[Development of a magnetic urethral closure and initial clinical experiences]

The new magnetic closure device consists of a retropubically implanted magnet and another removable intravaginal magnet, which gently closes the urethra. The system has shown its proper function in animal experiments up to an urethral pressure of 120 cm water pressure and in an animal model - female merino sheep - during a period of observation up to 33 weeks. The first experiences with a magnetic urethral closure system in female patients with recurrent urinary incontinence, when common incontinence surgery is useless (no descensus, extremely hypotone urethral), are promising. Continence can be achieved, the handling is easy and can be managed by intelligent and well motivated patients. The system has been used successfully in 7 patients carrying the magnet in the vagina over 8 h daily for up to 3 years.