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Technology Transfer Program
Please Note: The technology listed below is not available to the public at this time. This technology is in the early stage of research and requires further development before it is ready for the marketplace. The VA is currently in the process of identifying potential companies who may be interested in licensing and/or further developing the technology through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA). Through cooperative research initiatives such as these, it is our hope and goal that commercial products will be fully developed and made available to benefit veterans and others.
VA TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY BRIEF
A Surgically Implantable Urinary Incontinence Device
OPPORTUNITY:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a commercial partner to further develop this technology through a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA). A VA surgeon/investigator has developed a surgically implantable device, which produces urinary continence, offering an alternative to current treatments for this affliction.
BACKGROUND:
The urinary bladder serves as a reservoir for urine that is ordinarily intermittently emptied under voluntary neuro-muscular control. This function depends on both the muscular walls of the bladder, which can contract to empty the structure, and the muscular sphincter at the outlet of the bladder. The urinary sphincter closes the urethra until voiding commences. Disorders of the bladder and/or sphincter may cause involuntary leakage of urine though the urethra, also referred to as incontinence. Involuntary urinary leakage results in embarrassment, infection, major psychosocial issues and great medical expense. Currently, methods used for management of incontinence include external urethral compression; surgical restoration of defective anatomy responsible for the condition; surgical replacement, reconstruction, or reinforcements; catheterization; and implantation of inflatable devices that prevent involuntary leakage.
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW:
The subject technology is a device designed to be surgically implanted in the pelvis of a patient who is incontinent of urine. The device compresses the urethra blocking urinary flow until the patient voluntarily releases the compression to allow urination. It is designed to be less surgically complicating than present incontinence devices on the market.
The subject technology has potential applications in the treatment of urinary incontinence and other affiliated conditions in both men and women.
TECHNICAL MERIT:
Currently available medical devices serve as means for management of urinary control. However, present devices are more complex in design and may contribute to urethral erosion and the necessity for repeated surgical corrections. We believe the subject technology offers a simple and effective device that can more easily be implanted to aid in the control of urination.
The subject technology offers advantages over current methods and devices:
- The single-pieced design results in a simpler surgical implantation procedure.
- The device is less prone to failure due to the uncomplicated design and non-inflatable mechanics.
- The device is easier for patients to manage and operate compared to the current inflatable and reservoir systems offered for management of urinary incontinence.
- The device is a more physiologic answer to a significant medical problem.
The simple design of the device may offer a financially affordable, effective alternative to currently available incontinence management products.
PATENT STATUS:
U.S. provisional patent application filed June 21, 2004 (60/580,727)
Federal Register notice published February 02, 2005 (Volume 70, No 21) p 5514.
US non-provisional patent application filed on June 21, 2005
Revised provisional patent application filed on August 19, 2004 (60/602,647).
US non-provisional patent application filed on June 21, 2005 (11/156,630).
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Saleem SheredosProgram Manager
Technology Transfer Program
Veterans Affairs
Office of Research & Development (12TT)
5th Floor
103 South Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
202-380-5080
Fax 410.962.2141
e-mail: saleem.sheredos@va.gov
Last Updated - August 3, 2006