Expandable dome-shaped urinary incontinence device and method of making the same

Abstract

An expandable dome-shaped urinary incontinence device is disclosed along with a method of making the device. The device includes a resilient member and a non-absorbent which at least partially encloses the resilient member. The non-absorbent and the resilient member are formed into an elongated softwind having a first end, a second end, a first portion located adjacent to the first end, a second portion located adjacent to the second end and a third portion located between the first and second portions. The softwind is folded upon itself, such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and a closed loop is formed. The first and second portions are then brought together to minimize the closed loop and the third portion is transformed into a dome shape. The softwind is then compressed into an elongated pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end with the resilient member located at least in the insertion end. The resilient member is capable of expanding at least a portion of the third portion to provide support for a woman's urethra when properly inserted into a woman's vagina. The method includes the steps of enclosing the resilient member by the non-absorbent, folding the two materials to form a softwind, folding the softwind such that a closed loop is formed and transforming the closed loop into a dome shape, and then compressing the softwind into an elongated pledget.

Description

field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an expandable dome urinary incontinence device and a method for making the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a nonabsorbent urinary incontinence device designed to be placed in a woman's vagina to provide support for the woman's urethra, thereby preventing stress urinary incontinence commonly associated with stress urinary incontinence. ) associated with involuntary voiding. Background technique

[0002] Some women, especially those who have had one or more children and older women, may experience involuntary urination due to stress incontinence or combined stress and stress incontinence. Sneezing or coughing can increase intra-abdominal pressure on a person's bladder and cause involuntary urination. Such involuntary urination may become more frequent and severe as the musculature and body tissues around the urethra-vaginal myofascial region weaken. It is known that the urethral sphincter locat...

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