A sphincter assist device includes a plurality of interconnected and adjacent links which define a ring. Each link includes a body section and a latch cam. The body section includes a first set of side beams and a first set of snap arms. The latch cam includes a post extending from the body section and a cam disposed at an end portion of the post. The cam is engagable with the first set of snap arms of an adjacent link. Translation of the cam displaces the first set of snap arms and the first set of side beams to transition the sphincter assist device between open and closed configurations. The first set of snap arms, in combination with the first set of side beams, exert a positive non-linear force profile on the cam, thus defining a non-linear force profile of the sphincter assist device between the open and closed configurations.

A disposable device for treating a condition of a ureter or kidney having a cylindrical body about 1-2 mm in diameter by about 5 to 10 mm in length and having a top and bottom end. The body is made of absorbent material that expands upon contact with pharmaceutical agent and bodily fluids and includes a string connected to the bottom end of the body for removing the device. The device can be used to treat a condition of the ureter or kidney by inserting into the ureter or kidney, delivering a pharmaceutical agent, and removing the device after it has been impregnated with fluid. The device can be included in a kit with an insertion device and/or appropriate pharmaceutical agents.

An intraurethral magnetic valve having an inlet port and an outlet port, the valve including: a valve main body; a ferromagnetic ring located at least partially within the valve main body; a valve seat; and a magnetic valve element located within an internal volume defined by the valve main body and configured for movement with respect to the ferromagnetic ring, that movement being within the valve main body between a closed configuration in which fluid is inhibited from flowing from the inlet port through the outlet port and an open configuration in which fluid is permitted to flow from the inlet port through the outlet port, movement of the magnetic valve element being on exposure to a magnetic field from an external magnet member, wherein the valve seat is formed from an elastomer material.

An anally insertable absorptive device for minimizing anal leakage includes a pad that is substantially cylindrically shaped and configured to be inserted through an anus into a rectum of a user. The pad is absorptive and is configured to absorb liquid in the rectum to prevent anal leakage. A string is coupled to and extends from a trailing end of the pad. The string is configured to be grasped in digits of a hand of the user, positioning the user to pull on the string to extract the pad from the rectum through the anus.

An apparatus for affixing a first tissue to a second tissue and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The apparatus comprises an elongated needle; a handle disposed at a proximal end of the elongated needle; a superelastic anchor disposed within the elongated needle, the anchor comprises: at least one normally-expanded elongated hook that is biased to a contracted state to fit within the elongated needle; a securing element; and an advancement mechanism triggerable by the handle and being configured to: eject the anchor out of a distal end of said elongated needle to allow the elongated hook to extend distally outward from the longitudinal axis of the elongated needle, into or beyond a tissue, and following the ejection of the anchor, eject the securing element from the apparatus to prevent movement of the anchor in at least one direction.

An applicator for inserting a pessary, the applicator including a barrel and a plunger. The barrel having an upper chalice shaped opening having a first diameter at the top most edge and a second diameter at an intermediate location lower than the top most edge. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The plunger is configured to at least partially receive a pessary and is telescopically received in the barrel. The plunger is configured and arranged to eject the pessary from the barrel upon telescopic movement of the plunger within the barrel towards the top most edge.

An artificial bladder system including an implantable bladder, a valve, a number of sensors, and an alert mechanism. The implantable bladder includes an outer wall forming a chamber for collecting urine of a user, the outer wall including inflow openings and an outflow opening. The valve is integrated with the outflow opening to selectively allow urine to flow from the chamber through the outflow opening. The sensors are configured to detect a urine level in the chamber. The alert mechanism is configured to generate a sensory output to alert the user that the bladder should be emptied upon detection of the urine level in the chamber by one of the sensors.

The present disclosure, in certain embodiments, relates to a flexible and non-absorbent vaginal insert device that is easier to insert and remove and is for use in improving and preventing symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary and/or fecal incontinence when the device is inserted. In certain embodiments, the device has an optionally cone-shaped upper portion that provides pelvic organ support and a removal portion or stem that facilitates insertion and removal of the device.

The present disclosure, in certain embodiments, relates to a flexible and non-absorbent vaginal insert device that is easier to insert and remove and is for use in improving and preventing symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary and/or fecal incontinence when the device is inserted. In certain embodiments, the device has an optionally cone-shaped upper portion that provides pelvic organ support and a removal portion or stem that facilitates insertion and removal of the device.

A disposable device for absorbing urine and/or bodily fluids in the urethra having a cylindrical body having a top and bottom end. The body is made of absorbent material that expands upon contact with urine and bodily fluids and includes a string connected to the bottom end of the body for removing the device from the urethra. The device can include a vasodilator in or on a surface of the body and can be used to treat urinary incontinence and/or erectile dysfunction by inserting into the urethra and removing the device after it has been impregnated with fluid. The device can be included in a kit with a plunger for insertion.