Patent · US Expired

Incontinence electrode apparatus and method

US5314465A · kind A · utility

72Cited by
11References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 14, 1993
Grant dateMay 24, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 14, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/49222
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

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.

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