Instrument for guiding delivery of injectable materials in treating urinary incontinence
US6071230A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M31/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An introducer for facilitating the injection of a bulking agent into the urinary sphincter of a patient comprises a rigid tubular member having a closed distal end, an open proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The tubular member has an aperture in a side wall thereof leading to the lumen, the aperture being a known predetermined distance from the closed distal end. Integrally formed with the cylindrical tube is a flared wall structure in the shape of a hollow cone. Formed obliquely through the wall of the cone are a plurality of regularly radially spaced bores that exit the cylindrical tubular portion, a fixed, predetermined distance from the aforementioned aperture. By inserting the instrument into the urethra until urine flow is detected through the lumen of the guide and then withdrawing the instrument carefully until urine flow just ceases, when an injection needle of a predetermined length is inserted into the oblique bore, the sharpened tip of the injection needle will be appropriately positioned for depositing the bulking agent in a way to augment tissue surrounding the urinary sphincter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.