| 摘要 |
An elastomechanical sphincter comprising a prosthetic device for implantation about a patient's lumen such as the urethra for closing and opening the lumen. The prosthetic sphincter includes a body of flexible polymeric material configured to define an articulating structure having an elongated occlusion orifice arranged to embrace the patient's urethra with minimal ischemic interruption of circulatory blood flow. An integrally formed manually manipulable pressure relief cuff extends from a peripheral portion of the articulating structure in such a manner that physical pulling on the pressure relief cuff in a direction transverse to the elongation of the occlusion orifice will open the orifice which thereby opens the lumen. The natural elasticity of the device results in a closing of the lumen upon releasing of the pressure relief cuff. In one embodiment, by way of example, the pressure relief cuff may be positioned within the folds of the loose skin of the posterior scrotum. The elastomechanical sphincter is configured such that some patients will be able to operate the device automatically, using only internal force generated by natural contraction of muscle tissue within their bodies. |
