CA2102491A1 - Device for monitoring the contractibility of the pelvic floor muscles - Google Patents
Device for monitoring the contractibility of the pelvic floor musclesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2102491A1 CA2102491A1 CA002102491A CA2102491A CA2102491A1 CA 2102491 A1 CA2102491 A1 CA 2102491A1 CA 002102491 A CA002102491 A CA 002102491A CA 2102491 A CA2102491 A CA 2102491A CA 2102491 A1 CA2102491 A1 CA 2102491A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- probing head
- measurement line
- fluid
- probing
- head
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/20—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for vaginal muscles or other sphincter-type muscles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/22—Ergometry; Measuring muscular strength or the force of a muscular blow
- A61B5/224—Measuring muscular strength
- A61B5/227—Measuring muscular strength of constricting muscles, i.e. sphincters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/008—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
- A63B2220/51—Force
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
- A63B2220/56—Pressure
Abstract
(57) Abstract In a device for monitoring the contractibility of the pelvic floor muscles, a probing head (1) has pressure sensors arranged around its circumference or mutually separated zones (5) that are elastically deformable against the pressure of a fluid. The prob-ing head (1) may be connected by at least one measurement line (2) to a display (3).
Description
2~
A DEVICE FOR MONITOP~ING THE CONT~CTABILITY
OF THE PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES
The present inve~tion relates to a devic~ for monitoring the contractability OI the pelvic floor muscles, wherein a probing head i~ connected by at least one measurement line to a display.
A device of the type described in the introduction hereto is described, for example, in D~-PS 157 594; in this, a tube that is closed at one end is surrounded by a flexible casing and thP
efîect of the sphincter muscle that is to be monitored on ~he probing head can be seen on an appropriate measuring device. A
similar configuration is desoribed in CH-PS 346 971; in this, a cylindrical hollow body can be in~lated by means o~ a compressor that is connecte~ to a manometer. A disadvantage in this configuration is the *act that the stresses that act along the entire length of the probing head, will résult in an indication without it being possible to say precisely that the indication has been caused by the work done by a specific area of the musculature .
A similar embodiment is described in US-PS 4 768 522: in this, a spring element is imbedded in the probing head in order to permit pxecise positioning.
DE-OS 32 21 ~15 describes a device for measuring the dontraatability of sphincter muscles; in this, a probing head that can ~e introduced into:a bodily orifice has an inner body that is enclosed along part of its length by a hose that is of a thin, elastic, and extensible material. The hose is connected through at least one aperture in the inner body to the interior space of said body. In this known embodiment, the ~ea~urement line is configured as a concentric doubl~- tube, in which - . . . . . .....
.' ,~
:, - . . .
. .: . ,:
..
:
2iQ~9~
connection it is especially intended that the probing head be used, for exampls/ to measure contractions within the intestines, so that the probing head must be su~ficiently flexible over a wide area.
In the female body, the pelvic floor muscles ensure, amongst other things, the retention o~ urine and the proper closure of the urethra. ~he pelvic floo~ muscles are arranged in a layer and have, essentially, a central sphincter muscle. In women, the pelvic floor muscles are stressed to a relatively high level during pregnancy, which means that the muscles develop a certain amount of strength and force. During birth, however, the pelvic floor muscles are stretched to a very great extent, and even muscles that have been trained to a certain extent during pregnancy cannot immediately resume the desired function after such powerful stretching or over-stretching. As a conse~uence of this, in particular when a woman has given birth a number of times, the danger of incontinence is p~rticularly great, at least in the period of time after the birth, and for this reason a number of training programs for over-stresssd muscles or muscles tha~ cannok completely fulfil ~heir function are offered in hospitals after pregnancy.
:In~the case of the:most fre~uent indication, namely incontinence, the patient must tighten the:pel~ic floor muscles, which can be worked at will, by means of speaific exercises; when this is done, it must a~so be ensured that it is, in actual fact, those muscles that are to be tra.ined that are tightened and that other muscles do not simultaneously induce pressure. If known devices are used, the activation of other muscles can give the therapist and the patient a false impression that correct muscle training is taking place, and when exeroises o~ this kind are used it has ~2~
WO 93/17619 PrT/AT93/00041 up to now been impossible to monitor the e*fects obtained by therapy in any other way.
It is the ~ask of the present invention to create a device of the type described in the introduction hereto, with which a therapeutic program and, in particular, the successes achieved by training, can be monitored and displayed in a simple way. In order to solve this problem, the device according to the present invention is characterized essentially in th~t the probing head has on its periphery at least one pressure sensor or areas that are separated from each other and which can be de~ormed elastically against a 1uid. By having at least one pressure sensor appropriately positioned on the periphery or close to the periphery of the probing head, it is possible to monitor the activa~ion o~ special areas of the musculature. A similar and spe ial monitoring of individual parts of the muscle can also be achieYed by an arrangement of a plurality of elastic areas that are separated from each other and can be deformed by means of a fluid.
In addition to using pressure sensors, for example, in the form of wire strain gauges, as is done in a pr~ferred embodiment, whi~h are then connected by way o~ an electrical measurement line to an appropriate measuring device that incorporates an analysis cirauit and a display, it is possible to achieve a particularly simple device, above all else, in that there are areas on the probing head that can b~ deformed elastically against a fluid, with the measurement line being preferably in the fo~m of a fluid line that can be connected with a fluid gauge chamber and a display that is connected to the fluid gauge chamber. In a configuration of this sort, measuring devices that are customarily used in the medical-technical domain, for example for measuring blood pressure, can be used directly, without any .
: , , , . :....... .. . ,:, .
~: .~ . . . .
.
': ' 2~``2~
WO 93~17619 PCT/AT93/00041 substantial modi~ication when, however, it is pre~erred that a liquid ~luid and, in particular, ~luids that are generally regarded as harmless be used as the fluid, these being, in particular, aqua bidestillata.
In order to ensure that the device according to the present invention is anchored in a position that is suitable ~or both measurement and display and does, in point of fact, provide measured values in the area of the musculature that is to be trained, the configuration can advantageously be such that the probing head is in the form of an extended body that is constricted in its middle area, in which connection the middle constricted area of the probing head can haY~ an elastically deformable covering, the degree of deformability o~ this being greater than the deformability of the areas of the probing head that are adjacent to the middle area. The contractability of the annular sphincter-like pelvic floor muscles is measured selectively with an embodiment of this kind, when disruptive effects which would result, by pressure, in particular intestinal pressur~, are to a large extent kept away from the poink at which the measurements are being made. In order to prevent intestinal pressure of this kind from falsifying the measured values in a roundabout way, i.e. by axial co~pression, the configuration is advantageously such that the middle area incorporates sti~fening that runs in the axial direction o~ the probing head, in particular a rod that is connected to the less-deformable areas (7, 8) that are adjacent to the middle area and pa~ses through the constricted area in an axial direction.
Using the device according to the present invention, it is also possible to display the ef~ect of undesirable intestinal pressure separately, in a particularly simple way. In order to enhance the effects achieved by therapy in this way, such that the ~ ~2~9~
patient is made more aware of the musculature that is to be trained, the embodiment can adv~ntageously be so configured that the probing head has at its free end at least one separate pressure sensor or a chamber that is defined by an elastically deformable membrane, when a separate measurement line can be connected to a measuring device and display. A second separate pressure sensor of this kind, which is led out by way of a separate line, makes it possi~le to provide additional measured values that make it readily apparent that any increase in the mea~ured values from this additional pressure sensor cannot further enhance the therapeutic effect that is desired.
In order to increase the training effect and permit adaptability to various starting conditions, the configuration can advantageously be so configured that a source o~ pressure can be connected to the deformable areas or to the measurement line, with a valve system, in particular a non-return valve, being inserted between them. This makes it possible to pre-set an initial starting pressure in the deformable areas within very wide limits and, as the training of the appropriate musculature progresses, to increase the training effect by increasing the base pressure. In order to ensure simple operation, the measuring de~ice can have a re-settable æero indicator that is independent of the starting pressure that is selected. If a fluid is used as the medium for the pressure display, the source of pressure can be operated wi~h the same fluid and, at the same time, serve as a fluid reservoir. If, for example, pressure sensor~ in the form of wire strain ~auges are used on the periphery of the deformable areas, the source o~ pressure opens out through a separate line into the deformable areas and can, for example, be configured as a compressed-air source.
. . . .
.... 1~ !
. . .
~12~
If a plurality of separate areas that can be deformed elastically against a fluid are used, according to a preferred embodiment the configuration can be such that there are chambers that are separated from each other in a radial direction, and these can be acted upon with fluid at a different pressure. This makes it possible to oppose the pressure acting from the outside by, for example, a counter-pressure that does not increase linearly, whereby the training effect can be improved and increased.
In a preferred embodiment, when the pressure sensor is arranged in the area of the periphery of the probing head, the configuration is such that the probing head is formed on at least a part of its length from a hollow cylinder that incoxporates a gap that extends in the longitudinal directionr and in that at least one wire strain gauge that is connected to the measurement line is arranged on the inside periphery of the cylinder. A
configuration of this type is distinguished by a particularly simple production of the hollow cylinder t:hat represents the actual measure~ent area or sensitive area of the probing head, and even very small pressure differential~; can be identified by using at least one wire strain gauge so that the smallest deformation of the cylinder will provide a measuremant. The cy~inder can thus be made relatively stiff, so that the actual 6hape of the probing head remains almost unchanged. When this is done, appropriate matching to anatomical differences can be effected by a differently dimensioned cylinder. In order to optimize measurement results at the smallest pressure loads and thus to manage with relatively simple amplifying and analysis circuits, it i~ preferred ~hat the con~iguration is such that the wire strain gauge is arranged opposite the gap.
Accordlng to a modi~ied embodiment, in place of using wire strain gauges, the configuration can be such that the probing head is ' '., ' ' . ~' ~ -' .~ ''..
WO 93~17619 PCT/AT93/00041 *ormed on at least a part of its length by a hollow cylinder that incorporates a gap that extends in the longitudinal direction;
and such that in the area of the gap th~re are electrically conductive plates tha~ are connected to the measurement line whereby, once again, in the case o~ very small deformations o~
the hollow cylinder that forms the sensitive area of the probing head, it is possible to arrive at measurement results that can be reproduced with simple means and can be easily evaluated.
In order to increase the compressibility of the sen~itive area of the probing head, the configuration can advantageously be such that the probins head is encased in an ela~tic material, fox example, foam, rubber, or the like.
According to a further preferred embodiment o~ the pre ent invention, a very simple construction of the probing head and in par*icular of the sensitive area of the probing head can be achieved in that the probing head incorporates elastic aréas in which there is electrically conductive material, ~or example, carbon dust, electrically conductive liqui.ds or solutions, or the like; and in that electrodes that are conrlected with the measurement line are~embedded in the elect:rically conductive material. Appropriate selection of the e].astic material makes it possible to adjust the compressibility of the device.
In order to provide for easy and simple manipulation and positioning of the probing head relative to the parts of the musculature that are to be monitored, the configuration is preferably such that at the end that is opposite to the free end of the probiny head there is a positioning stop on the probing :;
head; in order to achiave exact seating, the configuration is preferably such that the positioning stop is formed from a particularly flexible plastic disk, the outside diameter of this : :
, ~2~9~
exceeding the diameter of the probing head by at least one-third of this diameter.
Manipulation of the device according to the present invention is pre~erably simplified in a configuration of this sort such that a grip is provided on the positioning stop; in order to provide ad~ptability to differing anatomical features, the configuration is such that the positioning stop can be secured on the probing head at a variable distance from the ~ree end of said probing head.
The present invention will be described in greater detail below on the basis of embodiments that are shown in the drawings appended hereto. ~hese drawin~s show the following~
Figure 1: a partial cross-section view of a ~irst device according to the present invention;
Figure 2: a partial cross-section view of a modified embodiment of a probing head of a device according to the present invention;
Figure 3~ a cross~section on the line III-III in figure 2;
Figure 4~ a cross-section through a modified version of a device : according to the present in~ention, similar to the one shown in figure 3, using a wire strain gauge; Figure 5: a cross-section on the Iine V-V in figure 4, figure 4 heing a cross-section on the line IY-IV of figure 5;
Figure ~: a Gross-section through a modified version using electrically conductive plates as pressure sensors, ~imilar to figure 4; ~
Fi~ure 7: a cross-section on the line VII-VII in figure 6, figure 6 beinq a cross-section on the line VI~VI of figure 7;
''' ~ '' ' ' ' :
igure 8: a partial cross-section view through a ~urther modified embodiment of a probing head according to the present invention, similar to figure 2;
Figure 9: a schematic view of a further modi~ied probing head of a davice according to the present invention, with a positioning stop 4n the probing head which can be f ixed in different positions.
Figure 1 shows a probing head l that is to be introduced into the vagina and which is connected through a measurement line 2 to a measurement and display device 3. At its middle, the probing head 1 has a constricted area 4 that is encased by an elastically deformable membrane 5. A fluid line that is connected to a barom~tric ~luid gauge chamber and a display apparatus 3 enters the chamber 6 that i9 defined by this elastically deformable membrane 5. Comparatively sti~fer and less compressible areas 7 and 8 are adjacent to the middle constricted area 4 and, in particular an additional pressure sensor 9 can be arranged in the end area 7 of the probing head 1, and this is connected through another ~luid or measurement line (not shown herein) to an additional measuring device. Alternatively, the measuring device 2 can have two scales or displays, or can be switchable.
The two comparatively less compressible areas 7, 8 of the probing ~ead can be connected to each other through an axial connector or rod 10 in order to prevent compression and thus a rise in pressure in the chamber 6 when pressure is exerted:on the end area 8 of the probing head.
Furthermore, in order to set a starting pressure at a d~fferent level, when the chamber is filled with fluid, a pressure source 13 for the ~luid can be connected to the fluid line 2 through a line 11 that incorporates a non-return valve 12. This pressure ; ~ ' '' ~ '; ' ;: , - , 2~1 Wo 93/17619 PCT/AT93/00041 source 13 also serves as a fluid supplyO Alternatively, the line 12 can pass directly into the chamber 6 that is defined by the membrane 5. In order to simpli~y operation, in this case the measuring device 2 has a re-set button for setting it to a zero position in order to permit monitoring of the training e~fect, regardless of the starting pressure.
Figures 2 and 3 show a modified version in which, in the middle area 4 which represents the measurement area, there is a plurality o~ chaDbers 14, 15, 16 that are separated from each other in the radial direction; these are connected through the measursment and fluid line 2 to a measuring device and/or a pressure source, as in the e~bodiment shown in figure 1. The arrangement of a plurality of chambers that are radially separated from each other makes it possible to oppose the pressure acting from outside with a non linearally increasing counter-pressure, which will increase the training effect. Thus, for example, the pressure in the chamber can increase from the outside inwards so that, es~entially, only a~ter compression of the fluid in an outer chamber will the next chamber in an inward direction be acted upon. If a pressure source that is connected to the radial chambers 14, 15, 16 is provided, it is, for example, possible to build up an appropriate non-linear counter-pressure that would correspond to the characteristic curve of a non-linear sprlng.
~In the embodimcnt shown in ~igures 4 to 7, the probing head 1 is formed to at least part of its axial extent by a hollow cylinder 17; this incorporates a gap 18 that extends in the longitudinal direction. In the embodiment that is shown in figures 4 and 5 1 a wire strain gauge 19 is arranged on the inside surface of the cylinder, and this is connected once again by a measurement line 2 to an analysis and display device (not shown herein). By using .
4 ~ ~
a wire strain gauge, even the smallest effects of pressure on the hollow cylinder can be identified, ~o that this can be made relatively stiff. In order to provide for optimal signal analysis, the wire strain gauge is arranged opposite the gap 18 in the embodiment that is shown. Because of the known sensitivity of wire strain gauges and in order to increase acceptance of the device, the hollow cylinder 17 is covered in an elastic material 20 when, for example, foam, rubber, or the like can be used for this material.
The embodiment that is shown in ~igures 6 and 7 differs from the preceding embodiments in that within the area of the gap 18, there are electrically conductive plates 21 which together form a condenser. By deformation of the cylinder when the pressure loads are workiny on it, the electrically conductive plates 21 that form a condenser can provide a measurement value which permit~ direct monitoring of the contractability of the pelvic floor muscles.
In the con~iguration shown in figure 8, an elastic, sponge-like, elec~rically non-conductive material 23 i9; arranged about a cylindrical core 22. A material is încorE~orated in the pores of tha material 23, this has a specifîc electrical conductîvity and can be in the form of carbon dust, electrîcally conduc~ed liquîds or solutîons, or the lîke. Electrodes 24 are embedded in the materîal 23 and these are once agaîn connected to the measurement line 2. ~ompressîon of the materîal 23 presses the pores together, which msans that the contact surface for the electrically conductive material îs changed, and this can once agaîn pr~vide an appropriate sîgnal.
In the confîguratîon ~hown în figure 9, the measurement area 4 of the probing head 1 can be confîgured as în one of the precedîng .
, ' ,:: ,~ ' . ' . , ..
~2~
embodiments. In order to provide for improved manipulation and simpler applicakion, as well as to maintain the same position in each instance, in this embodiment there is a positioning stop 25 that can be formed, for example, from a flexible plastic plate.
The outside diameter of the positioning stop 25 is greater than the diameter of the probing head 1. In order to prsvide a grip on the probing head 1, there is a grip 26 on the stop 25 that is formed from a plastic plate. In order to match the positioning, the positioning stop 25 can be moved and secured in different positions relative to the measurement area 4 of the probing head, as is indicated by the double-headed arrow 27. This can be secured very simply by being snapped into different positions;
there are grooves 28 in which corresponding projections on the stop 25 can snap into position.
In addition, bi-metal pressure sensors can also be used.
- , ; ~ , ~
, ~, ", . .
: ~ , .: , ~
: :: : . :,.-: ,, :: . .
,, . , ", : ~ : , . .
,
A DEVICE FOR MONITOP~ING THE CONT~CTABILITY
OF THE PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES
The present inve~tion relates to a devic~ for monitoring the contractability OI the pelvic floor muscles, wherein a probing head i~ connected by at least one measurement line to a display.
A device of the type described in the introduction hereto is described, for example, in D~-PS 157 594; in this, a tube that is closed at one end is surrounded by a flexible casing and thP
efîect of the sphincter muscle that is to be monitored on ~he probing head can be seen on an appropriate measuring device. A
similar configuration is desoribed in CH-PS 346 971; in this, a cylindrical hollow body can be in~lated by means o~ a compressor that is connecte~ to a manometer. A disadvantage in this configuration is the *act that the stresses that act along the entire length of the probing head, will résult in an indication without it being possible to say precisely that the indication has been caused by the work done by a specific area of the musculature .
A similar embodiment is described in US-PS 4 768 522: in this, a spring element is imbedded in the probing head in order to permit pxecise positioning.
DE-OS 32 21 ~15 describes a device for measuring the dontraatability of sphincter muscles; in this, a probing head that can ~e introduced into:a bodily orifice has an inner body that is enclosed along part of its length by a hose that is of a thin, elastic, and extensible material. The hose is connected through at least one aperture in the inner body to the interior space of said body. In this known embodiment, the ~ea~urement line is configured as a concentric doubl~- tube, in which - . . . . . .....
.' ,~
:, - . . .
. .: . ,:
..
:
2iQ~9~
connection it is especially intended that the probing head be used, for exampls/ to measure contractions within the intestines, so that the probing head must be su~ficiently flexible over a wide area.
In the female body, the pelvic floor muscles ensure, amongst other things, the retention o~ urine and the proper closure of the urethra. ~he pelvic floo~ muscles are arranged in a layer and have, essentially, a central sphincter muscle. In women, the pelvic floor muscles are stressed to a relatively high level during pregnancy, which means that the muscles develop a certain amount of strength and force. During birth, however, the pelvic floor muscles are stretched to a very great extent, and even muscles that have been trained to a certain extent during pregnancy cannot immediately resume the desired function after such powerful stretching or over-stretching. As a conse~uence of this, in particular when a woman has given birth a number of times, the danger of incontinence is p~rticularly great, at least in the period of time after the birth, and for this reason a number of training programs for over-stresssd muscles or muscles tha~ cannok completely fulfil ~heir function are offered in hospitals after pregnancy.
:In~the case of the:most fre~uent indication, namely incontinence, the patient must tighten the:pel~ic floor muscles, which can be worked at will, by means of speaific exercises; when this is done, it must a~so be ensured that it is, in actual fact, those muscles that are to be tra.ined that are tightened and that other muscles do not simultaneously induce pressure. If known devices are used, the activation of other muscles can give the therapist and the patient a false impression that correct muscle training is taking place, and when exeroises o~ this kind are used it has ~2~
WO 93/17619 PrT/AT93/00041 up to now been impossible to monitor the e*fects obtained by therapy in any other way.
It is the ~ask of the present invention to create a device of the type described in the introduction hereto, with which a therapeutic program and, in particular, the successes achieved by training, can be monitored and displayed in a simple way. In order to solve this problem, the device according to the present invention is characterized essentially in th~t the probing head has on its periphery at least one pressure sensor or areas that are separated from each other and which can be de~ormed elastically against a 1uid. By having at least one pressure sensor appropriately positioned on the periphery or close to the periphery of the probing head, it is possible to monitor the activa~ion o~ special areas of the musculature. A similar and spe ial monitoring of individual parts of the muscle can also be achieYed by an arrangement of a plurality of elastic areas that are separated from each other and can be deformed by means of a fluid.
In addition to using pressure sensors, for example, in the form of wire strain gauges, as is done in a pr~ferred embodiment, whi~h are then connected by way o~ an electrical measurement line to an appropriate measuring device that incorporates an analysis cirauit and a display, it is possible to achieve a particularly simple device, above all else, in that there are areas on the probing head that can b~ deformed elastically against a fluid, with the measurement line being preferably in the fo~m of a fluid line that can be connected with a fluid gauge chamber and a display that is connected to the fluid gauge chamber. In a configuration of this sort, measuring devices that are customarily used in the medical-technical domain, for example for measuring blood pressure, can be used directly, without any .
: , , , . :....... .. . ,:, .
~: .~ . . . .
.
': ' 2~``2~
WO 93~17619 PCT/AT93/00041 substantial modi~ication when, however, it is pre~erred that a liquid ~luid and, in particular, ~luids that are generally regarded as harmless be used as the fluid, these being, in particular, aqua bidestillata.
In order to ensure that the device according to the present invention is anchored in a position that is suitable ~or both measurement and display and does, in point of fact, provide measured values in the area of the musculature that is to be trained, the configuration can advantageously be such that the probing head is in the form of an extended body that is constricted in its middle area, in which connection the middle constricted area of the probing head can haY~ an elastically deformable covering, the degree of deformability o~ this being greater than the deformability of the areas of the probing head that are adjacent to the middle area. The contractability of the annular sphincter-like pelvic floor muscles is measured selectively with an embodiment of this kind, when disruptive effects which would result, by pressure, in particular intestinal pressur~, are to a large extent kept away from the poink at which the measurements are being made. In order to prevent intestinal pressure of this kind from falsifying the measured values in a roundabout way, i.e. by axial co~pression, the configuration is advantageously such that the middle area incorporates sti~fening that runs in the axial direction o~ the probing head, in particular a rod that is connected to the less-deformable areas (7, 8) that are adjacent to the middle area and pa~ses through the constricted area in an axial direction.
Using the device according to the present invention, it is also possible to display the ef~ect of undesirable intestinal pressure separately, in a particularly simple way. In order to enhance the effects achieved by therapy in this way, such that the ~ ~2~9~
patient is made more aware of the musculature that is to be trained, the embodiment can adv~ntageously be so configured that the probing head has at its free end at least one separate pressure sensor or a chamber that is defined by an elastically deformable membrane, when a separate measurement line can be connected to a measuring device and display. A second separate pressure sensor of this kind, which is led out by way of a separate line, makes it possi~le to provide additional measured values that make it readily apparent that any increase in the mea~ured values from this additional pressure sensor cannot further enhance the therapeutic effect that is desired.
In order to increase the training effect and permit adaptability to various starting conditions, the configuration can advantageously be so configured that a source o~ pressure can be connected to the deformable areas or to the measurement line, with a valve system, in particular a non-return valve, being inserted between them. This makes it possible to pre-set an initial starting pressure in the deformable areas within very wide limits and, as the training of the appropriate musculature progresses, to increase the training effect by increasing the base pressure. In order to ensure simple operation, the measuring de~ice can have a re-settable æero indicator that is independent of the starting pressure that is selected. If a fluid is used as the medium for the pressure display, the source of pressure can be operated wi~h the same fluid and, at the same time, serve as a fluid reservoir. If, for example, pressure sensor~ in the form of wire strain ~auges are used on the periphery of the deformable areas, the source o~ pressure opens out through a separate line into the deformable areas and can, for example, be configured as a compressed-air source.
. . . .
.... 1~ !
. . .
~12~
If a plurality of separate areas that can be deformed elastically against a fluid are used, according to a preferred embodiment the configuration can be such that there are chambers that are separated from each other in a radial direction, and these can be acted upon with fluid at a different pressure. This makes it possible to oppose the pressure acting from the outside by, for example, a counter-pressure that does not increase linearly, whereby the training effect can be improved and increased.
In a preferred embodiment, when the pressure sensor is arranged in the area of the periphery of the probing head, the configuration is such that the probing head is formed on at least a part of its length from a hollow cylinder that incoxporates a gap that extends in the longitudinal directionr and in that at least one wire strain gauge that is connected to the measurement line is arranged on the inside periphery of the cylinder. A
configuration of this type is distinguished by a particularly simple production of the hollow cylinder t:hat represents the actual measure~ent area or sensitive area of the probing head, and even very small pressure differential~; can be identified by using at least one wire strain gauge so that the smallest deformation of the cylinder will provide a measuremant. The cy~inder can thus be made relatively stiff, so that the actual 6hape of the probing head remains almost unchanged. When this is done, appropriate matching to anatomical differences can be effected by a differently dimensioned cylinder. In order to optimize measurement results at the smallest pressure loads and thus to manage with relatively simple amplifying and analysis circuits, it i~ preferred ~hat the con~iguration is such that the wire strain gauge is arranged opposite the gap.
Accordlng to a modi~ied embodiment, in place of using wire strain gauges, the configuration can be such that the probing head is ' '., ' ' . ~' ~ -' .~ ''..
WO 93~17619 PCT/AT93/00041 *ormed on at least a part of its length by a hollow cylinder that incorporates a gap that extends in the longitudinal direction;
and such that in the area of the gap th~re are electrically conductive plates tha~ are connected to the measurement line whereby, once again, in the case o~ very small deformations o~
the hollow cylinder that forms the sensitive area of the probing head, it is possible to arrive at measurement results that can be reproduced with simple means and can be easily evaluated.
In order to increase the compressibility of the sen~itive area of the probing head, the configuration can advantageously be such that the probins head is encased in an ela~tic material, fox example, foam, rubber, or the like.
According to a further preferred embodiment o~ the pre ent invention, a very simple construction of the probing head and in par*icular of the sensitive area of the probing head can be achieved in that the probing head incorporates elastic aréas in which there is electrically conductive material, ~or example, carbon dust, electrically conductive liqui.ds or solutions, or the like; and in that electrodes that are conrlected with the measurement line are~embedded in the elect:rically conductive material. Appropriate selection of the e].astic material makes it possible to adjust the compressibility of the device.
In order to provide for easy and simple manipulation and positioning of the probing head relative to the parts of the musculature that are to be monitored, the configuration is preferably such that at the end that is opposite to the free end of the probiny head there is a positioning stop on the probing :;
head; in order to achiave exact seating, the configuration is preferably such that the positioning stop is formed from a particularly flexible plastic disk, the outside diameter of this : :
, ~2~9~
exceeding the diameter of the probing head by at least one-third of this diameter.
Manipulation of the device according to the present invention is pre~erably simplified in a configuration of this sort such that a grip is provided on the positioning stop; in order to provide ad~ptability to differing anatomical features, the configuration is such that the positioning stop can be secured on the probing head at a variable distance from the ~ree end of said probing head.
The present invention will be described in greater detail below on the basis of embodiments that are shown in the drawings appended hereto. ~hese drawin~s show the following~
Figure 1: a partial cross-section view of a ~irst device according to the present invention;
Figure 2: a partial cross-section view of a modified embodiment of a probing head of a device according to the present invention;
Figure 3~ a cross~section on the line III-III in figure 2;
Figure 4~ a cross-section through a modified version of a device : according to the present in~ention, similar to the one shown in figure 3, using a wire strain gauge; Figure 5: a cross-section on the Iine V-V in figure 4, figure 4 heing a cross-section on the line IY-IV of figure 5;
Figure ~: a Gross-section through a modified version using electrically conductive plates as pressure sensors, ~imilar to figure 4; ~
Fi~ure 7: a cross-section on the line VII-VII in figure 6, figure 6 beinq a cross-section on the line VI~VI of figure 7;
''' ~ '' ' ' ' :
igure 8: a partial cross-section view through a ~urther modified embodiment of a probing head according to the present invention, similar to figure 2;
Figure 9: a schematic view of a further modi~ied probing head of a davice according to the present invention, with a positioning stop 4n the probing head which can be f ixed in different positions.
Figure 1 shows a probing head l that is to be introduced into the vagina and which is connected through a measurement line 2 to a measurement and display device 3. At its middle, the probing head 1 has a constricted area 4 that is encased by an elastically deformable membrane 5. A fluid line that is connected to a barom~tric ~luid gauge chamber and a display apparatus 3 enters the chamber 6 that i9 defined by this elastically deformable membrane 5. Comparatively sti~fer and less compressible areas 7 and 8 are adjacent to the middle constricted area 4 and, in particular an additional pressure sensor 9 can be arranged in the end area 7 of the probing head 1, and this is connected through another ~luid or measurement line (not shown herein) to an additional measuring device. Alternatively, the measuring device 2 can have two scales or displays, or can be switchable.
The two comparatively less compressible areas 7, 8 of the probing ~ead can be connected to each other through an axial connector or rod 10 in order to prevent compression and thus a rise in pressure in the chamber 6 when pressure is exerted:on the end area 8 of the probing head.
Furthermore, in order to set a starting pressure at a d~fferent level, when the chamber is filled with fluid, a pressure source 13 for the ~luid can be connected to the fluid line 2 through a line 11 that incorporates a non-return valve 12. This pressure ; ~ ' '' ~ '; ' ;: , - , 2~1 Wo 93/17619 PCT/AT93/00041 source 13 also serves as a fluid supplyO Alternatively, the line 12 can pass directly into the chamber 6 that is defined by the membrane 5. In order to simpli~y operation, in this case the measuring device 2 has a re-set button for setting it to a zero position in order to permit monitoring of the training e~fect, regardless of the starting pressure.
Figures 2 and 3 show a modified version in which, in the middle area 4 which represents the measurement area, there is a plurality o~ chaDbers 14, 15, 16 that are separated from each other in the radial direction; these are connected through the measursment and fluid line 2 to a measuring device and/or a pressure source, as in the e~bodiment shown in figure 1. The arrangement of a plurality of chambers that are radially separated from each other makes it possible to oppose the pressure acting from outside with a non linearally increasing counter-pressure, which will increase the training effect. Thus, for example, the pressure in the chamber can increase from the outside inwards so that, es~entially, only a~ter compression of the fluid in an outer chamber will the next chamber in an inward direction be acted upon. If a pressure source that is connected to the radial chambers 14, 15, 16 is provided, it is, for example, possible to build up an appropriate non-linear counter-pressure that would correspond to the characteristic curve of a non-linear sprlng.
~In the embodimcnt shown in ~igures 4 to 7, the probing head 1 is formed to at least part of its axial extent by a hollow cylinder 17; this incorporates a gap 18 that extends in the longitudinal direction. In the embodiment that is shown in figures 4 and 5 1 a wire strain gauge 19 is arranged on the inside surface of the cylinder, and this is connected once again by a measurement line 2 to an analysis and display device (not shown herein). By using .
4 ~ ~
a wire strain gauge, even the smallest effects of pressure on the hollow cylinder can be identified, ~o that this can be made relatively stiff. In order to provide for optimal signal analysis, the wire strain gauge is arranged opposite the gap 18 in the embodiment that is shown. Because of the known sensitivity of wire strain gauges and in order to increase acceptance of the device, the hollow cylinder 17 is covered in an elastic material 20 when, for example, foam, rubber, or the like can be used for this material.
The embodiment that is shown in ~igures 6 and 7 differs from the preceding embodiments in that within the area of the gap 18, there are electrically conductive plates 21 which together form a condenser. By deformation of the cylinder when the pressure loads are workiny on it, the electrically conductive plates 21 that form a condenser can provide a measurement value which permit~ direct monitoring of the contractability of the pelvic floor muscles.
In the con~iguration shown in figure 8, an elastic, sponge-like, elec~rically non-conductive material 23 i9; arranged about a cylindrical core 22. A material is încorE~orated in the pores of tha material 23, this has a specifîc electrical conductîvity and can be in the form of carbon dust, electrîcally conduc~ed liquîds or solutîons, or the lîke. Electrodes 24 are embedded in the materîal 23 and these are once agaîn connected to the measurement line 2. ~ompressîon of the materîal 23 presses the pores together, which msans that the contact surface for the electrically conductive material îs changed, and this can once agaîn pr~vide an appropriate sîgnal.
In the confîguratîon ~hown în figure 9, the measurement area 4 of the probing head 1 can be confîgured as în one of the precedîng .
, ' ,:: ,~ ' . ' . , ..
~2~
embodiments. In order to provide for improved manipulation and simpler applicakion, as well as to maintain the same position in each instance, in this embodiment there is a positioning stop 25 that can be formed, for example, from a flexible plastic plate.
The outside diameter of the positioning stop 25 is greater than the diameter of the probing head 1. In order to prsvide a grip on the probing head 1, there is a grip 26 on the stop 25 that is formed from a plastic plate. In order to match the positioning, the positioning stop 25 can be moved and secured in different positions relative to the measurement area 4 of the probing head, as is indicated by the double-headed arrow 27. This can be secured very simply by being snapped into different positions;
there are grooves 28 in which corresponding projections on the stop 25 can snap into position.
In addition, bi-metal pressure sensors can also be used.
- , ; ~ , ~
, ~, ", . .
: ~ , .: , ~
: :: : . :,.-: ,, :: . .
,, . , ", : ~ : , . .
,
Claims (18)
1. A device for monitoring the contractability of the pelvic floor muscles in which a probing head (1) can be connected to a display device (3) by way of at least one measurement line (2), characterized in that the probing head (1) has on its periphery at least one pressure sensor (19, 21, 24) or areas (6, 7, 14, 15, 16) that are separated from each other and can be deformed elastically against a fluid.
2. A device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the measurement line (2) is formed as a fluid line and can be connected to a fluid gauge chamber (3) and to a display device that is connected with the fluid gauge chamber.
3. A device as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the probing head (1) is formed as an extended body that incorporates a constriction in its middle area (4).
4. A device as defined in claim 3, characterized in that the middle constricted area (4) of the probing head (1) has an elastically deformable covering, the deformability of which is greater than the deformability of the areas (7, 8) of the probing head that are adjacent to the middle area (4).
5. A device as defined in claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the middle area (4) incorporates stiffening (10) that extend in the axial direction, in particular a rod that is connected to the less-deformable areas (7, 8) that are adjacent to the middle area and passes through the constricted area in an axial direction.
6. A device as defined in one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the probing head (1) has at its free end at least one separate pressure sensor (9) or a chamber that is defined by an elastically deformable membrane, wherein a separate measurement line can be connected to a measuring and display device.
7. A device as defined in one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a pressure source (13) can be connected to the deformable areas (6, 7, 14, 15, 16) or to the measurement line (2), this measurement line (2) incorporating a valve arrangement (12), in particular a non-return valve.
8. A device as defined in one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that physiologically safe liquids, in particular aqua bidestillata, are used as the fluid.
9. A device as defined in one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that chambers (14, 15, 16) are so arranged as to be separated from each other in the radial direction, these being acted upon with fluid at a different pressure.
10. A device as defined in one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the probing head (1) is formed at least to part of its length by a hollow cylinder (17) that has a gap (18) that extends in a longitudinal direction; and in that at least one wire strain gauge (19) that is connected with the measurement line (2) is arranged on the inside periphery of the cylinder.
11. A device as defined in claim 10, characterized in that the wire strain gauge (19) is arranged opposite the gap (18).
12. A device as defined in one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the probing head (1) is formed to at least part of its length by a hollow cylinder (17) that incorporates a gap (18) that extends in the longitudinal direction; and in that in the area of the gap there are electrically conductive plates (21) that are connected to the measurement line (2).
13. A device as defined in one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the probing head (1) is covered with an elastic material (20), for example, foam, rubber, or the like.
14. A device as defined in one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the probing head (1) incorporates elastic areas (23) that contain electrically conductive material, for example carbon dust, electrically conductive liquids or solutions, or the like; and in that electrodes (24) that are connected with the measurement line (2) are embedded in the electrically conductive material (23).
15. A device as defined in one of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a positioning stop (25) is arranged on the probing head at the end that is opposite to the free end of said probing head (1).
16. A device as defined in claim 15, characterized in that the positioning stop (25) is formed from a particularly flexible plastic plate, the outside diameter of which exceeds the diameter of the probing head (1) by at least one-third of this diameter.
17. A device as defined in claim 15 or claim 16, characterized in that there is a grip (26) on the positioning stop (25).
18. A device as defined in one of the claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the positioning stop (25) can be secured on the probing head (1) at varying distances from the free end of said probing head (1).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATA454/92 | 1992-03-09 | ||
| AT0045492A AT402366B (en) | 1992-03-09 | 1992-03-09 | DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE CONTRACABILITY OF THE PELVIC MUSCULAR |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2102491A1 true CA2102491A1 (en) | 1993-09-10 |
Family
ID=3491048
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002102491A Abandoned CA2102491A1 (en) | 1992-03-09 | 1993-03-08 | Device for monitoring the contractibility of the pelvic floor muscles |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5483832A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0583456B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3100062B2 (en) |
| AT (2) | AT402366B (en) |
| AU (1) | AU664428B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2102491A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE59303951D1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0583456T3 (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ249426A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993017619A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (51)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5881731A (en) * | 1994-02-21 | 1999-03-16 | Remes; Arto | Device for treatment of incontinence of urine |
| FI98045C (en) | 1994-02-21 | 1997-04-10 | Arto Remes | Device for incontinence treatment |
| US5964732A (en) * | 1997-02-07 | 1999-10-12 | Abbeymoor Medical, Inc. | Urethral apparatus with position indicator and methods of use thereof |
| US6086549A (en) * | 1997-07-03 | 2000-07-11 | Utah Medical Products, Inc. | Apparatus and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
| US5971967A (en) | 1997-08-19 | 1999-10-26 | Abbeymoor Medical, Inc. | Urethral device with anchoring system |
| US5931775A (en) * | 1997-10-31 | 1999-08-03 | Smith; Robert H. | Device for training vaginal sphincter muscle |
| CN100339139C (en) * | 1997-11-19 | 2007-09-26 | 黛安娜·J·索查克 | Perineometer for domestic use in prevention of urinary incontinence |
| EP1032457B1 (en) * | 1997-11-19 | 2002-08-21 | Diane J. Sawchuck | Perineometer for domestic use in prevention of urinary incontinence |
| WO1999028002A1 (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 1999-06-10 | Deschutes Medical Products, Inc. | Pubococcygeal training biofeedback device |
| US6063045A (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 2000-05-16 | Deschutes Medical Products, Inc. | Pubococcygeal training biofeedback device |
| SE514665C2 (en) * | 1998-08-13 | 2001-04-02 | Medscand Medical Ab | Method and apparatus for evaluating the status of pelvic floor muscles in a patient |
| RU2264787C2 (en) * | 1999-11-24 | 2005-11-27 | Инновэйтив Девелопмент Энд Маркетинг Ас | Method and device for training pelvic fundus muscles |
| US6406411B1 (en) * | 1999-12-13 | 2002-06-18 | Peter A. Guagliano | Pelvic floor exercise device |
| US6672996B2 (en) * | 1999-12-13 | 2004-01-06 | Anthony C. Ross | Pelvic floor exercise device |
| US6468232B1 (en) | 2000-07-13 | 2002-10-22 | The Regents Of The University Of Michigan | Method and apparatus for measuring properties of the pelvic floor muscles |
| US6625495B1 (en) * | 2000-08-02 | 2003-09-23 | Medisox Israel Ltd. | Body-cavity probe with body conformable member |
| NL1016228C2 (en) * | 2000-09-21 | 2002-03-22 | Best Medical Internat Beheer B | Electro-stimulator for the treatment of incontinence. |
| US7141025B2 (en) * | 2002-11-29 | 2006-11-28 | Guillermo Hernan Davila | Apparatus and method for qualitative assessment of pelvic floor muscular strength |
| KR100710908B1 (en) * | 2005-07-19 | 2007-04-27 | 김경일 | A apparatus for examining and curing urinary incontinence, and for exercising bio-feedback of women vagina muscles |
| JP2007075257A (en) * | 2005-09-13 | 2007-03-29 | Keiko Mitsui | Muscle strengthening training system for opening part |
| US7645220B2 (en) * | 2005-11-08 | 2010-01-12 | Anatasol, Llc | Perineometer with wireless biofeedback |
| NZ551400A (en) * | 2006-11-20 | 2009-03-31 | Orelle Holdings Ltd | Pelvic floor exercise device |
| AU2010306841B2 (en) | 2009-10-13 | 2016-03-03 | Materna Medical, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for preventing vaginal lacerations during childbirth |
| EP2322110A1 (en) * | 2009-11-13 | 2011-05-18 | Academisch Ziekenhuis Groningen | A probe system, a probe and a method for measuring functionality of an orifice in the human pelvic region |
| EP2598215A4 (en) * | 2010-07-28 | 2014-01-29 | Sunbeam Products Inc | Pelvic muscle trainer |
| WO2012035532A1 (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2012-03-22 | Olga Kolpakova | Apparatus and method for training of muscles |
| NO333208B1 (en) * | 2011-04-05 | 2013-04-08 | Pelvital As | Apparatus and system for testing and training pelvic floor muscles |
| US20120259165A1 (en) * | 2011-04-11 | 2012-10-11 | Nancy Karapasha | Lobed pessary device |
| US8758387B2 (en) | 2011-07-15 | 2014-06-24 | University Of Iowa Research Foundation | Biofeedback training of anal and rectal muscles |
| US9724128B2 (en) * | 2011-09-15 | 2017-08-08 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Devices and methods for manipulating bodily tissues |
| ITPD20120070A1 (en) * | 2012-03-08 | 2013-09-09 | A U S Srl | RELEASE INDICATOR OF THE SPINTERIC CIRCULAR MUSCLES OF THE ANUS |
| US9522095B2 (en) * | 2012-06-22 | 2016-12-20 | Carl W. Steele | Devices for mobilizing the hip joint capsule and methods of using same |
| US9744630B2 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2017-08-29 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method of conforming an overwrap to a pessary device |
| US9339364B2 (en) | 2012-10-10 | 2016-05-17 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Intravaginal device withdrawal assembly |
| US9597222B2 (en) | 2012-10-10 | 2017-03-21 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Intra-vaginal device withdrawal assembly |
| DK2919867T3 (en) * | 2012-11-14 | 2017-06-26 | Msys Ag | EQUIPMENT FOR EXERCISE OF THE PELVIC BOTTOM |
| US9776040B2 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2017-10-03 | LELO Inc. | Exercising kegel muscles using preprogrammed exercise programs |
| US10363065B2 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2019-07-30 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Medical devices and methods for manipulating bodily tissues |
| US9855074B2 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2018-01-02 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Adjustable medical devices and methods for manipulating bodily tissues |
| US11324999B2 (en) | 2014-01-13 | 2022-05-10 | Skye Health, Inc. | Methods and devices for sensing, guiding, and/or tracking pelvic exercise |
| US9993688B2 (en) | 2014-01-13 | 2018-06-12 | Skye Health, Inc. | Device and method for sensing, guiding, and/or tracking pelvic exercise |
| GB2531744B (en) | 2014-10-28 | 2017-11-22 | Chiaro Tech Ltd | Method and apparatus for monitoring the pelvic floor muscles |
| USD760898S1 (en) * | 2015-05-06 | 2016-07-05 | VTrump Tech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. | Kegel exercising device |
| DK178783B1 (en) * | 2015-06-18 | 2017-01-23 | Fortis Pelvic Aps | Symmetrical probe for measuring pelvic floor muscle parameters |
| EP3319534A4 (en) | 2015-07-10 | 2019-04-10 | Materna Medical, Inc. | Systems and methods for the treatment and prevention of female pelvic dysfunction |
| US10653450B2 (en) * | 2015-09-30 | 2020-05-19 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Surgical tool control devices and methods of using the same |
| JP6165371B1 (en) * | 2017-01-10 | 2017-07-19 | 株式会社バンダイ | House toy |
| FR3072272A1 (en) | 2017-10-16 | 2019-04-19 | Fizimed | DEVICE FOR MEASURING CONTRACTIONS AND / OR MUSCLE RELEASE OF A BODY CAVITY AND RELATED METHODS. |
| WO2019118561A1 (en) | 2017-12-13 | 2019-06-20 | Pelvital Usa, Inc. | Apparatus, system, and method for tissue regeneration |
| JP2021007479A (en) * | 2019-06-28 | 2021-01-28 | 株式会社Ｓｋ美容医療研究所 | Training tool for pelvic bottom muscle group |
| US11771953B1 (en) | 2023-03-06 | 2023-10-03 | Craig A. Hoffman | Perineometer and method for use of same |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE157594C (en) * | ||||
| GB328599A (en) * | 1929-01-28 | 1930-04-28 | Electro Thermal Company | Improvement in dilators |
| US2507858A (en) * | 1948-04-29 | 1950-05-16 | Arnold H Kegel | Apparatus to indicate progressive exercise of injured sphincter muscles |
| US2499045A (en) * | 1948-08-16 | 1950-02-28 | Walker Frank Ray | Rectal dilator and medicator |
| CH346971A (en) * | 1955-11-11 | 1960-06-15 | Sokol Kurt Dr Med | Medical device with means for the diagnostic measurement of the tone and for the gymnastic treatment of the vaginal, pelvic floor and neighboring muscles |
| US3726273A (en) * | 1971-07-21 | 1973-04-10 | N Cole | Muscle exercising device |
| US3799170A (en) * | 1972-05-31 | 1974-03-26 | M Walsh | Therapeutic dilator, disposable or reusable |
| US4050449A (en) * | 1976-02-25 | 1977-09-27 | Medical Products Development Corporation | Apparatus for exercising muscles of a female patient's pelvic diaphragm |
| US4216783A (en) * | 1978-03-09 | 1980-08-12 | Howard Kaiser | Pneumatic monitor for indicating strength of contractile muscles |
| DD157594B1 (en) * | 1981-03-25 | 1986-07-16 | Univ Leipzig | DEVICE FOR PRESSURE MEASUREMENT OF CLOSURE MUSCLES |
| FR2543834B1 (en) * | 1983-04-07 | 1985-08-23 | Descartes Universite Rene | VARIABLE GEOMETRY PROBE FOR MEASURING RADIAL CONSTRAINTS IN A SPHINCTER OF A LIVING ORGANISM |
| FR2582944B1 (en) * | 1985-06-11 | 1990-10-26 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | POLYMERIC PART, PARTICULARLY POLYOXYETHYLENE POLYURXHETHYLENE WITH ANISOTROPIC SWELLING, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME, AND USE THEREOF AS DILATOR |
| US4953563A (en) * | 1986-06-20 | 1990-09-04 | Howard Kaiser | Protective disposable sheath for muscle monitor |
| US4768522A (en) * | 1987-02-24 | 1988-09-06 | Exta, Inc. | Device for exercising vaginal muscles |
| US4873990A (en) * | 1988-09-23 | 1989-10-17 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Circumferential pressure probe |
-
1992
- 1992-03-09 AT AT0045492A patent/AT402366B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1993
- 1993-03-08 AU AU36206/93A patent/AU664428B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1993-03-08 US US08/146,095 patent/US5483832A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-03-08 AT AT93905073T patent/ATE143240T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1993-03-08 DK DK93905073.8T patent/DK0583456T3/da not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1993-03-08 EP EP93905073A patent/EP0583456B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-03-08 DE DE59303951T patent/DE59303951D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-03-08 CA CA002102491A patent/CA2102491A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-03-08 NZ NZ249426A patent/NZ249426A/en unknown
- 1993-03-08 WO PCT/AT1993/000041 patent/WO1993017619A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1993-03-08 JP JP05515166A patent/JP3100062B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH06507817A (en) | 1994-09-08 |
| US5483832A (en) | 1996-01-16 |
| WO1993017619A1 (en) | 1993-09-16 |
| JP3100062B2 (en) | 2000-10-16 |
| DE59303951D1 (en) | 1996-10-31 |
| ATE143240T1 (en) | 1996-10-15 |
| ATA45492A (en) | 1996-09-15 |
| AU3620693A (en) | 1993-10-05 |
| EP0583456A1 (en) | 1994-02-23 |
| AT402366B (en) | 1997-04-25 |
| EP0583456B1 (en) | 1996-09-25 |
| NZ249426A (en) | 1996-08-27 |
| DK0583456T3 (en) | 1997-03-17 |
| AU664428B2 (en) | 1995-11-16 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2102491A1 (en) | Device for monitoring the contractibility of the pelvic floor muscles | |
| US7645220B2 (en) | Perineometer with wireless biofeedback | |
| US4216783A (en) | Pneumatic monitor for indicating strength of contractile muscles | |
| US6217529B1 (en) | Pubococcygeal training biofeedback device | |
| US7470217B2 (en) | Grip strength device | |
| US4776347A (en) | Device for devloping control of spincter-type muscles | |
| JP4394326B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for pelvic floor muscle training | |
| US4987783A (en) | Sensor and transducer apparatus | |
| US4050449A (en) | Apparatus for exercising muscles of a female patient's pelvic diaphragm | |
| US5253654A (en) | Orthopedic weight monitor | |
| CN100560026C (en) | The device that is used to check and treat urinary incontinence and tempers the women vagina muscles biofeedback | |
| US3726273A (en) | Muscle exercising device | |
| US20070185417A1 (en) | Pelvic floor function diagnostic and therapeutic station and uses thereof | |
| WO1999003421A3 (en) | Apparatus and method for treating female urinary incontinence | |
| WO2003099118A1 (en) | Implantable bladder sensor | |
| CA2312401C (en) | Pubococcygeal training biofeedback device | |
| Thind et al. | Method for evaluation of the urethral closure mechanism in women during standardised changes of cross-sectional area | |
| WO1981001237A1 (en) | Muscle monitor | |
| Hiltunen et al. | Simplified solid sphere test to investigate anal sphincter strength in patients with anorectal diseases | |
| CA1116941A (en) | Muscle monitor | |
| EP3960081A1 (en) | Adjustable perineometer device | |
| GB2075841A (en) | Device for developing control of sphincter-type muscles | |
| AU3709101A (en) | Muscle tone display component | |
| KR840000573Y1 (en) | Muscular strength tester | |
| Blechschmidt et al. | Piezoresistive sensors for medical applications |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |