CN100339139C - Perineometer for domestic use in prevention of urinary incontinence - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a perineometer which can enable a user to carry out pelvis muscle exercise at home. The present invention comprises (a) a device which manually generates inflation pressure in the perineometer, (b) a flexible and hollow vagina spheroid device which can be expanded by inflation, and (c) an instrument supporting device, wherein the spheroid device can be connected with the manual inflation pressure device (a) through air; the supporting device is connected with the inflation pressure device (a) or the vagina spheroid device (b); the supporting device supports a microprocessor, a direct current power supply, an electronic inflation pressure sensing device, a storage switch, an on-off converter and an electronic reading and displaying device; the storage switch is connected to the microprocessor by using an by an electronic method, and can be manually controlled; the on-off converter controls electric current to be conducted from the power supply device and the microprocessor; the electronic reading and displaying device can enable the domestic consumers of the perineometer to monitor the operating characteristics of the perineometer.

Description

Be used to prevent the home-use perineometer of aconuresis

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of new home-use perineometer.Especially, the present invention relates to a kind of new perineometer, the women can or use this perineometer at home in non-medical environment, so that temper (PME) treatment and recover pelvis bottom muscle by pelvic muscles.Benefit of the present invention comprises the postpartum vaginal situation of improving, retentivity is healthy and prevent some form aconuresis, especially stress incontinence.

Background technology

Aconuresis is to influence 50% to 70% women above middle age who is admitted to hospital and 30% older adult women's main health problem nearly.Modal form is repressive aconuresis.Repressive aconuresis causes owing to bladder pressure is elevated to above urethral resistance suddenly.This rising appears under cough, situation sneezing or swelling.Suitable pelvic muscles is tempered the muscle that can strengthen on the bone, and this has just strengthened the ability that these muscle are exerted pressure to urethra, thereby reduces or the elimination aconuresis.

According to estimates, there is the Canadian of 1,000,000 various age brackets to be subjected to the evil of aconuresis, and has only 1/5th people to seek medical treatment help.Therefore, in the North America, adult's towel is sold to increase sharply becomes the industry of multi-million dollar, and its advertisement was play in the prime time of TV.But in most of the cases, aconuresis can cure or significantly improve.(a disease of old people expert of the Toronto hospital of Toronto declares multiple different methods of treatment, comprises pelvis exercise, drug therapy and surgical intervention for Gary Naglie doctor, Ontario.) most obstertricians and gynecologist think that the therapy of three kinds of treatment aconuresises is arranged, and comprise pelvis exercise, drug therapy and surgical intervention.

The quantity of incontinent patients will inevitably increase along with the aging of population of North America.And patient, especially women are also arranged in a middle-aged person, their pelvic muscles is elongated owing to bearing child.The hormone change that is accompanied by climacteric can make this problem aggravation.In fact, for a lot of women that give birth to a plurality of children, incontinence becomes next big health problem probably.

The kind of aconuresis three kinds-repressive, urgent urination generally arranged with overflow.Each all has various reasons and methods of treatment.Understanding the method for better controlling bladder or the technology that reduces caffeine, bladder irritation thing may be that some patient is desired all.

The bladder excessive sensitivity may be the basic reason of urgent urination incontinence, and some medicine that is used to loosen hypersusceptible bladder may produce undesired side effect, comprises dry, the dimness of vision, constipation and confusion.In Toronto hospital, Sidney Radomski doctor says that he and Naglie doctor have found evidence explanation Nimodipine, a kind of medicine that is used for the treatment of the paralytic, the undesired side effect that can loosen bladder and not have other medicines to have.

Surgical intervention is the form of another kind of treatment stress incontinence.Now, by inserting the finder and the surgery device of miniaturization from the several little otch of belly, the surgeon can make lax bladder recover.Sometimes also can treat the bladder seepage by artificial sphincter or collagen injection.Usually, if other therapeutic modality is effective, should avoid surgical intervention.

Arnold H.Kegel be prove the earliest to the musculature of pelvis bottom carry out one of the beneficial effect of isometric exercise (isometric exercise) the people (Kegel, 1948,1952, infra.).Kegel is recommended in the perineometer that adopts biofeedback in the pelvic muscles exercise.

It is success and effective that some investigator's proofs perform physical exercise in biofeedback.There is multiple perineometer device to can be used for clinical and the internal medicine clinic.They write down the pressure of vagina usually with a kind of intravaginal air bag.And show to the patient with the form of some vision or audio feedback.Such device uses simply and is more cheap.Shortcoming is conscientiously to practise.But even now is although conscientiously exercise also may be to perform physical exercise in unsuitable mode.Its intravaginal pressure of patient that intraabdominal pressure increases also can raise.This has shown and simple pelvis contraction phase measurement result together mistakenly.Therefore, under the special and professional care situation, use the patient of perineometer must accept correct instruction, and often carry out the specialty evaluation, can form the simple pelvis that correctly carries out with the work that guarantees them and shrink.

Arnold H.Kegel discloses first kind of design of perineometer in it is entitled as the article (being published in journal of obstetrics and gynecology 1948 56 volume of the U.S.) of " the cumulative resistance exercise in the functional rehabilitation of perineum muscle ".Specialized designs a kind of aerating device carry out the birth canal muscular training, and make patient can see the measurement result of each contraction of muscle.Also provide and write down the curve map that each tempers the achievement in period, as patient and doctor's progress guidance.This device comprises the inflation vagina container of a simple balance resistance, and this container is under atmospheric pressure worked, and links to each other by the pressure gauge of rubber tube with scale 0 to 100mm mercury.In this structure, the vagina container is that slight stretching of the rubber sleeve with given density of on the elongated core of a rigidity anode being handled forms, and each end of this elongated core all has a flange.Passage on the core is connected with pipe aeration vessel with pressure gauge.The round rubber guard shield that be equipped with the bottom of this container is semirigid, diameter is 8cm, this guard shield defines the position in vagina and makes it in place.

In order to measure and analyze the function of pelvic muscles, people have carried out two experimental procedures.Burgio etc. (1986) insert conduit respectively in the bladder with the monitoring bladder pressure, and the pressure air bag is inserted in anus and the rectum with monitoring anal sphincter and intraabdominal pressure.The difference exercise comprises the contraction anal sphincter, and this makes musculus pubococcygeus and other pelvis muscular movement usually, and muscle systems simultaneously relaxs the abdomen.

Dougherty and her colleague (Dougherty, Abrams﹠amp; McKey, 1986) second kind of medical experiment and clinical practice process have been carried out.They have developed a kind of interior airbag apparatus of vagina that is filled with liquid, and this device inserts in vagina and connects pressure transducer, and this pressure transducer provides about the numeral of pelvic muscles contraction and visual information.They have also developed a kind of pressure-sensitive rear portion airbag apparatus, and this device is positioned over (Dougherty, Bishop, Abrams, Batich﹠amp in the fornix of vagina; Gimotty, 1989), in order to measure intraabdominal pressure.Adopted these devices, and under physician or other qualified therapist's accompanying, patient learns to distinguish and strengthen the contraction of pelvic muscles, make the belly contraction that things turn out contrary to one's wishes reduce to minimum simultaneously.

Though Dougherty etc. have reported the good reliability and the reproducibility of the technology of using them, their technology is unlikely be widely used in clinical because it is too time-consuming.But, with pelvis bottom exercise treatment aconuresis the time, this method may be helper very important in the clinical treatment.

H.Gordon etc. have disclosed a kind of perineometer of European women at the perineum muscle function of childbirth after 1 year that be used to measure in being entitled as the article in the function of perineum muscle " postpartum ".This perineometer comprises a rubber condoms thin, that do not have the termination projection, and this sheath can insert vagina and make its expansion, just feels pressure up to the subject.At this moment provide zero reading, subsequently pressure is changed being recorded on the pressure gauge with the cm water column.This sheath can change along with each subject, therefore do not need sterilization, and it can also expand with the difference of vagina cavity.In case initial pressure makes this sheath expand, the needed subsequently pressure that is used to increase volume is just very little.

For many years, disclose many patent documentations, it has disclosed the multiple Design of device scheme that is used to measure the perineum muscle strength, wherein:

Open day of U.S. Patent No.

3,752,150 1973 on August 14,

4,048,985 1977 on September 20,

4,050,449 1977 on September 27,

4,167,938 1979 on September 18,

4,216,783 1980 on August 12,

4,241,912 1980 on December 30,

4,476,880 1984 on October 16,

4,515,167 1985 on May 7,

4,574,791 1986 on May 11,

4,653,514 1987 on March 31,

4,666,447 1987 on May 19,

4,768,522 1988 on September 6,

5,213,557 1993 on May 25,

5,256,123 1993 on October 26,

Foreign patent

GB1532360 on November 15th, 1978

GB2187959 on September 23rd, 1987

AU92/17573 on December 30th, 1992

DE4134116 on April 22nd, 1993

DE4139241A (J.Steindorf) disclosed a kind of bio-feedback arrangement on May 27th, 1993, and this bio-feedback arrangement comprises microprocessor (4), and this microprocessor (4) is by physician's (see figure 1) that programs.Disclosed device comprises the probe (1) (especially with reference to Figure 10 and 11) that is mainly used in anus.Shown in Figure 10 and 11, the probe (1) that is used for anus comprises an expandable sphere (61).By this device, the physician can instruct incontinent patients to shrink exercise in conjunction with rectum expansion stimulation, after patient observes the rectum expansion at every turn, makes anal sphincter and pelvis bottom contraction of muscle.Fig. 9 and 9A are depicted as the profile of the probe sensor (1) of variable-length, and this probe sensor (1) has detecting head (11), degree of depth confinement plate (13) and the handle (14) that is connected to the cepaeform on the elongated cylindricality feeler (12).This embodiment is applicable to vagina in theory, but bar (12) can not expand.Because an end of this device has the sphere (11) of diameter greater than bar (12), and the net (63) that this device cooperates with this bar that can not expand (12) in addition, so this device is unsuitable for allowing patient carry out effective vagina muscles enhancing exercise by this bar of extruding (12) at home.

The conduit that EP-A-0219410 (M.Duhem) disclosed a kind of monomer on April 22nd, 1987 is used for the patient's of gatism positive exercise.This catheter design is to insert in the body cavity (anus or vagina), and combines with the sphincter piece that will take exercise.But this conduit comprises the sleeve pipe (7) of elastic stretching tubulose, prolate, and this sleeve pipe (7) is made of the front portion (4) and rear portion (4) end portion of rigidity.This sleeve pipe (7) comprises the hole that connects external agency, when conduit being put into body cavity work, has been full of the fluid as the pressure transmitting medium in the sleeve pipe (7).This conduit comprises pair of electrodes (26), and this electrode is contained in the outer surface of this sleeve pipe (7).During energising, this electrode (26) shrinks, and makes anus or vagina muscles shrink.The device (12) that can monitor two electrodes (26) discharge links with this sleeve pipe (7).Charging fluid combination results output signal in two electrodes (26) and the conduit (7).This signal is handled by electrical devices, and the size of signal goes up at the display board that illuminates (26) and shows that this display board (26) corresponds respectively to default pressure limits.The conduit (7) that pair of electrodes (26) are arranged provides required correct conduction contact with the fluid that injects in this conduit (26), so that send electric pulse to adjacent coelomyarian cube meat, this electric pulse is provided by electrical stimulation device.

Exercise/the degree of physical exercise of dress in this device does not comprise.And this vaginal probe (conduit) must be in intravaginal tram, because its two ends all are hard, have only mid portion to expand under air pressure, thereby provides resistance to vagina muscles.The Duhem device can not use at home, because the application of air pressure is very difficult, and has danger.Safety valve is not provided.And, whether can be controversial with syringe as compressed air source as the pressure of maintenance 273mmHg as described in him.

Also have shortcoming to be, in the described process of Duhem, will inject orbicule to the air of constant volume, and the pressure that produces is set to zero.But it is impossible allowing patient begin to take exercise or test under same pressure.The result who is produced will have very big difference.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a kind of new perineometer and annex thereof, this perineometer can use at home, does not need direct physician guidance.

A kind of user of making can carry out the perineometer that pelvic muscles is taken exercise at home, comprising: (a) the artificial device that produces the blowing pressure in this perineometer; (b) flexible, vagina orbicule device hollow, inflatable, this orbicule device can be linked to each other with manual inflation's pressure apparatus (a) by air; And (c) instrument suppotr bearing apparatus, this supporting arrangement connects this blowing pressure device (a) or vagina orbicule device (b), described supporting arrangement supporting a microprocessor, dc source, electronics the blowing pressure sensing device, one with electronic method be connected to the storage switch that can manually control on this microprocessor, control electric current from supply unit and microprocessor conduction open-close converter apparatus, and domestic consumer that can make this perineometer monitors the electronical reading display unit of the operating characteristics of this perineometer.

Preset pressure pressure-relief valve and manual means of deflation can be connected between manual the blowing pressure device and the expandable vagina orbicule.This perineometer can comprise the program in the microprocessor, writing down in this perineometer the blowing pressure history in the past, and can make this perineometer of microprocessor instructs turn back to the history value of this blowing pressure.

Microprocessor can comprise such program, makes domestic consumer's energy monitoring time, the blowing pressure of shrinking in the vagina orbicule that produces owing to user's vagina fluctuate, and can calculate vagina contraction frequency and number of times.

That the vagina orbicule can comprise is one flexible, hollow, the elongated hollow tracheae device of expandable housing and an inside, so that it is inner or air discharged from elasticity vagina orbicule is inner to pump air into this elasticity vagina orbicule.The housing of vagina orbicule has the sheath-like structure of an end opening, in housing one end relative an elastic device is arranged with this openend, so that make the end of this vagina orbicule keep its shape, near the interior zone of opening one elastic device is arranged at this housing, sealing device seals between the opening of vagina orbicule and the blowing pressure device.The vagina orbicule of perineometer can comprise flexible shroud, and this shroud removably is sleeved on this housing.

This perineometer can comprise a flange, and this flanged ring is on the excircle of the close housing parts that is installed in this air inlet and escape pipe.The supporting arrangement of perineometer can comprise the hand push button device, so that make the domestic consumer can increase or reduce the blowing pressure in the perineometer.Electric air pump can link to each other with electronic method with microprocessor, and makes this microprocessor can drive electric air pump, the pressure that the program that makes perineometer be pressurized to microprocessor sets.

This perineometer can comprise the pressure of a plurality of programmed settings and loosen sequence that it can be presented on the Electronic Display Panel, and the domestic consumer is gone according to the program of this perineum contraction of muscle and rehabilitation step.

This perineometer can comprise an adjustable belt, and this belt can be put on by the user, so that make this vagina orbicule device remain on the intravaginal correct position of user.This belt can comprise a length-adjustable waistband, a length-adjustable crotch belt, and on the crotch belt in order to the fixing device of vagina orbicule device.On this waistband and this crotch belt securing member can be arranged, this securing member can removably be fixed on an end of waistband on the body part of this waistband, and an end of crotch belt removably can be fixed on the body part of this crotch belt.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to a kind of women of making and to utilize perineometer to carry out the method that pelvic muscles is taken exercise at home, comprising: (a) flexibility, inflatable, hollow vagina orbicule device is inserted in this woman's the vagina; (b) the artificial the blowing pressure that produces in this orbicule; (c) drive microprocessor, electronics the blowing pressure sensing device, be connected to the storage switch that can manually control and electronical reading display unit on this microprocessor with dc source, thereby can make the shrinkage character of this woman with this perineometer monitoring pelvic muscles with electronic method.

This method can comprise with the pressure-relief valve of preset high-pressure and manually means of deflation be connected between manual the blowing pressure device and the expandable vagina orbicule, surpass setting to prevent the pressure in the orbicule.

This microprocessor can be worked out such program, and the inflation that makes it write down the past in this perineometer is pressed historical, and can also make this microprocessor instructs perineometer turn back to the history value of the blowing pressure.Microprocessor can also be worked out such program, make this woman can monitoring time, because this woman's vagina shrinks the interior the blowing pressure of vagina orbicule that produces fluctuates, and can calculate vagina contraction frequency and number of times.

Also can comprise the hand push button device, so that make this woman can drive the electric air pump that is connected with electronic method with microprocessor, this electric air pump makes this perineometer be pressurized to the set force value of microprocessor program again.Can and loosen sequence with the pressure of a plurality of designs and be compiled into program in the microprocessor, and on Electronic Display Panel, show this sequence, thereby this woman can be carried out according to the program of this perineum contraction of muscle and rehabilitation step.

Description of drawings

Accompanying drawing shows specific embodiment of the present invention, but all can not think the restriction to spirit of the present invention or scope in all fields.

Figure 1 shows that the schematic diagram of artificial perineometer of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows that the detailed maps of perineometer exercise orbicule of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows that the electronic circuit relevant and the schematic diagram of instrument with artificial perineometer of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows that the schematic diagram of automatic perineometer of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows that the electronic circuit of automatic perineometer of the present invention and the detailed maps of instrument.

Figure 6 shows that the front view of perineometer supporting strap of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows that the perspective view that assembles of perineometer supporting strap of the present invention.

The specific embodiment

With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows that the schematic diagram of artificial perineometer of the present invention.It is suitable for using at home.And provide the written explanation and the explanation of selectable video and CD.Therefore do not need physician, physiatrist or other medical personnel's guidance.This perineometer and detailed operation instruction and selectable video specification combine sale.Perineometer 2 of the present invention comprises flexible, an inflatable vagina orbicule 4, and this orbicule 4 has a flange 6, and this flange 6 is pasting women's vulva zone.This flange 6 prevents that patient from inserting this orbicule 4 in the vagina too far, with the actual bodily harm of avoiding causing.The air balls 10 of can pressing manually that has high pressure pressure-relief valve and artificial means of deflation 12 links to each other with this vagina orbicule 4 by first tracheae 14.A digital reading display board manually can press air balls 10 to link to each other by second tracheae 16 with this.

What valve was housed manually can press air balls 10 and this pressure-relief valve 12 very important, because they can prevent the possibility of these vagina orbicule 4 excessive expansions, and use the patient of this device not having to make orbicule 4 produce excessive expansion under the situation of specialized guidance at home, even detailed explanation is arranged.To the patient who just brings into use this device especially excessive expansion may appear.

A plurality of displays and manual control button are arranged on the reading plate 8.Manual dc-dc converter 30 can be by the control of the user in the family, to start or stop the electronic circuit that invests this perineometer 2.Manually beginning/the count button 42 of control makes the domestic consumer can begin electronic counting, so that interocclusal record when carrying out with second, and calculate at a certain number of times that preset time, per vaginam shrank.The bulbs of pressure of flexible vagina orbicule 4 are shown by pressure display unit 44.The working time of calculating with second shows in time display 46.The number of contractions of vagina is shown by counter 48.

As a kind of selection, pressure display unit 44 can be designed to monitor the bulbs of pressure of a regulation, when force value surpasses this force value, start vent valve 12, this pressure is adjusted, up to this air pressure less than particular pressure value.

Figure 2 shows that the detailed maps of the exercise orbicule 4 of perineometer of the present invention.As shown in Figure 2, this vagina orbicule 4 is the sheath shape, and is suitable for inserting in the vagina.This orbicule 4 comprises a cylindrical shell 17 semi-rigid, circular distal, and this housing 17 has enough rigidity, thereby can not damage by pressure when inserting it into vagina.It is made of suitable plastic, for example polyethylene or rubber.This is airtight, semiflexible and expandable housing 17 is supporting a detachable shroud 18, and this shroud 18 preferably is made of non-sensibility material or is coated with the non-sensibility material of one deck, for example silicon rubber.When needing, if irritated being out of question also can be adopted common latex prophylactic.One end of this housing 17 has opening, is extended with an air inlet and escape pipe 20 in it, along a plurality of pores 22 of vertically having of this air inlet and escape pipe 20.This makes air can enter this housing 17 or discharges from this housing 17.Air inlet and escape pipe 20 are connected with first tracheae 14 at its end opposite with vagina orbicule 4, as shown in Figure 1.

In order to insert vagina in Energy and comfort ground by supporting arrangement is set, this sheath shape housing 17 has an elasticity termination liner 24 in its blind end inside.In the termination of the close flange 6 of housing 17, corresponding flexible liner pad 26 is housed also.This can make vaginal opening zone comfortable and be easy to extract out in vagina.Shroud 18 is sleeved on the edge of flange 6, shown in number in the figure 19.

Although not shown, if necessary, housing 17 and shroud 18 can be to have both intensity and flexible layer structure are arranged.Importantly, housing 17 and shroud 18 all have enough elasticity, and like this, they can adapt to different patients' vagina shape, and simultaneously, they have enough bulk strengths, make that they can excessive expansion in any specific region.For example, common balloon has weakness zone, and can expand in some zone, and does not expand in other zone.This differential expansion phenomenon can be avoided by this orbicule 4.But, the wall structure of this orbicule 4 and housing 17 must have enough pliabilities, shrinks or deflection on this orbicule 4 to guarantee suitable pelvis bottom muscle, and can obtain correct stable measured value.

Because reliable and health, this shroud 18 should be capable of washing in each back of using, and perhaps can on disposable basis it be taken off and change.It also should have such material and design, that is, can it be installed on housing 17 and the flange 6 at an easy rate, also can take off at an easy rate when needing.

Figure 3 shows that the electronic circuit relevant and the schematic diagram of instrument with artificial perineometer embodiment of the present invention.As shown in Figure 3, the electronic circuit and the instrument of artificial perineometer comprise battery 28, and this battery 28 can be chargeable 2 to 12V cadmium cells usually, perhaps can be little big capacity, long-life 2V-12V lithium battery.This circuit should be only to need very little voltage, for example 2 to 12 volts.The low-voltage current that is used for control system can opened-closed the basis and going up and be transmitted to microprocessor 34 by dc-dc converter 30 and lead 32.This microprocessor 34 can be common silicon chip type.This microprocessor 34 can and adopt known programming technique to design according to the selectable vagina perineum muscle reconditioning of operating instruction and almost unlimited a large amount of needed or physician's defined.For example, a program can be 5 seconds or 10 seconds a perineum contraction of muscle of series of periodic, is separated with 15 seconds time-out between continuously or loosens the time.Also can be provided with second and the each procedure time length that is divided into unit by microprocessor 34.Alternate cycle, frequency and the pressure that shrinks and loosen also can be by qualified gynaecologist's regulation.

This microprocessor 34 also can be programmed according to prior art, so that the historical and progress of record and the demonstration user's of family perineum muscle rehabilitation.This program can access by control storage switch 36.Routine data and historical data all show on digital display 8.The air pressure that pressure sensor 38 is measured in the pipe joint 40 that connects second tracheae 16, this pressure sensor 38 can be the usual pressure transducer that has electronic commutator, as shown in Figure 1.According to prior art, the pressure security boundary value can enroll in the program of microprocessor 34, or is provided with in pressure sensor 38 or related hardware with machinery or electronic method.

Figure 4 shows that the schematic diagram of automatic perineometer 50 of the present invention.Automatic perineometer 50 does not as shown in Figure 4 need manually to control valve is housed manually can press air balls 10 (see figure 1)s, but fully by Electronic Control.The structure of vagina orbicule 52 is similar with the orbicule 4 of analyzing explanation with reference to figure 2, and this vagina orbicule 52 links to each other with electronical reading display board 54 by tracheae 55 with protection flange 54.There is 3 one group the pressure that can manually control that button 58 is set on the digital reading plate 56.According to user's needs or qualified physician's guidance, these buttons 58 can be used for increasing, reducing or keep specific air pressure.In order to guarantee domestic consumer's safety, the maximum pressure boundary value is also enrolled in the program of microprocessor.

The memory button 60 that can manually control in addition on the digital display board 56, the domestic consumer can push this memory button 60, so that used force value is identical when making the electronic memory of this microprocessor automatically the atmospheric pressure value in the perineum contractibility unit 50 is arranged to practise in the past with the user.The domestic consumer can use manual control program button 62 to access the pre-set programs that any one is worked out in microprocessor.The user can push the dc-dc converter 64 that can manually control, so that open or close this perineometer 50.Reading plate 56 also has digital display floater, and this numeral display floater shows the blowing pressure 66, is time 68 and the vagina number of contractions 70 that unit is measured with the second.Therefore, the domestic consumer can write down frequency, interval and the pressure that vagina muscles shrinks and loosens.This program, pressure, the time interval etc. can change at every turn.

Figure 5 shows that the electronic circuit of automatic perineometer 50 of the present invention and the detailed maps of instrument.As shown in Figure 5, the circuit of this automatic perineometer 50 comprises the battery 72 as power supply, and this battery 72 can be 2 to 12 volts long life lithium batteries or chargeable tweezer cadmium cell usually.Perhaps, this automatic perineometer can be by 110 volts of common ac power supplies, and by adapter and transformer with this alternating current step-down with convert the direct current of 6-12 volt to.Supply with by 64 controls of dc-dc converter button to the electric power of perineometer from battery 72, and flow to microprocessor 75 along lead 74.According to domestic consumer's needs or according to physician's requirement, this microprocessor 75 can be worked out out a large amount of selectable exercise and rehabilitation procedure by known programming technique.Storage switch button 60 also can manually be controlled by the domestic consumer, and this storage switch button 60 makes this microprocessor 75 send instruction, makes this perineometer return former the blowing pressure value or provides former historical record.

The domestic consumer can access any one available exercise and the rehabilitation procedure that enrolls in the microprocessor with program switch button 62.These will show on display 66.When the user of family wanted to change the blowing pressure, the user can be provided with button 58 and change the blowing pressure by the Manual pressure that can manually control.Pressure sensor 76 links to each other with microprocessor 75 by lead 81.By reading out electronic information data from electronic pressure transmitter 76, this microprocessor 75 can be provided with the instruction that button 58 sends according to pressure, and the pressure in the automatic perineometer is controlled to former level, keeps this pressure or reduces or increase this pressure.

Default safety valve 78 is between air pump 80 and pressure sensor 76, and it has guaranteed that the blowing pressure in the automatic perineometer 50 is no more than the predetermined safe value.Electronic bellows air pump 80 is used for producing the blowing pressure at automatic perineometer 50.As shown in Figure 5, this bellows air pump 80 is controlled by lead 84 by microprocessor 75.Pipe joint 82 makes bellows air pump 80 link to each other with tracheae 55 with other element, as shown in Figure 4.

Dougherty etc. its be entitled as " pelvic muscles classification exercise " article (the regenerative medicine magazine, 0024-7758/93) in, adopted the pelvic muscles exercise method to temper influence to the repressive aconuresis of middle aged and aged women to determine this pelvic muscles.This plan need be carried out the exercise in 16 weeks, and 3 times weekly, 48 time periods altogether.Each time period during this PME plan beginning requires to repeat 15 each pelvic muscles of 10 seconds and shrinks.Later on per 4 weeks increase by 10 times and repeat, and repeat 45 times in the fourth stage at last.And the SoundRec tape is provided, so that the exercise of each time period of guiding PME.

Can be with similar method and other program at the microprocessor 34 of manual inflation's perineometer 2 or be compiled into program in the microprocessor 75 of perineometer 50 automatically.

G.Elia etc. be entitled as " pelvic muscles is taken exercise: when they work? " article (be published in the journal of obstetrics and gynecology of the U.S., in February, 1993, second phases 81 volume) reported in 6 months the result that the women to 36 real repressive aconuresises measures in.After clinical and urine power determination, patient begins to carry out positive Kegel degree of physical exercise.This is to carry out under experienced physiotherapy expert's guidance, and the physiotherapy expert strengthens function by carrying out positive clinical feedback and setting up friendly harmonious correlation.Patient directions was shunk pelvic muscles 10 seconds, loosened then 10 seconds.Each tension/relaxation circulation is carried out with three kinds of different gestures.Patient shrinks pelvic muscles when using standing on tiptoe, is to stand in two leg abductions then, when ancon leans against on the chair, is at last when supine position, and two hands are placed on belly when lying on the back, with the contraction of sensation abdominal muscles.The purpose of different gestures is to avoid the result of Wa Er Salva (Valsalva) formula.The abundant degree of shrinking is checked one to one by pelvis test and perineometer; When patient thinks all set, just begin to carry out exercise time in groups.This exerciser continues 3 months, is included in 1.5 hours courses that organize two Mondays in beginning 6 time-of-weeks, and weekly subsequently exercise time.The womankind is required to perform physical exercise at home, every day 4 times, each 15 minutes.

Can be with similar program and other program at the microprocessor 34 of manual inflation's perineometer 2 or be compiled into program in the microprocessor 75 of perineometer 50 automatically.

L.J.McIntosh etc. are published in regenerative medicine magazine the 9th phases 38 volume September in 1993 at the article that is entitled as " in the incontinence treatment pelvis bottom method of rehabilitation ", have reported that from 6 to 3 years were carried out follow-up investigation to the women of 48 sampling and the effect and the effect of the pelvis bottom rehabilitation procedure that draws.Really suffer among the patient of repressive aconuresis, bladder instability and mixed type incontinence, demonstrate 66%, 33% and 50% the ratio that improves respectively.All there are significant improvement strength that all patients' pelvic muscles is shunk and duration between investigation for the first time and last investigation, and irrelevant with the improvement of subjectivity.Studies show that, pelvis bottom rehabilitation procedure be a kind of in operation the effective ways of selectable minimizing urine leakage frequency.

The people of perineometer is proposed the earliest, Arnold H.Kegel, in the article that is published in being entitled as of U.S.'s journal of obstetrics and gynecology the 5th phase of November in 1956 the 8th volume " early stage reproductive organs is lax, the new technology of diagnosis and non-surgical intervention ", recommend to use the perineometer of his initial design with following method.After 5 to 10 correct contractions, insert this perineometer, physician and patient observe pressure gauge then, and note the result that patient makes great efforts.This woman can be with this device exercise 5 or 10 minutes in the clinic, and during this period, the physician has an opportunity to check whether she shrinks by guidance.Patient directions is carried out 2 or 3 every day by means of perineometer and is tempered each 20 minutes.Because frequent repeating is that to set up new reflective-mode necessary, advise that therefore this woman not having under the situation of device per half an hour contraction phase with muscle 5 to 10 times, carried out one day, and interrupted urinary stream is for several times when draining.All these programs etc. can be at the microprocessors 34 of manual inflation's perineometer 2 or are compiled into program in the microprocessor 75 of perineometer 50 automatically.

The patient of the cloudy contractibility unit 2 of some end user trade union may find that making perineometer 2 remain on intravaginal correct position has some difficulties when operation manually can be pressed air balls 10 and be practised.At this moment, patient may wish with belt this perineometer to be held in place.

Figure 6 shows that the front view of perineometer supporting strap of the present invention.Figure 7 shows that the perspective view that assembles of perineometer supporting strap of the present invention.As shown in Figure 6, this belt 86 comprises a flexible waistband 88 and a rectangular crotch belt 90.Common hook and matte (Velcro ^TM) securing member 94 is positioned at the free end of this crotch belt 90, make the user can be cosily with this belt 90 around its shank crotch.Mid portion at this crotch belt 90 has a slit 96.This slit 96 is enclosed within on the flange 6 of orbicule 4, and makes this flange 6 paste the vagina surface part, and this orbicule 4 is in the vagina.This slit 96 also can make the pipe 20 of this orbicule 4 pass slit 96 and stretch out, thereby is connected on the perineometer.Belt 86 can be made by any flexible material, for example leather, plastics or cloth.The nylon knitting belt that can not stretch is the material of extremely suitable.

Claims (13)

1. one kind is used to insert the perineometer that also can make the women carry out pelvic muscles enhancing exercise at home and not need the physician directly to instruct in women's the vagina, it is characterized in that comprising:

(a) elongated, flexible, nonconducting, inflatable, hollow vagina muscles deflation resistance and pressure are surveyed orbicule (4);

(b) flange (6) that links with orbicule (4) one ends;

(c) detachable elastic silicone rubber or latex shroud (18), this shroud (18) is contained on this orbicule (4) and the flange (6);

(d) one have the preset pressure pressure-relief valve and manually vent valve (12) manually can press air balls (10), this preset pressure pressure-relief valve and manual vent valve (12) are connected manually can press between air balls (10) and the expandable vagina orbicule (4), is used for manually producing the blowing pressure at orbicule (4); And vagina orbicule (4) comprises non-conductive, flexible, a hollow inflatable housing (17);

(e) an instrument suppotr bearing apparatus, this supporting arrangement and vagina orbicule (4) with manually can press air balls (10) to link to each other, described supporting arrangement is supporting a microprocessor (34), a battery (28), an electronics the blowing pressure sensor (38), one is connected to the storage switch that can manually control on this microprocessor (34) with electronic method, control electric current from the on-off converter (30) of battery (28) for one, and one can make the domestic consumer of this perineometer monitor the electronical reading display unit (8) that she uses the situation of this perineometer exercise to microprocessor (34) conduction.

2. perineometer according to claim 1, also comprise a program in the microprocessor (34), this program writes down the blowing pressure in past in this perineometer, and makes microprocessor (34) can order this perineometer to turn back to the blowing pressure value in described past.

3. perineometer according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, microprocessor comprises such program, this program makes this woman to strengthen in the process of taking exercise at pelvis bottom muscle, intensity, frequency and the duration of monitoring contraction of muscle, can also monitor the lounge interval between twice contraction.

4. perineometer according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the elongated hollow tracheae (20) of an inside, this tracheae (20) can pump air into this elasticity vagina orbicule (4) inside or air is discharged from elasticity vagina orbicule (4) is inner.

5. perineometer according to claim 4, it is characterized in that, the housing (17) of vagina orbicule (4) is the sheath-like structure with first termination and second termination, there is opening this first termination, in the second end of the housing head relative semirigid elastic component (24) is arranged with this opening, so that the end that makes this hollow ball-shape body (4) expand or unexpanded situation under keep its shape, at the interior zone of the nearly opening of this housing first end head rest semirigid elastic component (26) is arranged.

6. perineometer according to claim 5 also comprises: make the opening of vagina orbicule (4) and manually can press the sealing device that seals between the air balls (10).

7. perineometer according to claim 4 also comprises a flange (6), and this flange (6) is installed around the periphery of close housing (17) part of this air inlet and escape pipe (20).

8. perineometer according to claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described supporting arrangement (8) is also supporting the hand push button (58) and an electric air pump (80) that can make this domestic consumer increase or reduce the blowing pressure in this perineometer, this electric air pump (80) connects this microprocessor (74) with electronic method, and make microprocessor (74) can drive this electric air pump (80), and make this perineometer be pressurized to the pressure that the program in the microprocessor (74) sets.

9. perineometer according to claim 1, also comprise memory button (60) and program pushbutton (62), it can access the pressure of a plurality of program settings and loosen sequence, this sequence will be presented on the Electronic Display Panel (66), and this domestic consumer is carried out according to the program of perineum contraction of muscle and reconditioning.

10. perineometer according to claim 8 also comprises: reading display board (56), and this reading display board (56) has digital display floater, and this numeral display floater has shown the blowing pressure (66), time (68) and vagina number of contractions (70).

11. perineometer according to claim 1 also comprises adjustable belt (86), this belt (86) can be put on by the domestic consumer, so that make this vagina orbicule (4) remain on the intravaginal correct position of user.

12. perineometer according to claim 11, wherein: this belt comprises length-adjustable waistband (88), length-adjustable crotch belt (90), and on the crotch belt (90) in order to the fixing opening (96) of vagina orbicule (4).

13. perineometer according to claim 12, wherein: on waistband (88) and the crotch belt (90) securing member (94) is arranged, this securing member (94) can removably be fixed on an end of waistband (88) on the body part of this waistband (88), and an end of crotch belt (90) removably can be fixed on the body part of this crotch belt (90).

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