FEMALE INCONTINENCE CONTROL DEVICE WITH MAGNETICALLY OPERABLE VALVE AND METHOD

摘要

A female incontinence control device includes a conduit having inlet and outlet openings for receiving, conducting and discharging urinary fluid. The device also includes stabilizing structure, which can be adjustable, for holding the conduit in its installed position relative to the urethra and bladder such that a drainage inlet opening can receive fluid from the bladder, and the outlet discharge opening is positioned outside the urethra. The conduit includes a magnetically actuatable drainage control valve adapted to be positioned between the urethral orifice and the labia majora. Magnetic actuation of the valve from a normally closed position to an open position is thus easily accomplished by manipulating a portable magnet at a distal end of the conduit outside the urethral opening to selectively control urinary flow through the conduit. The method of controlling female incontinence includes the steps of providing and positioning a conduit to receive the urinary fluid and magnetically actuating the valve in the conduit by manipulating a magnet proximal the conduit in the vicinity of the valve to open the valve and allow accumulated urinary fluids to be drained through the outlet opening. Removal of the magnet permits the valve to automatically close.