American Medical Systems, Inc.

Dacomed Corporation

William E Bradley

Gerald W Timm

William M Klatt

Charles C Kuyava

Robert D Dreher

Wayne H Graves

Geoffrey S Gates

An apparatus (10) for measuring a predetermined penile rigidity or hardness in a penile tumescent event. The apparatus (10) includes a band-like structure (12) for releasably engaging a penis (11). Suitably attached and associated with band-like structure (12) are releasable fasteners (15) for detecting a predetermined force in a penile tumescent event whereby penile rigidity or hardness can be measured.

Threshold penile rigidity measuring device

The urethral catheter puller described in this application provides a convenient apparatus for performing urological diagnostic procedures such as urethral pressure profilometry and urethral electromyographic profilometry. In practice, a urethral catheter is mounted on catheter supports attached to the boom of the puller. The boom is equipped with positioning apparatus so that the catheter supports may be positioned in close proximity to the patient. The puller allows the catheter to be pulled in a horizontal or vertical direction, thus allowing the patient to stand or lie in a bed during the diagnostic procedure. The catheter supports are equipped with suitable structures to control the motion of the catheter as it is withdrawn from the urethra of the patient. A variable speed drive is provided to control the rate at which the catheter is withdrawn.

Urethral catheter puller

A method and apparatus for diagnostic evaluation of the urinary tract. The method comprises the steps of generating a urethral pressure profile and simultaneously monitoring and recording electrical signals derived from the urinary tract thereby generating an electrical or electromyographic profile. As fluid is inputted into the urethra the catheter is mechanically withdrawn therefrom at a constant velocity. Fluid pressure within the urethra is derived and recorded thereby providing a urethral pressure profile. Simultaneously, urethral electrical signals derived from one or more electrodes mounted on the catheter are amplified and graphically displayed, thereby plotting urethral electrical activity and urethral fluid pressure at given points along the urethra. The apparatus comprises an interface unit for withdrawing the catheter and for enabling measurement of the various diagnostic parameters.

Profilometry method and apparatus

A catheter for performing urethral profilometry, and a method of making same, are provided herein. The catheter preferably comprises an elongated tubular body portion provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart orifices for discharging fluid and a pair of flushly mounted flexible electrodes for sensing urethral electrical signals. A pair of electrical conductors connected to the electrodes deliver urethral signals externally of the catheter. A method disclosed herein for providing a catheter with flexible electrodes comprises the steps of mixing powdered silver with a medical grade adhesive and a solvent, and afterwards forming the electrodes in the desired shape. Evaporation of the solvent concurrently with curing of the adhesive yields a permanently affixed flexible electrode. A method of providing fluid discharge orifices disclosed herein comprises the steps of placing the catheter coaxially within a rigid tool having a plurality of predrilled orifices provided therein, soaking the catheter in xylene or the like, and then drilling the catheter through the predrilled orifices to form fluid discharge holes of constant predetermined diameter.

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Huntington Beach, CA, United States of America

William E Bradley