| urinary sphincter, artificial | An artifical implanted device, usually in the form of an inflatable silicone cuff, inserted in or around the bladder neck in the surgical treatment of urinary incontinence caused by sphincter weakness. Often it is placed around the bulbous urethra in adult males. The artificial urinary sphincter is considered an alternative to urinary diversion. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| larynx, artificial | A device, activated electronically or by expired pulmonary air, which simulates laryngeal activity and enables a laryngectomised person to speak. Examples of the pneumatic mechanical device are the tokyo and van hunen artificial larynges. Electronic devices include the western electric electrolarynx, tait oral vibrator, cooper-rand electrolarynx and the ticchioni pipe. (12 Dec 1998) |
| liver, artificial | Devices for simulating the activities of the liver. They often consist of a hybrid between both biological and artificial materials. (12 Dec 1998) |