Apparatus and method for qualitative assessment of pelvic floor muscular strength

• US 7,141,025 B2
• Filed: 11/29/2002
• Issued: 11/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Guillermo Hernan Davila
• Original Assignee: Guillermo Hernan Davila
• Inventors: Davila, Guillermo Hernan
• Primary Examiner(s): MARMOR II, CHARLES ALAN
• Application Number:
  US10/307,544
• Publication Number:
  US 20040106879A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,460 Days
• Field of Search: 600/587, 600/591, 600/38, 600/41, 604/500, 482 92- 96, 482/131, 733/790.1, 128/897, 128/898
• US Class Current: 600/591
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/227 of constricting muscles, i.e. sphincters

Abstract

An apparatus and method for qualitative assessment of pelvic floor muscular strength includes inserting a spherical intracavitary device into vagina or anus above the level of the levator plate and measuring a force necessary to remove the inserted device from the vagina or anus. A diagnostic set for qualitative assessment of pelvic floor muscular strength, includes at least one spherical intracavitary device and a force gauge. The device and force gauge can be attached together after insertion of the device into the vagina or anus.

Claims

1. A method for qualitative assessment of pelvic floor muscular strength comprises the steps of:

inserting a spherical intracavitary device into the vagina above the level of the levator plate; and

measuring a force necessary to remove said inserted device from said vagina with a force gauge.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said device is inserted into said vagina in the lithotomy position.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said force is measured in the relaxation state of pelvic floor muscles.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said force is measured during maximum contraction of pelvic floor muscles.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said force is measured both in the relaxation of pelvic floor muscles and during contraction of pelvic floor muscles.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said spherical intracavitary device is a sphere having a diameter of about 28 mm to 44 mm.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said measuring is performed by means of a force gauge attachable to said spherical intracavitary device by a linker connected to said device, said linker after said insertion extending besides the vagina to allow attachment of said force gauge.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said linker is a thread having means for attachment of said force gauge.