U.S. patent number 3,750,194 [Application Number 05/124,718] was granted by the patent office on 1973-08-07 for apparatus and method for reversibly closing a natural or implanted body passage.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Fairchild Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to George D. Summers.
United States Patent |
3,750,194 |
Summers |
August 7, 1973 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REVERSIBLY CLOSING A NATURAL OR IMPLANTED
BODY PASSAGE
Abstract
An apparatus and method for reversibly closing a natural or
implanted body passage which utilize an implantable fluid reservoir
and a distensible member that is adapted to be connected to the
natural or implanted body passage. An implantable pump is connected
to the fluid reservoir and the distensible member for pumping fluid
from the reservoir to the distensible member to distend the
distensible member and cause the reversible closing of the natural
or implanted body passage.
Inventors: |
Summers; George D. (Bethesda,
MD) |
Assignee: |
Fairchild Industries, Inc.
(Germantown, MD)
|
Family
ID: |
22416449 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/124,718 |
Filed: |
March 16, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
623/23.66;
128/DIG.25; 600/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
2/004 (20130101); Y10S 128/25 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
2/00 (20060101); A61f 001/00 (); A61f 001/24 ();
A61b 017/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;3/1
;128/346,35V,1R,DIG.25,DIG.21,348-350,327 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,174,814 |
|
Dec 1969 |
|
GB |
|
6,701,946 |
|
Aug 1967 |
|
NL |
|
1,546,118 |
|
Oct 1968 |
|
FR |
|
Other References
"A New Miniature Pump For the Treatment of Hydrocephalus" by G. D.
Summers et al., Journal of the Assoc. for the Advancement of
Medical Instrumentation, Vol. 2, No. 3, May/June 1967, pp.
9-15..
|
Primary Examiner: Gaudet; Richard A.
Assistant Examiner: Frinks; Ronald L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An implantable apparatus for reversibly closing a natural or
implanted urethra comprising an implantable fluid reservoir, an
implantable O-shaped distensible member, a funnel shaped member for
assisting in keeping said distensible member in place when
implanted connected to said distensible member, said funnel shaped
member having a channel extending therethrough and being shaped to
fit within the inlet to a urethra in a body, and implantable
pumping means operatively connected to said fluid reservoir and
said distensible member for pumping fluid from said reservoir to
said distensible member to cause distension thereof to close said
urethra and to pump fluid from said distensible member to cause
deflation thereof to open said urethra.
2. A method for reversibly closing a natural or implanted body
passage comprising the steps of: implanting, in the body, an
implantable fluid reservoir, implantable pumping means operatively
connected to said implantable fluid reservoir, an implantable
C-shaped distensible member operatively connected to said pumping
means, a hoop member having two separable sections located around
said distensible member, and means for fastening the ends of said
two separable sections together and during such implantation
separating the two separable sections of said hoop member, passing
the ends of said C-shaped distensible member around said body
passage, and connecting the ends of said two separable sections of
said hoop member by said fastening means; activating said pumping
means to pump fluid from said implantable fluid reservoir to said
C-shaped distensible member to cause distension thereof to
reversibly close said body passage when it is desired to close said
body passage; and activating said pumping means to pump fluid from
said distensible member to said implantable fluid reservoir to
cause deflation of said distensible member to open said body
passage when it is desired to open said body passage.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said implanting step further
comprises implanting a cloth skirt attached to said hoop member and
during such implantation connecting said cloth skirt to body
tissue.
4. A method for reversibly closing a natural or implanted body
passage comprising the steps of: implanting, in the body, an
implantable fluid reservoir, implantable pumping means operatively
connected to said implantable fluid reservoir, and an implantable
distensible member operatively connected to said pumping means and
during such implantation, implanting said distensible member inside
said body passage by surgically opening said body passage;
activating said pumping means to pump fluid from said implantable
fluid reservoir to said distensible member to cause distension
thereof to reversibly close said body passage when it is desired to
close said body passage; and activating said pumping means to pump
fluid from said distensible member to said implantable fluid
reservoir to cause deflation of said distensible member to open
said body passage when it is desired to open said body passage.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein implanting said implantable
distensible member in said implantation step comprises implanting
an O-shaped member.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said implanting step further
comprises implanting means connected to said O-shaped distensible
member for assisting in maintaining said distensible member in
position inside said body passage and during such implantation,
implanting said position maintenance assisting means inside said
body passage by surgically opening said body passage.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein implanting said position
maintenance assisting means in said implantation step comprises
implanting a positioning member having a channel extending
therethrough.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein implanting position maintenance
assisting means in said implantation step further comprises
implanting a cloth skirt and further comprising sewing said cloth
skirt to the inner surface of said body passage during such
implantation.
9. A method for reversibly closing a natural or implanted urethra
comprising the steps of: implanting, in the body, an implantable
fluid reservoir, implantable pumping means operatively connected to
said implantable fluid reservoir, an implantable distensible member
operatively connected to said pumping means, and a funnel shaped
member having a channel extending therethrough connected to said
distensible member and during such implantation placing said
distensible member in the bladder near the inlet to said urethra
and fitting said funnel shaped member within the inlet to said
urethra; activating said pumping means to pump fluid from said
implantable fluid reservoir to said distensible member to cause
distension thereof to reversibly close said urethra when it is
desired to close said urethra; and activating said pumping means to
pump fluid from said distensible member to said implantable fluid
reservoir to cause deflation of said distensible member to open
said urethra when it is desired to open said urethra.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A great many persons suffer from non-functioning or malfunctioning
sphincters which are circular bands of voluntarily or involuntarily
controlled muscles which encircle an orifice of the body or body
canal or one of the body's hollow organs. This condition can be
brought on by congenital malformations, trauma to the sphincter
nerves or muscles, disease of the sphincter nerves or muscles, or
other body pathologies.
Among the most troublesome and embarrasing conditions brought about
by the lack of proper control of one or more sphincters are
malfunctions of the urethral and anal canals. The urethral
sphincter controls the containment of urine in the bladder until
the sphincter is relaxed to permit passage of urine from the
bladder and the anal sphincter controls the containment of fecal
matter in rectum until it is relaxed to permit passage of fecal
matter from the rectum. As a result of the malfunction of the anal
or urethral sphincters, uncontrolled drainage of fecal matter and
urine from the body can occur and this is embarassing to the
individual and can restrict his activities. In addition to
malfunctioning sphincters, other individuals have had colostomies
and as a result have an artificial opening for the bowels that
lacks any sphincters to control the opening.
A number of attempts have been made in the past to provide
substitutes for such malfunctioning sphincters or to provide some
means for controlling artificial openings that have no natural
sphincters. Various types of inflatable devices such as the
artificial dam disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,494,393 have been
proposed that are insertable into a natural or artificial body
canal from outside the body and are inflatable to obstruct the
artificial or natural opening so that seepage does not occur from
the opening. However, such devices are uncomfortable to wear and
are not entirely successful. Various surgical procedures have been
attempted to repair damaged and diseased sphincters and electric
currents have also been used in attempts to cause the spincters to
either contract or relax. Again such procedures have not been
entirely successful and if the electric currents are provided
through the use of external electrical devices that are inserted
into body orifices this may not be cosmetically or psychologically
desirable.
The implantable apparatus and method of the present invention
overcomes the disadvantages of such prior devices and techniques
and allows a body passage or canal to be reversibly closed in an
efficient manner without undue discomfort to the individual whose
body passage is being controlled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to apparatus and methods for reversibly
closing a natural or implanted body passage and more particularly
to apparatus and methods that utilize a distensible member.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an implantable
apparatus that can efficiently reversibly close an implanted or
natural body passage.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an implantable
apparatus that is readily operable by the individual in whom it is
implanted to reversibly close an implanted or natural body
passage.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an implantable
apparatus that is cosmetically and psychologically acceptable to
the person in whom it is implanted.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an
implantable apparatus that can reversibly close a natural or
implanted urinary passage.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an
implantable appartus that can reversibly close a portion of a
natural or implanted alimentary canal.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method
for reversibly closing a natural or implanted body passage that
utilizes implantable distensible means.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method
for reversibly closing a natural or implanted urinary passage.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method
for reversibly closing a natural or implanted alimentary
passage.
The present invention provides an implantable apparatus for
reversibly closing a natural or an implanted body passage that
includes an implantable fluid reservoir and implantable distensible
means adapted to be operatively connected to the natural or
implanted artificial body passage for reversibly closing the
passage. The implantable apparatus also includes implantable
pumping means operatively connected to said fluid reservoir and the
distensible means for pumping fluid from the fluid reservoir to the
distensible means to cause distension of the distensible means to
reversibly close the passage and to pump fluid from the distensible
means to open the passage. The present invention also provides a
method for reversibly closing a natural or arificial body passage
that includes the steps of implanting an implantable fluid
reservoir, implanting implantable pumping means operatively
connected to the implantable fluid reservoir, and implanting
distensible means operatively connected to the pumping means in the
body and during such implantation operatively connecting the
distensible means to the natural or implanted body passage. The
method further includes the steps of activating the pumping means
to pump fluid from the implantable fluid reservoir to the
distensible means to cause distension of the distensible means to
reversibly close the natural or implanted body passage when it is
desired to close the natural or implanted body passage and
activating the pumping means to pump fluid from the distensible
means to the implantable fluid reservoir to cause deflation of the
distensible means to open the natural or implanted body passage
when it is desired to open the natural or implanted body
passage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be hereinafter more fully described with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagramtic view of the implantable apparatus of the
present invention implanted within the body of a human;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the implantable apparatus of the
present invention and means locatable outside the body for
operating the implantable apparatus;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of the structure illustrated in
FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a diagramatic view of an alternative embodiment of the
implantable apparatus of the present invention implanted within the
body of a human;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the body and the
implanted apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the structure
illustrated in FIG. 6; and
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a portion of the human body
illustrating the use of the present invention in controlling the
alimentary canal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to FIG. 1 the implantable portion of the apparatus
of the present invention for reversibly closing a natural or an
implantable artificial body passage, generally designated by the
number 10, is illustrated as being implanted within the body of a
human being 11. The implantable apparatus 10 comprises an
implantable fluid reservoir 12 and implantable distensible means
generally designated by the number 13 illustrated as being adapted
to be operatively connected to a natural or implanted body passage
which as illustrated is a natural or artificial urethra 14 which is
connected to the bladder 15 which is in turn connected to the
kidneys 16. The implantable apparatus 10 also comprises implantable
pumping means generally designated by the number 17 that is
operatively connected to the fluid reservoir 12 and the distensible
means 13 by an implantable fluid conduit 18. Pump activating means
19, locatable outside the body 11, for activating the pumping means
17 is illustrated as being in position to operate the pump means
17.
The details of the implantable apparatus 10 and the pump activating
means 19 are illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4. The implantable
fluid reservoir 12 comprises a distensible bladder 20 that is
adapted to expand or contract due to the action of a fluid 21 that
is contained within the bladder. The bladder 20 comprises an outer
layer 22 that is compatible with body tissue and an inner layer 23
that is impervious to and compatible with the fluid 21. The bladder
20 has tabs 24 located at intervals around its outer edge that have
holes 25 that permit a surgeon to anchor the tabs within the body
11 and thus secure the bladder within the body. Located on the
front side of the bladder 20 that is adapted to be located close to
the skin of the body 11 is a self sealing membrane 26 that is
adapted to be punctured by a hypodermic needle (not shown) that can
be inserted into the body and the bladder to either add fluid 21 to
the bladder or withdraw fluid from the bladder. Located around the
self sealing membrane 26 is a metallic ring 27 that protrudes above
the surface of the bladder and permits the person who is
administering to the needs of the patient to readily locate the
ring by touching the body 11 and thus permit the person to readily
locate the self sealing membrane. A polycarbonate plate 28 is
located beneath the self sealing membrane 26 and is attached to the
inside opposite wall of the bladder 20 to prevent the inadvertent
puncturing of the bladder by the hypodermic needle that is inserted
into the bladder through the self sealing membrane.
The pumping means 17 comprises a rotary pump that has a generally
disc shaped hollow casing 29 that has an outer layer or coating 30
that is compatible with body tissue. Located within the pump casing
29 is a generally triangular shaped pump rotor 31 and a disc shaped
magnet 32 that is securely attached to the upper side of the rotor.
Both the rotor 31 and the magnet 32 are rotatably mounted within
the casing 29 on a shaft 33 that has its lower end secured to
inside lower surface of the pump casing. The casing 29 has
respective inlet and outlet holes 34 and 35 located in its side
walls approximately opposite each other that are adapted to receive
respective inlet and outlet sections 36 and 37 of the implantable
fluid conduit 18. The outermost end of the inlet section 36 is
connected to the lower end of the bladder 20 to permit fluid 21 to
be pumped from the bladder through the fluid conduit 18. The center
section 38 of the fluid conduit 18 lies along the inside inner wall
of the pump casing 29 so that as the rotor 31 rotates its rotor
tips 39 pinch the center section of the tube against the adjacent
inner wall of the pump casing to cause the fluid 21 to be pushed or
pumped through the conduit 18. The outer end of the outlet section
37 is connected to a distensible C-shaped member 40 that forms part
of the distensible means 13. The C-shaped member 40 has an inner
layer 41 that is impervious to the fluid 21 and an outer layer 42
that is compatible with body tissue. Located around the outer
periphery of the C-shaped distensible member 40 is a rigid hoop 43
that prevents the distensible C-shaped member from expanding in an
outward direction. The hoop 43 has a hole 44 that receives the
outer end of the outlet section 37 and permits the outer end to be
connected to the C-shaped member 40. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the
fluid conduit 18 also has an inner layer 45 that is impervious to
the fluid 21 and an outer layer 46 that is compatible with the
tissues of the body.
As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the ends of the C-shaped distensible
member 40 have walls 47 and 48 that close the ends of the C-shaped
distensible member and seal the fluid 21 within the distensible
member. The hoop 43 comprises two semi-circular sections 49 and 50.
The section 49 has mounting brackets 51 and 52 located near its
ends and the section 50 has mounting brackets 53 and 54 that are
adapted to be fastened to the respective mounting brackets 51 and
52 of the semi-circular section 49 by respective pins 55 and 56
that pin the mounting brackets together. The two sections 49 and 50
that are separable and the shape of the C-shaped member 40 permit
the surgeon to readily locate the distensible member around the
pasage 14 without having to cut the passage as will be described
hereinafter in greater detail. The hoop 43 of the distensible means
13 and the casing 29 of the pumping means 17 have respective
circular cloth skirts 57 and 58 attached to their undersides that
can be made from a polyester or other body compatible material and
that are adapted to be sewn to body tissue to anchor the pumping
means 17 and the distensible means 13 in place within the body 11.
These cloth skirts 57 and 58 will also permit body tissue to grow
in between the fibers of the cloth with time and thus securely
anchor the pumping means 17 and the distensible means in place in
the body 11. The cloth skirt 58 is split in half as illustrated in
FIG. 4 to permit separation of the two sections 49 and 50.
As best illustrated in FIG. 2 the pump activating means 19
comprises a hollow rectangular shaped casing 59 which houses a
battery 60 and a motor 61 that is connected to the battery and
operates from electrical power supplied by the battery. A switch 62
is also provided that is adapted to electrically connect and
disconnect the battery 59 from the motor 61. The motor 61 is
operatively connected to a disc shaped magnet 63 that is rotatably
mounted within the casing 59 on a shaft 64 that has its lower end
secured to the inside lower inner wall of the casing. The magnet 63
is adapted to be magnetically coupled to the pump magnet 32 when
the pump activating means 19 is brought into the vicinity of the
pumping means 17 and the magnet 63 is located adjacent to the pump
magnet as illustrated in FIG. 2. Upon activation of the pump
activating means 19 in this position, the rotating magnet 63 is
adapted to cause rotation of the magnet 32 and the connected pump
rotor 31 so that the tips 39 of the rotor pinch the center conduit
section 38 to pump fluid from the reservoir 12 through the conduit
and into the distensible member 40 to cause it to distend and thus
close the passage 14. The pump activating means 19 can also be
reversed to cause the magnet 63 to rotate in the opposite direction
by pushing the switch in the other direction to reverse the
electrical polarity of the power supplied by the battery 59 to the
motor 61. When this is accomplished, the rotating magnet 63 will
then cause the pump magnet 32 and the connected rotor 31 to rotate
in the opposite direction to pump fluid from the distensible member
40 through the conduit 18 to the fluid reservoir 12 to cause the
distensible member to deflate and return to its normal shape so
that the passage 14 is permitted to open.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5
through 7 that includes an implantable portion of the apparatus of
the present invention for reversibly closing a natural or an
implantable artificial body passage, generally designated by the
number 65, which is illustrated as being adapted to be implanted
within the body 11. The implantable portion of the apparatus 65
includes the implantable reservoir 12, the implantable pumping
means 17 and the implantable fluid conduit 18 that is connected to
the reservoir and passes through the pumping means. However, the
outlet section 37 of the conduit 18 is connected at its outer end
to a different form of implantable distensible means generally
designated by the number 66 which is adapted to be operatively
connected to the natural or artificial body passage such as the
implanted or natural urethra 14 that is in turn connected to the
bladder 15 which is connected to the kidneys 16. The pump
activating means 19 for activating the pumping means 17 is also
illustrated in FIG. 5 located outside the body 11 in position to
activate the pumping means in the same manner as previously
described in relation to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1
through 4.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the distensible means 66
comprises a hollow annular or O-shaped distensible member 67. The
O-shaped distensible member 67 has an outer layer 68 that is
compatible with body fluids and tissue and an inner layer 69 that
is impervious to the fluid 21. The distensible member 67 is adapted
to be located within the bladder 15 at the entrance to the urethra
14 and the inlet section 37 is adapted to be inserted through a
surgical opening 70 in the bladder 15. A cloth skirt 71 is
connected to the distensible member 67 and the cloth skirt is
adapted to have its outer edge sewn to the interior of the bladder
15. Connected to the lower surface of the distensible member 67 is
a plastic funnel shaped positioning member 72 that has a central
channel 73 that extends completely through the funnel shaped
member. The funnel shaped member 72 is adapted to fit within the
inlet to the urethra 14 and this funnel shaped member assists in
keeping the distensible member 67 in position.
An additional embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the distensible means 13 is
adapted to be operatively connected to the alimentary canal 74 in
the body for reversibly closing the canal in a manner similar to
that previously described in relation to the urethra 14 and the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4.
In order to practice the method of the present invention using the
apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, the surgeon implants
the implantable fluid reservoir 12 in the abdominal region of the
body 11 and sews the tabs 24 through the use of the holes 25 in the
tabs to body tissue within the body so that the implantable
reservoir is secured within the body. The fluid reservoir 12 is
implanted close to the skin so that the self sealing membrane 26
faces outward toward the skin of the body and is located close to
the skin. At the time of implantation of the fluid reservoir 12, it
can contain the fluid 21 or it can be added after implantation in
the manner that will hereinafter be described. At the time the
implantable reservoir 12 is implanted, the implantable fluid
conduit 18 and the implantable pumping means 17 are also implanted
in the body 11. The surgeon implants the pumping means 17 close to
the skin of the body 11 with the magnet 32 facing outward toward
the skin of the body. When implanting the pumping means 17, the
surgeon sews the cloth skirt 58 to body tissue within the body so
that body tissue will grow between the fibers of the cloth in order
that the pumping means will be securely fastened within the body.
At the same time the pumping means 17, is implanted in the body the
distensible means 13 is also implanted. In implanting the
distensible means 13, the surgeon first removes the pins 55 and 56
and separates the two semi-circular sections 49 and 50 and then
passes the ends of the C-shaped distensible member around the body
passage or urethra 14. The pins 55 and 56 are then reinserted to
secure the two semi-circular sections 49 and 50 together so that
they encircle the body channel or passage 14. The cloth 57 is then
sewed to the body tissue so that body tissue will grow between the
fibers of the cloth and securely fasten the distensible means 13 in
position within the body 11. After the fluid reservoir 12, the
pumping means 17, the fluid conduit 18 and the distensible means 40
have been implanted within the body 11, the patient is given the
pump activating means 19 so that he can activate the implanted
pumping means in the manner previously described.
If the implantable fluid reservoir 12 was implanted without having
the fluid 21 in it, fluid must be added to the reservoir after it
has been implanted. In order to add fluid to the implanted
reservoir 12, the surgeon locates the self sealing membrane 26 by
locating the surrounding ring 27 by feeling the ring through the
skin. A hypodermic needle (not shown) is then inserted through the
self sealing membrane 26 and the required quantity of fluid 21 is
injected into the reservoir 12. It should be noted that penetration
of the back surface of the reservoir 12 is prevented by the backing
plate 28 that is connected to the inner back surface of the
reservoir. After the fluid 21 has been injected, the hypodermic
needle is removed so that the self sealing membrane seals the fluid
within the reservoir.
In order to practice the method of the present invention utilizing
the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 7, the surgeon
implants the implantable fluid reservoir 12 and the implantable
pumping means 17 in the manner previously described in relation to
the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4. The surgeon also
implants the implantable distensible means 66, however the
distensible means is implanted inside the bladder 15 near the inlet
to the urethra 14 by surgically opening the bladder so that the
funnel shaped member 72 fits within the inlet of the urethra. At
the time of implantation, the surgeon also sews the cloth skirt 71
that is attached to the distensible member 67 to the inner surface
of the bladder 15. The fluid conduit 18 is also implanted in a
manner similar to that previously described, however, the outer end
of the outlet section 37 is passed through the surgical opening 70
in the bladder wall. Fluid 21 can then be added to the reservoir 12
with a hypodermic syringe in the manner previously described if the
reservoir was implanted without containing any fluid. In addition,
the patient is also provided with external pump activating means 19
to activate the implanted pumping means 17 in the manner previously
described.
The method of the present invention associated with the structure
illustrated in FIG. 8 is practiced in a manner similar to that
previously described with reference to the embodiment of the
invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, in that the implantable
reservoir 12, the implantable pumping means 17 and the fluid
conduit 18 are implanted in the body 11. However, instead of
implanting the C-shaped distensible member 40 and connecting the
two semicircular sections 49 and 50 around the urethra 14 the
C-shaped distensible member and the two semi-circular sections 49
and 50 are implanted around the alimentary canal 74.
In order to utilize the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 1 through 4 the individual or the person tending to his needs
places the pump activating means 19 against the body 11 so that the
magnet 63 is located in close proximity to the magnet 32 in the
implanted pumping means 17. The switch 62 is then pushed on to
cause fluid to be pumped from the reservoir 12 and this results in
electrical energy being provided by the battery 60 to the motor 61
to cause the magnet 63 to rotate in the proper direction. This
rotation of the magnet 63, causes the magnet 32 and the connected
pump rotor 31 to rotate and as the rotor rotates its rotor tips 39
pinch the center tube section 38 against the adjacent inner wall of
the pump casing 29 and this causes fluid 21 to be pumped from the
implanted fluid reservoir 12 through the fluid conduit 18 to the
C-shaped distensible member 40 to cause the C-shaped distensible
member to expand or to become distended. It should be noted that
outward expansion of the C-shaped distensible member 40 is
prevented by the hoop 43 so that the C-shaped distensible member
expands inward to close the natural or artificial body passage 14
and thus prevent urine from flowing from the bladder 15. If
desired, the pump activating means 19 can then be slipped
conveniently into a pocket in the individual's clothing.
When the individual that has the apparatus 10 implanted in him
wishes to empty his bladder 15 when it is becoming filled with
urine, he or the individual tending to his needs places the pump
activating means 19 against the surface of the body 11 so that the
magnet 63 is located in close proximity to the magnet 32 in the
implanted pumping means 17. The switch 62 is then pushed on to the
reverse position and this results in electrical energy being
provided by the battery 60 to the motor 61 to cause the magnet 63
to rotate in a direction that is reverse from that previously
described. This rotation of the magnet 63 causes rotation of the
magnet 32 and the connected rotor 31 in a reverse direction to
cause the rotor tips 39 to pinch the center tube section 38 against
the inner pump casing wall and this causes fluid 21 to be pumped
from the implanted C-shaped distensible member 40 to the implanted
fluid reservoir 12 so that C-shaped distensible member contracts or
deflates as illustrated in FIG. 4 and permits the body canal 14 to
open so that urine may pass through the canal from the bladder 15.
After the bladder is empty, the pumping means is activated in the
reverse direction to close the body canal 14 in the manner
previously described.
The operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 7 is
substantially identical to that of the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1 through 4, however when fluid is pumped into the O-shaped
distensible member 67 it expands both in an outward and inward
direction since there is no hoop 43 surrounding the O-shaped
distensible member. Expansion of the O-shaped distensible member
causes the member to come in contact with the bladder wall and also
results in the closing of the opening in the center of the O-shaped
distensible member and as a result the lower end of the bladder 15
and the inlet to the body canal 14 are blocked so that urine cannot
flow from the bladder. Operation of the pumping means 17 in the
reverse direction will cause the O-shaped distensible member to
contract so that an opening exists in the center of the O-shaped
member as illustrated in FIG. 4 and as a result urine can flow
through the opening from the bladder 15.
The operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 is similar to
that of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, however
the individual activates the pumping means 17 to open the
distensible means 13 when he senses that his alimentary canal 74 is
full of fecal matter. After the alimentary canal has been evacuated
the distensible means 13 is filled with fluid so that the
alimentary canal 74 is closed.
It will be appreciated that fluid 21 can be added or withdrawn from
the reservoir 12 by use of a hypodermic needle and the self sealing
membrane 26 should this be necessary do to the presence of too much
fluid within the reservoir or the lack of a sufficient amount of
fluid in the reservoir.
The outer layers of the apparatus of the invention that must be
compatible with body tissues and fluids can be made from medical
grade silicone rubber such as that which is sold under the
trademark Silastic by the Dow Corning Company of Midland, Michigan.
The inner layers of the apparatus of the invention that must be
impervious to and compatible with the fluid 21 can be made from
polyvinyl chloride or some similar material. The fluid 21 is
preferably an aqueous NaCl solution that is compatible with the
body.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain
preferred embodiments, it should be understood that many variations
and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
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