Apparatus and method for treating female urinary incontinence
US6086549A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36007
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides an efficient and cost effective device for applying electrical stimulation to a body cavity. Preferred embodiments of the invention also provide the function of measuring the pressure exerted by the body cavity. The present invention is particularly useful when treating urinary incontinence in females. By providing electrical stimulation to the vagina, the present invention strengthens the pelvic floor muscles to improve urinary continence. The preferred embodiments of the invention which provide the function of measuring the pressure exerted by the body cavity convey to a user in a humanly perceptible manner the pressure exerted by the body cavity in order to provide feedback on the strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles. Most advantageously, a carrier structure which is inserted into the body cavity is fabricated from a low cost material, such as an injection molded thermoplastic material. The electrodes placed on the carrier structure can be fabricated separately from, and from a material different than, that used to fabricate the carrier structure. The pressure transducer preferably includes a semiconductor diaphragm sensitive to changes in pre…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.