Artificial sphincter for medical use - has inflatable sleeve inserted into end of intestine to seal latter against walls of bulbous implant

摘要

The artificial sphincter is for medical use and comprises an implant of plastic or other suitable material. This is in the form of a central bulb (2) having a short length of tube (1) on opposite sides. The implant is surgically placed over the small intestine (5) and the open end sealed by a removable plug (3). The latter is a cylindrical bag filled with a medically inert substance. When inserted into the end of the intestine, a plunger (6) on the outer end is depressed. This pushes the bag inwards at the centre (4), inflating the outer portion to clamp the intestine against the implant.