The disclosure provides a device and method for managing urinary incontinence. The device includes a platform, a balloon, and a valve. The platform and balloon can include a silicone material, a thermoplastic material, and an adhesive and/or a cement for sealing the urethra. The thermoplastic and silicone materials can soften at the body temperature so that their shape can be adapted to fit the three-dimensional contour of surfaces of the urethra. The balloon seals the internal orifice of the urethra, and the platform can block the leakage associated with the balloon. The valve permits selective urine voiding. The method includes inserting the device into the urethra and the bladder. The method can also include inflating the balloon. The method can further include pulling the balloon so that the balloon is in sealing contact with the neck of the bladder and moving the platform to a suitable position for sealing the urethra.

In some examples, a catheter includes an elongated body defining an injection lumen, a drainage lumen, and an inflation lumen. The elongated body includes an anchoring member positioned on a proximal portion of the elongated body. A sensor is positioned on a distal portion of the elongated body or distal to a distal end of the elongated body. The medical device includes an active valve positioned in or about the drainage lumen The active valve is configured to move between a closed state in which, when a proximal end of the elongated body is positioned in a bladder of a patient, the active valve is configured to retain fluid in the bladder, and an open state in which the active valve enables drainage of fluid from the bladder via the drainage lumen.

Retrieval of material from vessel lumens can be improved by use of a distal element comprising an expandable mesh. a treatment device includes an elongated member having a proximal portion and a distal portion configured to be positioned within a blood vessel at a treatment site at or near a thrombus. A distal element comprising an expandable mesh is coupled to the distal portion of the elongated member via a connection assembly. In an expanded state, at least a portion of the mesh is configured to be in apposition with the blood vessel wall at the treatment site to anchor or stabilize the elongated member with respect to the blood vessel. The distal element can be electrically coupled to an extracorporeal current generator.

Devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.

This invention is directed to a device and a method for controlling fecal incontinence. The device of this invention is easily inserted into the rectum, and is designed for remaining where required in the rectum, above the dentate line and hemorrhoidal vein area, despite the peristaltic movements of the intestine.

Devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.

Disclosed is a catheter device including a proximal tube having a first part of a first lumen; a distal tube having a second part of the first lumen; a second lumen connecting the proximal tube and the distal tube; wherein the connection comprise an area of discontinuity between the first part and second part; wherein the area of discontinuity comprises a support element configured to resist axial movement of the distal tube relative to the proximal tube and vice versa; and wherein the second lumen is arranged to activate or cause at least one obstruction element to restrict the flow of urine from the proximal tube to the area of discontinuity and to restrict the flow of urine from the area of discontinuity to the distal tube.

Tissue expanders and methods of their manufacture and use are disclosed herein. A tissue expander shell according to the present disclosure may include a shape and topography that facilitates uniform or substantially uniform expansion and contraction of the tissue expander. In at least one example, the shell may include a series of topographical features, such as ridges, grooves, channels, valleys, canals, protrusions, pleats, creases, or folds. In some embodiments, these features may have a curved or wavy cross sectional profile. For example, the shell may include a series of concentric curved ridges.

A device for emptying stool from the rectum of a patient by means of a shaft body which is introduced into the bowel via the anus and is able to buckle or fold axially and radially, and which is provided with a dumbbell- or hourglass-shaped balloon body for assuring the transanal positioning of the device. The invention is further characterized by the special design of and choice of material for the shaft body and the balloon envelope and by the specific positioning of the balloon body on the shaft body, wherein the axial deflection of the free forward end of the shaft body is limited or an uncontrolled deflection of the shaft is prevented, and the probability of perforation of the bowel wall under the effect of force acting on the shaft body from an axial direction is therefore decisively reduced by the intestinal tube described according to the invention.

A device for emptying stool from the rectum of a patient by means of a shaft body which is introduced into the bowel via the anus and is able to buckle or fold axially and radially, and which is provided with a dumbbell- or hourglass-shaped balloon body for assuring the transanal positioning of the device. The invention comprising a design of, and choice of material, for the shaft body and the balloon envelope, and by the positioning of the balloon body on the shaft body, wherein the axial deflection of the free forward end of the shaft body is limited and an uncontrolled deflection of the shaft is prevented, and the probability of perforation of the bowel wall under the effect of force acting on the shaft body from an axial direction is reduced by the intestinal tube.