Patent · US Expired

Implantable artificial sphincter system

US4994020A · kind A · utility

64Cited by
11References
32Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 21, 1989
Grant dateFeb 19, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 21, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S128/25
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An implantable artificial sphincter system for reversibly occluding a body passageway, which system includes occlusion means, pump means, and the unique feature of a fluid capacitor disposed on a control assembly for the system, which is capable of increasing volume under fluid pressure. The fluid capacitor is connected with the occlusion means in such fashion that said occlusion means will remain substantially inflated during short, but significant, pressure increases, but will at least partially deflate upon the advent of prolonged but moderate pressure increases on the body passageway. While in its preferred embodiment no other fluid containing component is needed, if desired a volume compensator can also be included in the system. A valve preferably of the magnetic type can also be included for activating or deactivating the system.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.