Fluidly expandable urethral plug assembly which receives fluid from an external source and method for controlling urinary incontinence

摘要

A novel urethral plug comprising a cooperating shaft and balloon, lying in coaxial engagement. The balloon possesses a contracted shape for insertion and removal through the opening of the urethra, and a larger, expanded shape for blocking the flow of urine in the urethra, bladder neck and bladder. After insertion, such an expanded shape is achieved by inflation of the balloon through the use of an external source such as a syringe which introduces fluid through an opening and into the shaft. The fluid acts upon a ball valve, thus pushing the ball past a valve seat, thereby permitting fluid to travel through the shaft and into the balloon. Fluid transmission continues until the balloon is expanded to such an extent as to block the flow of urine. The balloon retains the fluid therein, and the force of the fluid on the ball valve causes the ball to rest firmly against the valve seat. The balloon, when expanded thus functions to seal the plug to the urethra, bladder neck and bladder. Deflation of the plug for bladder evacuation, is easily accomplished by pulling a cord causing the removal of the ball from the valve seat towards the proximal end of the plug and out of the aperture, thus expelling the fluid contained within the balloon. Removal is then easily and comfortably accomplished by grasping a tab associated with said meatal plate, at which point the wearer can void. There is further provided a urethral plug assembly comprising a urethral plug with applicator and mirror for ease of insertion and inflation of the plug in a sterile manner.