Design and Implementation of an Automated Artificial Urinary Sphincter

Patients who suffer from severe incontinence can recover total continence by means of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). This prosthesis is a hydraulic system made up of three parts : a cuff placed around the urethra, a regulating pressure balloon exerting hydraulic pressure on the cuff and a pump allowing micturition by transferring liquid from the cuff to the balloon. This system is subject to mechanical breakdowns and the pressure applied on the urethra could induce urethral atrophies. The aim of this project is to replace the regulating pressure system (balloon and pump) by an electronic device which dynamically controls the pressure in the cuff according to real-time physiological and postural measures of the patient. The pressure applied on the urethra would then be reduced, avoiding atrophies, and an ergonomic control of the device would be possible as well.