Image credit: Affluent Medical
Walking down MD&M Minneapolis’ aisles, I saw an implantable device that I hadn’t seen before. It is an artificial mechanical sphincter being developed by Affluent Medical based in Aix-en-Provence, France. The device is aimed at treating stress urinary incontinence, which is a disabling condition that results in uncontrolled urinary leakage during effort such as coughing or sport.
According to Affluent Medical:
“After urethral access has been made, the soft silicone cuff is placed around the urinary canal, specifically at bladder neck level, and is then locked.
Once adapted to the urethra, the cuff is connected to the actuator, which is remotely controlled. The actuator commands closure and opening of the cuff by electromechanical action.
The cuff is adjusted in accordance with the severity of the incontinence of each individual woman.
Voiding is achieved simply by pressing the main button on the remote control.
In order to mimic natural physiology, Artus has been designed to allow permanent adaptation to the patient’s lifestyle.
At each patient follow-up, cuff closure can be adjusted in accordance with potential development of the condition and in keeping with the patient’s lifestyle.”
Image Credit: Affluent Medical
MPS Micro Precision Systems AG of Biel/Bienne, Switzerland was showing at MD&M the actuator that they build for the Artus device.
