阅读说明：本技术 泌尿泵送设备 (Urinary pumping device ) 是由 多米尼克·奥布里斯特 弗朗西斯科·克拉维卡 菲奥纳·布克哈德 马克·施耐德 卢卡斯·贝路特 于 2020-01-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于产生通过患者的尿道的流体流动的泌尿泵送设备(17),包括激活装置(117),其被配置成诱导尿道的间歇性压缩和释放,以及安装结构(117),其用于拆卸和安装激活装置(117)到患者的身体上。安装结构(117)被配置成将激活装置(117)定位在患者的身体上,使得患者的尿道可以借助激活装置(117)被间歇地压缩和释放。(A urinary pumping device (17) for generating a fluid flow through a urethra of a patient, comprising an activation means (117) configured to induce intermittent compression and release of the urethra, and a mounting structure (117) for detaching and mounting the activation means (117) to the body of the patient. The mounting structure (117) is configured to position the activation device (117) on the patient's body such that the patient's urethra can be intermittently compressed and released by means of the activation device (117).)

1. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) for generating a fluid flow through a urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202) of a patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202), the urinary pumping device comprising: an activation device (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) configured to induce intermittent compression and release of the urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202); and a positioning unit (126, 136; 1201; 1202; 1302), wherein,

the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) is mounted to the positioning unit (126; 136; 1201; 1202; 1302) and

the positioning unit (126, 136; 1201; 1202, 1302) is arranged to position the body of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) relative to the activation device (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) such that the activation device (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) is accessible to a urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202) of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) to intermittently compress and release the urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202) by means of the activation device (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102).

2. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 1, wherein the positioning unit (126; 136; 1201; 1202; 1302) comprises a toilet or a toilet seat.

3. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises a pushing member (138; 146; 1401; 1402) configured to press against the body of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) at a suitable location to compress the urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202) of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202).

4. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 3, comprising a drive (130; 1502) coupled to the pushing member (138; 146; 1401; 1402) and configured to move the pushing member (138; 146; 1401; 1402) to compress a urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202) of a patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202).

5. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises an electrode element configured to be arranged at the body of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) such that the urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202) sphincter of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) can be stimulated by the electric field generated by the electrode element of the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102).

6. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit configured to control the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) such that a periodic compression and release of the urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202) is generated by the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) at a predetermined frequency and optionally at a predetermined amplitude, a predetermined pressure, a predetermined force and/or a predetermined duty cycle.

7. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined frequency is in the range of about 1Hz to about 50Hz, and preferably, in the range of about 5Hz to about 20 Hz.

8. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a power supply unit configured to provide power to the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102).

9. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit configured to adjust the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102).

10. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) for generating a fluid flow through a urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202) of a patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202), characterized by

An activation device (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) configured to induce intermittent compression and release of the urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202), and

a mounting structure (11; 117; 118; 1202, 1302) for mounting and dismounting the activation device (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) to and from the body of a patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202), wherein,

the mounting structure (11; 117; 118; 1202, 1302) is configured to position the activation device (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) on the body of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) such that the urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202) of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) can be intermittently compressed and released by means of the activation device (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102).

11. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 10, wherein the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises a surrounding portion (11; 117) dimensioned to be arranged around the penis (21; 219) of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202).

12. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 11, wherein the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises a diameter adjuster (167) configured to reduce the diameter of the encircled portion (11; 117) when arranged around the penis (21; 219) of a patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202).

13. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 12, wherein the encircling portion (11; 117) of the activation means (11, 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) has a groove (127) interrupting the encircling portion (11; 117) over its circumference, and the diameter adjuster (167) of the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) is configured to change the circumferential extension of the groove (127).

14. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 13, wherein the diameter adjuster (167) of the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises a lever (147) pivotally mounted to the surrounding portion (11; 117) at one side of the groove (127) and connected to the other side of the groove (127).

15. A urinary pumping apparatus (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 14, wherein the diameter adjuster (167) of the activation device (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises a drive (130; 1502) coupled to the lever (147) and configured to pivot the lever (147).

16. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to any one of claims 11-15, wherein the encircling portion (11; 117) comprises a loop portion (117).

17. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to any of claims 11-16, wherein the surrounding portion (11; 117) of the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises a dimensionally variable material which, when stimulated, assumes a change in diameter of the surrounding portion (11; 117).

18. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 17, wherein the dimensionally variable material of the surrounding portion (11; 117) of the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) is a polymeric material.

19. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to any of the claims 11-18, wherein the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises a push member (138; 146; 1401; 1402) mounted to the encircling portion (11; 117), wherein the push member (138; 146; 1401; 1402) is configured to press the penis (21; 219) of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202).

20. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 19, comprising a drive (130; 1502) coupled to the push member (138; 146; 1401; 1402) and configured to tilt the push member (138; 146; 1401; 1402).

21. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 10, wherein the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises a plug portion (118) dimensioned for arrangement in the vagina of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202).

22. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 21, wherein the activation portion comprises an embolisation regulator (128) configured to change the diameter of the embolisation portion (118) when arranged in the vagina of a patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202).

23. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the plug portion (118) of the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises a dimensionally variable material which, when stimulated, assumes a change in diameter of the plug portion (118).

24. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 23, wherein the dimensionally variable material of the plug portion (118) of the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) is a polymeric material.

25. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 21, wherein the plug portion (118) comprises a pushing section (138) configured to press the vagina of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) towards the urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202).

26. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 25, comprising a drive (130; 1502) coupled to a push section (138) of the plug portion (118) and configured to tilt the push section (138).

27. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 10, wherein the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises an electrode element (119) configured to be arranged at the body of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) such that the urethral sphincter of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) can be stimulated by the electric field generated by the electrode element (119) of the activation means (11; 117; 118; 119).

28. Urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claims 21 and 27, wherein the plug portion (118) of the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) is embodied as one of the electrode elements (119) of the activation means (11; 117; 118; 119).

29. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 10, wherein the mounting structure (11; 117; 118; 1202, 1302) comprises a penis receiving section (1202) configured to receive a penis (21; 219) of a patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) such that the urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202) of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) can be intermittently compressed and released by means of the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) when the penis (21; 219) of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) is received on the penis receiving section (1202).

30. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 29, wherein the mounting structure (11; 117; 118; 1202, 1302) comprises a finger receiving section (1302) configured to receive at least one finger of a patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) when another finger of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) pushes a penis (21; 219) of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) to the penis receiving section (1202).

31. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) comprises a pushing member (138; 146; 1401; 1402) configured to press the penis (21; 219) of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) when the penis (21; 219) of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) is received on the penis receiving section.

32. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to any of the claims 10-31, comprising a control unit (12; 127; 129) configured to control the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) such that a periodic compression and release of the urethra (22; 228; 229; 2202) is generated by the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) at a predetermined frequency and optionally at a predetermined amplitude, a predetermined pressure, a predetermined force and/or a predetermined duty cycle.

33. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 32, wherein the predetermined frequency is in the range of about 1Hz to about 50Hz, and preferably, in the range of about 5Hz to about 20 Hz.

34. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to any of the claims 10-33, comprising a power supply unit (13; 137; 139) configured to provide power to the activation means (11; 117; 118; 119).

35. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to claim 34, wherein the power supply unit (13; 137; 139) is separate from the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) and the mounting structure (11; 117; 118; 1202, 1302) such that the power supply unit can be positioned away from the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102) and the mounting structure (11; 117; 118; 1202, 1302).

36. A urinary pumping device (1; 10; 16; 17; 18; 19; 101; 102) according to any of the claims 10-35, comprising a control unit (12; 127; 129) configured to adjust the activation means (11; 117; 128; 119; 1170; 1101; 1102).

37. Use of an electrode element (119) to generate fluid flow through a urethra, comprising

Attaching the electrode element (119) to the body of a patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) such that the urethral sphincter of the patient (2; 28; 29; 201; 202) is within an electric field that can be generated by the electrode element (119); and

intermittently activating the electrode element (119) such that the electric field is intermittently generated and the urinary sphincter muscle is intermittently stimulated.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a urinary pumping device according to the preamble of independent claim 1. Such a device may be used to generate a fluid flow through the urethra of a patient.

Background

Nowadays, more and more people suffer from defects of the urinary system. In particular, urinary system dysfunction is becoming more prevalent due to the increasing desire for longevity in developed countries. One such urinary system dysfunction is associated with insufficient bladder activity. Patients who face insufficient bladder activity are often unable to completely empty the bladder, leaving a residual portion of urine within the bladder even after the bladder is naturally emptied.

This residual urine in the bladder may cause discomfort to the patient because the urge to empty the bladder continues. It may also cause inflammation or other secondary diseases.

To treat patients with insufficient bladder activity, it is known to introduce a tube or catheter into the bladder through the urethra in order to remove residual urine from the bladder. However, even if such a procedure allows for adequate emptying of the bladder, it is rather difficult and complicated to handle for application. In particular, introducing tubing is often undesirable and requires training of the operator or patient to not affect the patient. Furthermore, such emptying of the bladder makes it necessary to resort to suitable devices that may be rather bulky and/or heavy. In addition, the use of catheters may lead to urinary infections.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved, easy to apply system or device that allows for emptying of a patient's bladder.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention, this need is solved by a urinary pumping device as defined by the features of the independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In a first aspect, the present invention is a urinary pumping device for generating fluid flow through a urethra of a patient, comprising (i) an activation device configured to induce intermittent compression and release of the urethra, and (ii) a mounting structure to mount and dismount the activation device onto and from the body of the patient. The mounting structure is configured to position the activation device on the patient's body such that the patient's urethra is intermittently compressed and released by the activation device.

By being able to contract and release the urethra, the device may operate as a peristaltic or impedance pump (impedance pump). Thus, when operating as a peristaltic pump, the activation device may be configured to sequentially compress and/or expand adjacent segments of the urethra. As such, urine is propelled forward from the bladder into and out of the urethra by a wave-like motion. When operating as an impedance pump, the activation device may be configured to compress and/or expand the urethra at a particular frequency and location. Vice versa, by operating the impedance pump in the opposite direction, liquid or fluid may be pumped into the bladder. Such filling of the bladder may be provided for therapeutic purposes. In addition, alternating filling and emptying of the bladder may be induced for therapeutic purposes.

The fluid pumped by the apparatus may in particular be a liquid. More specifically, it may be urine to be pumped from the bladder, a liquid drug, or another therapeutic liquid to be pumped into the bladder, such as a saline solution.

The installation and removal or disassembly of the activation device is a non-surgical or non-invasive procedure. In particular, it is an operation performed from outside the body of the patient. Thus, in some embodiments, it may include positioning something in a body cavity that is accessible from the outside, such as the vagina. However, according to the present invention, any surgical or other invasive procedure does not involve mounting and dismounting. Thus, mounting and dismounting the activation device on the body may be mounting the activation device at or in the body, and dismounting or detaching it from the body. Typically, the mounting and dismounting of the activation device may be done by the patient himself/herself, whereby the mounting and dismounting may be referred to as self-mounting or self-dismounting, respectively.

The patient or other person may manually install and remove the activation device. For example, the activation device may be manually pushed or positioned at an appropriate site of the patient's body where the urethra is accessible. In such applications, a mounting structure may be implemented at or in the activation device to receive a hand or other body part of the patient or other person for pushing or positioning the activation device at the site of the body. Additionally or alternatively, in such embodiments, the mounting structure may comprise a structure or shape of the part at the activation device configured to receive the body part. For example, the structure may be shaped to receive a penis of a patient.

In particular, in an embodiment of such a manual application of the urinary pumping device according to the invention, the mounting structure preferably comprises a penis receiving section configured to receive a penis of the patient, such that when the penis of the patient is received on the penis receiving section, the urethra of the patient may be intermittently compressed and released by means of the activation means.

For example, an embodiment of such a manual application of the urinary pumping device may be implemented as a handheld device that is manually applied to the patient. Thus, the mounting structure preferably comprises a finger receiving section configured to receive at least one finger of the patient when the other finger of the patient pushes the penis of the patient into the penis receiving section. For example, the finger receiving section and the penis receiving section are located on quasi-opposite sides of the handheld device. This allows for convenient and efficient pushing of the penis into the penis receiving section.

Thus, the activation device preferably comprises a push member configured to press the penis of the patient when the penis of the patient is received on the penis receiving section.

In the context of the present invention, the term "inducing intermittent compression and release of the urethra" relates to direct changes of the urethra, i.e. compression and release, as well as indirect changes. The direct change may be effected, for example, by physically compressing the urethra or its adjacent tissue. Indirect changes can be implemented, for example, by activating muscles (such as the urethral sphincter), which in turn compress and release the urethra.

The urinary pumping device according to the invention allows to provide a fluid out of or into the bladder. By being self-operable, the device allows for convenient application. In this way, the acceptance of the treatment can be increased, so that the quality of the treatment can be improved.

For example, in one embodiment, the urinary pumping device is relatively small, making it easy to carry. The patient then installs the activation device prior to urination, operates the urinary pumping apparatus during urination so that the bladder is almost completely empty, and then removes the activation device after urination is complete. Furthermore, the patient may continuously wear the device or its activation means. In such applications, remote control may be particularly beneficial.

In a preferred embodiment, the activation device comprises a surrounding portion dimensioned to be arranged around the penis of the patient. Such a wrap portion may for example be designed to be pulled over or wrapped around the penis. When installed, the encircling portion may extend around the entire circumference of the penis or a part of the penis. Such a surrounding portion allows to effectively act on the penile urethra and thereby induce pumping, for example as a peristaltic or impedance pump. As such, the urinary pumping device may be effectively designed for use with male patients.

Thus, the activation device preferably comprises a diameter adjuster configured to reduce the diameter of the encircled portion when arranged around the penis of the patient. Such a diameter adjuster allows effective compression of the penile urethra and thereby induces pumping from or to the bladder.

Thus, the surrounding portion of the activation device preferably has a groove or a gap interrupting the surrounding portion over its circumference, and the diameter adjuster of the activation device is configured to change the circumferential extension of the groove or the gap. By varying the extension or size of the groove or gap, the diameter of the surrounding portion can be varied. For example, when reducing the circumferential extension of the groove, the diameter of the surrounding portion correspondingly decreases. As such, the penile urethra may be effectively pressurized.

Preferably, the diameter adjuster of the activation device comprises a lever pivotally mounted to the surround at one side of the recess and connected to the other side of the recess. In this context, the term "pivotable" may relate to a rotation around a particular angle or a complete or 360 ° rotation. The bar may be connected to the other side of the groove by means of a strap, cable, bar or any other suitable structure. By means of such a pivotable lever, the diameter of the surrounding portion can be effectively changed. In particular, it may be varied in a repetitive cycle so that intermittent compression and release of the penile urethra may be effectively achieved.

Accordingly, the diameter adjuster of the activation device preferably includes a drive coupled to the lever and configured to pivot the lever. Such a drive can for example have an electric motor, a linear motor or the like. It allows precise and efficient adjustment of the diameter of the surrounding portion.

The encircling portion may be or comprise a cuff (cuff) or sleeve-like structure configured to wrap around the penis. Preferably, the encircling part is embodied as or comprises a ring part. In this context, the term "loop portion" encompasses both segments of a loop as well as a complete or closed loop. Typically, the ring portion is designed to extend over a substantial part of the circumference of the penis. Such a loop portion or loop can be effectively pulled over or placed on the penis, so that a convenient application is possible.

In particular in embodiments where the fluid is to be peristaltically pumped, the activation means may comprise a plurality of encircling portions, such as a plurality of rings or a series of rings, or the encircling portions may be provided with a plurality of individually variable-diameter sections.

In one variation, the surrounding portion of the activation device preferably comprises a dimensionally variable material that exhibits a change in diameter of the surrounding portion when stimulated. The stimulation may be induced by any suitable and feasible means, such as by temperature change, radiation, pressure induction, and the like. Such a dimensionally-variable material may allow for effective reduction of the diameter of the encircled portion and thereby compression of the penile urethra. Thus, the dimensionally variable material of the surrounding portion of the activation device is preferably a polymeric material.

In another variant, the activation device preferably comprises a push member mounted to the surrounding portion, wherein the push member is configured to press the penis of the patient. The urging member may be of any suitable construction, such as a rod, sphere, cylinder, hammer, etc. Such a push member allows selective compression of the penis at a location where the urethra can be reached. Accordingly, the urinary pumping device preferably comprises a drive member coupled to the push member and configured to tilt the push member. Such a drive member allows effective compression of the penile urethra. Alternatively, the urinary pumping device may comprise a drive coupled to the pushing member, the drive being configured to move the pushing member linearly back and forth. For example, the drive may have a linear motor that induces a translational motion of the pushing member.

In another preferred embodiment, the activation device includes a plug portion sized to be disposed in the vagina of the patient. When installed, such an embolic portion allows for effective action on the urethra adjacent the vagina, inducing pumping, e.g., as a peristaltic or impedance pump. In this way, the urinary pumping device can be effectively designed for use with female patients.

In one variation, the activation portion preferably includes an embolic modifier configured to change the diameter of the embolic portion when disposed in the vagina of the patient. Since the diameter of the plug portion is generally related to or indicative of the thickness of the plug portion, by varying the diameter, pressure can be applied to and released from the urethra via the walls of the vagina.

Preferably, the plug portion of the activation device comprises a dimensionally-variable material that exhibits a change in diameter of the plug portion when stimulated. Thus, the dimensionally variable material of the plug portion of the activation device is preferably a polymeric material. Such an embodiment of the plug portion allows for efficient activation or manipulation.

In another variation, the plug portion preferably includes a pushing section configured to press the patient's vagina toward the urethra. The pushing section may be of any suitable construction, such as a rod, sphere, cylinder, hammer, etc. Accordingly, the urinary pumping device preferably comprises a drive member coupled to the push section of the plug portion and configured to tilt the push section. As such, the urethra can be effectively pushed or stressed so that pumping can be induced.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the activation device preferably comprises an electrode element configured to be arranged at the body of the patient such that the urethral sphincter of the patient can be stimulated by the electric field generated by the electrode element of the activation device. Stimulation of the urethral sphincter can, in particular, cause tightening of the urethral sphincter. The electrode element may comprise a coil or similar structure. The electrode element may be embodied or applied to directly stimulate the urinary sphincter or indirectly stimulate the urinary sphincter via nerves or the like.

For a female patient, preferably, the plug part of the activation device is embodied as at least one electrode element of the activation device. This allows for an efficient embodiment for an electrode element that can be conveniently positioned at a suitable location accessible to the urethra or the urethral sphincter.

Preferably, the urinary pumping device comprises a control unit configured to control the activation means such that the periodic compression and release of the urethra is generated by the activation means at a predetermined frequency, and optionally a predetermined amplitude, a predetermined pressure, a predetermined force and/or a predetermined duty cycle. Such a control unit allows to effectively manipulate the device such that it can be adjusted to the needs of a given situation and/or patient. Furthermore, with a predetermined frequency, impedance pumping may be induced.

Thus, the predetermined frequency is preferably in the range of about 1Hz to about 50Hz, and preferably in the range of about 5Hz to about 20 Hz. Such frequencies may be suitable for inducing urine flow from the bladder to the exterior of the body by means of impedance pumping. In this way, almost all of the contents of the bladder can be delivered outside the body, leaving little urine in the bladder. Advantageously, the frequency is not constant over time, but is adapted according to the flow or bladder volume. This adaptation can be set manually or automatically by the control unit.

Preferably, the urinary pumping apparatus comprises a power supply unit configured to provide power to the activation device. The power supply unit may be integrated with other components of the device. For example, the activation device, the mounting structure and the power supply unit may be arranged in one piece and for example in the housing. Preferably, the power supply unit is separate from the activation device and the mounting structure such that it can be located remotely from the activation device and the mounting structure. Thus, the power supply can be arranged remotely from the mounting structure, so that the mounting structure can be implemented relatively compactly. As such, the element to be positioned at a body location accessible to the urethra (such as the penis) may be of smaller volume and lighter weight. As such, patient comfort in using the urinary pumping device may be increased, so that acceptance of the device may also be increased.

Preferably, the urinary pumping device comprises a control unit configured to adjust the activation means. The control unit may be integrated with the other components of the device or in a separate physical entity. When acting as a separate entity, the control unit may be connected by wire or wirelessly to the activation device or other components of the apparatus. For wireless communication, the device may be equipped with a wireless communication adapter at the control unit entity and a corresponding wireless communication adapter at the entity comprising the activation means. In particular, a wirelessly connected control unit may be beneficial for operating the device.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to the use of an electrode element to generate fluid flow through a urethra. The use includes attaching the electrode element to the body of the patient such that the patient's urethral sphincter is within an electric field producible by the electrode element; and intermittently activating the electrode element such that the electric field is intermittently generated and the urethral sphincter is intermittently stimulated. As such, convenient and efficient fluid pumping may be achieved.

To achieve at least some of the effects and benefits of the urinary pumping device according to the invention and the preferred embodiments thereof described above, as an alternative to the urinary pumping device according to the invention, the following urinary pumping device may be provided.

In a third aspect, the present invention is a urinary pumping device for generating fluid flow through a urethra of a patient, comprising an activation means configured to induce intermittent compression and release of the urethra; and a positioning unit, wherein the activation device is mounted to the positioning unit and the positioning unit is arranged such that the patient's body can be positioned by the patient relative to the activation device such that the patient's urethra is accessible by the activation device such that it can be intermittently compressed and released by means of the activation device.

The location unit of the urinary pumping device of the third aspect of the invention may be, or be practiced in, a product or device for daily use by a patient. Preferably, the positioning unit comprises a toilet or a toilet seat equipped with an activation device. Thus, the toilet or toilet seat may be any standard toilet or toilet seat to which the activation device is mounted or secured. To equip the toilet or toilet seat with an activation device, auxiliary structures, such as straps or bands, fixed mountings, such as rigid parts plugged into the toilet or similar constructions, may be used. Alternatively, the positioning unit may be or comprise an item of clothing (such as a pair of underpants), a bed (such as a hospital bed), a bathtub or the like.

In particular, when the positioning device is embodied as comprising a toilet bowl or toilet seat but in other configurations, the urinary pumping device of the third aspect of the invention may operate in a similar manner to the urinary pumping device of the first aspect of the invention. Thus, it is particularly comfortable in use as there is no need to mount any structure or part to the patient's body. Instead, the activation device may be suitably positioned to access the urethra of the patient only when positioned on or at the positioning unit. For example, if the positioning unit is a toilet or a toilet seat, the position and orientation of the patient is more or less predetermined when sitting on the toilet or toilet seat. Thus, the activation device may be mounted with sufficient accuracy for enabling access to the urethra when the patient uses the toilet.

The following embodiments of the urinary pumping device of the third aspect of the invention allow the above-mentioned effects and benefits to be achieved in relation to the corresponding preferred embodiments of the urinary pumping device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the activation device of the third aspect of the invention comprises a pushing member mounted and configured to press against the body of the patient at a suitable location to compress the urethra of the patient.

Preferably, the urinary pumping device of the third aspect of the present invention comprises a drive member coupled to the pushing member and configured to move the pushing member to compress the urethra of the patient.

Preferably, the activation device of the third aspect of the invention comprises an electrode element mounted and configured to be arranged at the body of the patient such that the urethral sphincter of the patient can be stimulated by the electric field generated by the electrode element of the activation device.

Preferably, the urinary pumping device of the third aspect of the invention comprises a control unit configured to control the activation means such that the periodic compression and release of the urethra is generated by the activation means at a predetermined frequency, and optionally a predetermined amplitude, a predetermined pressure, a predetermined force and/or a predetermined duty cycle.

Preferably, the predetermined frequency is in the range of about 1Hz to about 50Hz, and preferably, in the range of about 5Hz to about 20 Hz.

Preferably, the urinary pumping device of the third aspect of the invention comprises a power supply unit configured to provide power to the activation means.

Preferably, the urinary pumping device of the third aspect of the present invention comprises a control unit configured to adjust the activation means.

Furthermore, at least some of the effects and benefits of the urinary pumping device according to the present invention and its preferred embodiments described above may also be achieved by manual operation. Accordingly, a method of generating fluid flow through a urethra of a patient may comprise the steps of: positioning a urethra accessible site on a patient's body; positioning a finger or other body part at a location; and the finger or body part intermittently pushes and releases the positioning site. The fingers or body parts may be of the patient himself or of another person.

Drawings

A urinary pumping device according to the invention is described in more detail below by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a urinary pumping device according to the invention for a male patient;

figure 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a urinary pumping device according to the invention for a male patient;

figure 3 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a urinary pumping device according to the invention for a female patient;

figure 4 shows a detailed schematic view of the urinary pumping device of figure 3;

figure 5 shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a urinary pumping device according to the invention;

figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a urinary pumping device in accordance with the invention;

figure 7 shows a schematic side view of the urinary pumping device of figure 6 in operation;

figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a urinary pumping device in accordance with the invention;

figure 9 shows a schematic side view of a seventh embodiment of a urinary pumping device according to the invention; and is

Figure 10 shows a schematic side view of an eighth embodiment of a urinary pumping device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

In the following description, certain terminology is used for convenience and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The terms "right," "left," "upper," "lower," "below … …," and "above" refer to directions in the drawings. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Likewise, spatially relative terms, such as "below … …," "below," "… … below," "above," "… … above," "proximal," "distal," and the like, may be used to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature, as illustrated. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions and orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an above and below position and orientation. These devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, the description of movement along and about various axes includes various specific device positions and orientations.

To avoid repetition in the figures and description of the various aspects and illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. Omission of an aspect from the description or drawings is not meant to imply that the embodiment in which it is incorporated lacks that aspect. Rather, this aspect may have been omitted for clarity and to avoid a lengthy description. In this context, the following applies to the remainder of the description: if a drawing contains a reference symbol which is not explained in a directly related part of the specification in order to clarify the drawing, it refers to the preceding or following description. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, if not all features of a part in a drawing are provided with a reference numeral, reference is made to other drawings showing the same part. The same reference numbers in two or more drawings identify the same or similar elements.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a urinary pumping device 1 applied to a male patient 2. The male patient 2 is schematically depicted so that some parts of his body are visible. In particular, the rectum 25, the bladder 23, the penis 21, the urethra 22 extending from the bladder 23 to the exit of the penis 21 and the prostate 24 of the patient 2 are visible.

The urinary pumping device 1 comprises a cuff 11 (as a surrounding part of the mounting structure and activation means) wrapped around the penis 21 of the patient 2, and a control unit 12 connected to the cuff 11 via a lead. Optionally, the control unit 12 and the cuff 11 may also be equipped with adapters for wireless communication. I.e. the control unit 12 may be equipped with a transmitter and the cuff 11 with a corresponding receiver. The cuff 11 can be conveniently wrapped around or unwrapped from the penis 21 by the patient himself. The control unit 12 is equipped with a battery 13 as a power supply unit. The cuff 11 is made of a dimensionally variable material that can be stimulated. In this way, the control unit 12 can assume, by stimulation, a variation of the diameter of the cuff 11.

The control unit 12 is configured to control the cuff 11 such that a periodic compression and release of the urethra 22 is generated by the cuff 11. More specifically, the control unit 12 induces periodic compression and release of the urethra at a frequency in the range of about 5Hz to about 20Hz, a predetermined amplitude, a predetermined duty cycle, a predetermined force, and a predetermined pressure. These parameters may be adjusted by the patient 2 via the control unit 12. In this way, impedance pumping is implemented in the urethra 22, such that a flow of urine is induced from the bladder 23 to outside the body of the patient 2. In this way, the bladder 23 can be almost completely emptied, so that little urine remains in the bladder 23.

A second embodiment of a urinary pumping device 17 is shown in figure 2. It comprises a control unit 127 having a battery 137 as power supply unit and a ring portion 117 as mounting structure and as surrounding portion of the activation means. The ring portion 117 is connected to the control unit 127 via a wire. It can be conveniently positioned on or removed from the penis of the patient. The groove 127 interrupts the ring portion 117 on the circumference of the ring portion so that it does not form a closed ring but an open ring. On one side of the groove 127, the ring portion houses a drive member coupled to the rod 147. In particular, the lever 147 is coupled to the driver and mounted to the ring portion 117 at one of its longitudinal ends such that it can be pivoted or tilted by the driver. The other longitudinal end of the rod 147 is connected to the ring portion 117 at the other side of the groove 127 by means of a cable 157. The cable 157, lever 147 and drive member constitute a diameter adjuster 167 of the activation device.

The diameter adjuster 167 is configured to vary the circumferential extension of the groove 127. More specifically, by tilting the lever 147 about 90 ° from the horizontal position to the vertical position, the cable 157 pulls the other side of the loop portion 117. The ring portion 117 is made of an elastic material that allows elastic deformation. Finally, the vertical bar 147 'pulls the ring portion 117' via the cable 157 'at the other side of the groove 127, so that the circumferential extension of the groove 127 and thus the diameter of the ring portion 117' is reduced. Thus, by pivoting or tilting the lever 147 back and forth, the diameter of the ring portion 117 can be periodically decreased and increased.

In use, the ring portion 117 is disposed around the penis of a male patient and the urological pumping device 17 operates similar to the urological pumping device 1 described above in connection with figure 1. Specifically, by periodically changing the diameter of the ring portion 117 as it is disposed around the penis, periodic compression and release of the patient's urethra occurs. As such, urine may be pumped out of the patient's bladder in an impedance pumping manner.

Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a urinary pumping device 18 applied to a female patient 28. The female patient 2 is also depicted schematically so that some parts within her body are visible. Specifically, the rectum 258, bladder 238, vagina 218, urethra 228, and pubic bone 248 of patient 28 are visible extending from bladder 238 to the exit.

The urinary pumping device 18 includes a plug portion 118 that is introduced into the vagina 218 of the patient 28 as a mounting structure. The patient can conveniently introduce the plug portion 118 into the vagina 218 and remove the plug portion from the vagina. As can be seen in fig. 4, the urinary pumping device 18 has an activation portion with an embolic modifier 128 configured to change the diameter or thickness of the embolic portion 118 disposed in the vagina 218 of the patient 28. In particular, the plug adjuster 128 has an egg-shaped lever 138 pivotally or rotatably mounted to the plug portion 118. When rotated while in the horizontal orientation, the rod 138 forms a pushing section that presses the vagina 218 of the patient 28 toward her urethra 228. Thus, the urethra 228 is compressed between the rod 138 and the pubic bone 248.

The urinary pumping device further comprises a drive member coupled to the stem 138. The rod 138 is rotated at a speed such that periodic compression and release of the urethra 228 occurs. As such, impedance pumping is implemented in the urethra 228 such that a flow of urine is induced from the bladder 238 to the exterior of the body of the patient 28.

In figure 5 a fourth embodiment of a urinary pumping device 19 according to the invention is shown. The urinary pumping device 19 has an activation means with an electrode element 119. Electrode element 119 is provided with a mounting structure, such as an adhesive, to hold and position the electrode element on the body of male patient 29. This mounting structure allows the patient 29 to conveniently place and remove the electrode elements at the body of the patient 29. In fig. 5 a male patient 29 is schematically depicted, so that some parts of his body are visible. In particular, the rectum 259, bladder 239, penis 219, urethra 229 extending from bladder 239 to the exit of penis 219, and prostate 249 of patient 29 are visible.

The electrode element 119 is connected via a wire to a control unit 129, which is equipped with a battery 139 as a power supply unit. The control unit 129 is configured to operate the electrode element 119 to generate an electric field. Thus, the electrode element 119 is positioned at the body such that the urethral sphincter of the patient 29 can be stimulated by the electric field generated by the electrode element 119. More specifically, stimulation of the urethral sphincter causes contraction of the urethral sphincter, causing the urethra 229 to compress. As such, the control unit 129 may indirectly induce periodic compression and release of the urethra 229 via the urethra sphincter. Thus, a flow of urine is induced from the bladder 239 to the exterior of the body of the patient 29.

Figure 6 shows a fifth embodiment of a urinary pumping device 16 according to the invention comprising a toilet 36. The urinary pumping device 16 includes an activation means 116 and a positioning unit having a strap 136 and a toilet seat 126. The activation device 116 is mounted to the toilet 36 by means of a strap 136 secured to the toilet seat 126. Thus, the toilet seat 126 is typically mounted to the bowl of the toilet 36.

As can be seen in fig. 7, the toilet seat 126 and strap 136 are arranged so that when seated on the toilet 36, the body of the patient 26 is in position relative to the activation device 116. In fig. 7, the anus 256, penis 216 and urethra 226 of the patient 26 are exemplarily depicted. In the appropriate position mentioned, the activation device 116 can access the urethra 226 of the patient 26 such that the push member 146 of the activation device 116 intermittently compresses and releases the urethra 226 during operation.

To achieve this compression, the activation device 116 is equipped with a clamp 146. In operation of the activation device 116, the clamp 146 moves up and down such that the body of the patient 26 is pushed and released.

Figure 8 shows a sixth embodiment of a urinary pumping device 10 according to the invention. The urinary pumping device 10 includes a diameter adjuster and a ring portion 1170 as a surrounding portion of the mounting structure and activation means. The ring portion 1170 is configured as a toothed belt that is pushed into the ratchet 120 of the diameter adjuster. The loop portion 1170 may be conveniently positioned on and removed from the patient's penis. The urinary pumping device 10 further includes a shaft 140 and an electric motor 130, such as a linear motor, mounted within the interior of the urinary pumping device 10 as a drive therefor. The electric motor 130 controls the movement of the shaft 140. The tip 150 of the diameter adjuster is mounted on a terminal portion of the shaft 140 such that when the shaft 140 is activated, the tip 150 compresses or releases the penis/urethra. In addition, the opposite end 160 is mounted on the ring portion 1170 at a position opposite to the end 150 to achieve maximum compression at two points of the penis when the shaft 140 is moved. The electric motor 130 is activated by the patient using a button 170 provided at the proximal end of the urinary pumping device 10. The button 170 may also be used to adjust the frequency, speed, and force of the shaft 140.

In figure 9 there is shown a seventh embodiment of a urinary pumping device 101 according to the invention. The urinary pumping device 101 comprises an activation means 1101 and a positioning unit comprising a pair of underpants 1201. The activation device 1101 is mounted to the underpants 1201 such that when the underpants 201 are worn, the body of the patient 201 is in the proper position relative to the activation device 1101. The underpants 201 are provided with a closable opening through which the penis 2101 of the patient 201 can be positioned when urination is desired. In the appropriate position mentioned, the activation device 116 may access the urethra of the patient 201 such that the push member 1401 of the activation device 116 intermittently compresses and releases the urethra 226 during operation.

Figure 10 shows an eighth embodiment of a urinary pumping device according to the invention implemented as a hand-held device 102. The handheld device 102 comprises an elongated body, an activation means 1102 and a positioning unit. The positioning unit is formed by a penis receiving section 1202 at the upper side of the elongated body and a finger receiving section 1302 at the lower side of the elongated body. Activation device 1102 includes a drive member 1502 and a hemispherical push member 1402. The drive member 1502 is disposed within the body and the push member 1402 extends out of the body at the penile accommodation section 1202. The push member 1402 is coupled to the drive member 1502 via a strut such that the drive member 1402 can move the push member 1402 vertically up and down.

In use of the handheld device 102, the patient 202 places his penis 2102 over the penis receiving section 1202 such that the penis portion of the urethra 2202 is located adjacent to the pushing member 1402. The body of the handheld device 102 is held in the hand of the patient 202 such that the thumb 2302 of one hand of the patient 202 is positioned on the penis 2102 and the fingers 2402 of the same hand are positioned at the finger receiving section 1302 of the body of the handheld device 102. As such, the handheld device 102 is held and, at the same time, the penis is securely mounted at the handheld device 102 in place. The activation device 1102 intermittently compresses and releases the urethra 2202 when activated by the drive member 1502 moving the push member 1402.

The description and drawings illustrating aspects and embodiments of the invention should not be taken as limiting the claims which define the protected invention. In other words, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the description and claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. It is therefore to be understood that changes and modifications may be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art within the scope and spirit of the appended claims. In particular, the invention covers other embodiments having any combination of features from the different embodiments described above and below.

This disclosure also separately covers all further features shown in the drawings, although they may not be described in the foregoing or the following description. Furthermore, single alternatives of the embodiments and single alternatives of the features thereof described in the figures and the description may be disclaimed from the subject matter of the invention or the disclosed subject matter. The present disclosure includes subject matter consisting of, and including the features defined in the claims or exemplary embodiments.

Furthermore, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may fulfill the functions of several features recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and the like in relation to an attribute or value also define exactly the attribute or value, respectively. In the context of a given value or range, the term "about" refers to a value or range that is, for example, within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be directly electrically or mechanically coupled, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.