.
13 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women.
77 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A vaginal electrode, comprising:
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a molded elongated tubular body, with an interior surface and an exterior surface and a longitudinal axis, having a plurality of conductive polymer bands separated by at least one non-conductive polymer band;
each conductive polymer band having a width and an electrical receptacle at the interior surface wherein the electrical receptacle includes a domed region with a cylindrical cavity having an inner diameter; anda plurality of leads configured for connection to an electrical power source, each lead having a terminal end with an electrical contact mated to one of the electrical receptacles to make mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer band and the lead. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A vaginal electrode, comprising:
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a molded elongated tubular body, with an interior surface and an exterior surface and a longitudinal axis, having a plurality of conductive polymer bands separated by at least one non-conductive polymer band, each conductive polymer band having a width and at the interior surface a domed region with a cylindrical cavity having an inner diameter along a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body; and a plurality of leads configured for connection to an electrical power source, each lead having a terminal end with an electrical contact mated to one of cylindrical cavities to make mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer band and the lead. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification