摘要 |
<p>A prosthetic sphincter device in the form of a closed pressure-fluid system operable by the recipient to control a body duct comprises a pressure-fluid reservoir (10), an inflatable duct-obviator (8) typically of cuff form, a pump (9) operable to deflate the cuff, and a control mechanism (1, 14, 15) operable normally to hold the cuff inflated at a preset pressure to close the duct, the mechanism being adjustable in situ post-operatively to vary the preset pressure. In a preferred form the control mechanism includes a valve (1) communicating the reservoir and cuff, and a preset pressure-fluid source (14) connected to hold the valve normally ,closed, this source including a self-sealing septum (16) allowing preset pressure adjustment by injection. The valve preferably has a through passageway defined at least in part by a flexible wall (6) externally subject to the preset pressure.</p> |