Urethral plug assembly having adhesive for enhanced sealing capabilities and method of using said plug assembly

A remove-to-void device for blocking unwanted flow of urine comprising an expandable member, said member comprising a plastic polymer possessing a first shape prior to insertion into a human body, said first shape being insufficient in size and volume to form a plug to block the flow of urine, and a second shape following insertion into a human body, said second shape being in response to the environment of the urethra, bladder neck or bladder, said second shape forming a urine-impermeable plug, said urine-impermeable plug being of sufficient size and volume so as to remain in place against the walls of the urethra, bladder neck, or bladder while blocking the flow of urine, such that in said first shape said member is adapted too be configured in its non-expanded disposition and in said second shape said member is adapted to be configured in its expanded disposition, said member further having adhesive disposed thereon so as to seal said member against a wall of the urethral meatus, urethra, bladder neck or bladder.

A plug assembly for use in the urethra to control urinary incontinence comprising:

• a housing adapted to be inserted into the natural opening of a wearer, said housing having adhesive disposed thereon to anchor said housing to the urethral meatus, urethra, bladder neck or bladder wall,
• means for mechanically changing the shape of said housing upon insertion into the natural opening,
• means for reversing the changing of the shape of said housing, so that the wearer may remove said housing from the natural urethral opening and effect bladder evacuation.

A urethral plug having enhanced sealing capabilities comprising:

• a body adapted to expand for internally occluding the urethra having a layer of adhesive disposed thereon,
• a meatal plate for anchoring said body to the urethral meatus,
• whereby said adhesive retains said body against the wall of the urethra, bladder neck, or bladder such that movement of the plug is arrested.

A urethral plug having enhanced sealing capabilities comprising:

• a body adapted to expand after insertion into a urethra for internally occluding the urethra,
• a meatal plate for anchoring said body to the urethral meatus, said meatal plate having a discontinuous layer of adhesive thereon,
• whereby said adhesive anchors said meatal plate at the meatus such that movement of the plug is arrested.

A method of using a urethral plug having enhanced sealing capabilities comprising:

• providing a non-expandable body having a substantially constant cross section, and being adapted to internally occlude the urethra,
• providing a meatal plate attached to said body, having a layer of adhesive thereon for anchoring said meatal plate to the urethral meatus,
• whereby said anchoring by said adhesive, enchances a seal of said body to the urethral wall such that movement of the plug is arrested.

A urethral plug having enhanced sealing capabilities comprising:

• a non-expandable body adapted to internally occlude the urethra having a layer of adhesive disposed thereon,
• a meatal plate for anchoring said body to the urethral meatus,
• whereby said adhesive retains said body against the wall of the urethra, bladder neck, or bladder such that movement of the plug is arrested.

A method of using a urethral plug having enhanced sealing capabilities comprising:

• providing a non-expandable body adapted to internally occlude the urethra having a layer of adhesive disposed thereon,
• providing a meatal plate attached to said body, for anchoring said meatal plate to the urethral meatus,
• whereby said adhesive retains said body against the wall of the urethra, bladder neck, or bladder, such that movement of the plug is arrested.