University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a CIBOO, a novel controllable intravesical bladder outlet occlusion device. This medical device, designed to be minimally invasive allows users to ﾓlockﾔ an occlusion into the bladder neck, preventing incontinence. This easy to use, device could be controlled by an external magnet to enable those with urinary incontinence more confidence and control over urine flow.
Description
Urinary incontinence, the unintentional passing of urine, has multiple underlying causes and affects over 20 million US adults. Urinary incontinence is associated with decreased quality of life and a variety of complications including perineal infections, increased risk of falls in attempts to get to the bathroom quickly and impaired social and sexual function which all impact on quality of life. This novel device could dramatically improve the quality of life of patients with urinary incontinence.
Applications
• Stress incontinence
• Urge incontinence
Advantages
There are a variety of approaches to managing urinary incontinence. These include behavioral changes (including pelvic floor physical therapy and timed bladder voiding) and surgical options including cystoscopic injection of urethral bulking agent, placement of urethral slings, and artificial urinary sphincters. However, these have a low cure rate, and surgical options include risks such as infection of the implanted material and urethral erosion. Some transurethral devices have previously been investigated but are poorly tolerated by patients.
CIBOO, a novel intravesical urinary control device, overcomes many of the shortcomings of existing treatments to prevent incontinence. CIBOO could be inserted using endoscopic tools. Initially narrow and elongated in shape to allow implantation, following insertion into the bladder CIBOO would convert to a spherical confirmation to sit on the bladder neck and occlude the bladder outlet. The device will be the first urinary control device controlled by strong magnets, being held in position at the bladder neck by an extracorporeal permanent magnet in the user's undergarments. When the extracorporeal magnet is removed, the CIBOO would be released from the bladder neck, floating to the dome of the bladder allowing for urine to pass with or without the need for bladder contraction.
Invention Readiness
A prototype device weight <3g has been produced using silicone and rare earth magnets. Testing of a model proved the device could be held in place with external magnets and be released upon removal of magnets. Device optimization is now required to identify the best magnetic composition and size for bladder neck occlusion. Additionally, a deployment device will be developed for use in endoscopic insertion.
IP Status
Patent Pending
