Intravaginal electrode and stimulation system for controlling female urinary incontinence
US4881526A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 1988 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H23/0263
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intravaginal electrode and controller for preventing female urinary incontinence. The electrode includes an elongated and generally cylindrical carrier having a rounded tip, an extended lip, and a neck of reduced diameter located approximately eight centimeters from the lip. A pair of annular motor electrodes are positioned on an exterior surface of the carrier at longitudinally spaced locations on opposite sides of the neck. Sensory electrodes and an oscillatory transducer are mounted to the carrier adjacent the lip. Motor receptor electrical stimulation signals received from the controller are coupled to the motor electrodes and directly stimulate pelvic floor musculature. Sensory receptor electrical stimulation signals are coupled to sensory receptors through the sensory electrodes while tactile receptors are stimulated by mechanical oscillations from the oscillatory transducer. Stimulation of sensory and tactile receptors cause the central nervous system to contract the pelvic floor musculature and inhibit bladder wall muscle contraction. These stimulus combine for maximal activation of neural pathways.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.