The electronic artificial urinary sphincter: ongoing innovation of a classic device-a narrative review

While the modern artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has benefited from incremental innovation, which has improved both device efficacy and complication rates, the foundational technology in use in Boston Scientific's AMS800 can be traced back to the fundamental hydraulic tenets of the AS721. Research and development in adaptive technology and electronic integration stand to further improve AUS outcomes.

The Medline online retrieval system was queried using the MeSH terms "artificial urinary sphincter", "electronic", "complications", "history", and "development" in various combinations. Publications were reviewed if applicable, and their reference lists were used to collect additional articles as needed. Final article inclusion was based on senior author discretion.

The AMS800 AUS is the gold standard for male stress incontinence implants. A 2015 consensus conference set out the goals for sphincter device development in the coming decades. A future ideal sphincter would adjust cuff pressure dynamically as well as function with minimal manipulation, or even via electronic control. Multiple new devices are in various states of development. During the next decade, artificial urinary sphincter technology is likely to include multiple Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved devices with varying features aimed at satisfying the 2015 consensus conference goal for an "ideal" AUS.

The future of stress incontinence therapy lies in both continued innovation for the AUS, as well as advances in regenerative medicine. Electronic and adaptive developments in AUS technology will increase device safety, efficacy, and longevity while improving the user and caregiver experience. For some, regenerative medicine may even make AUS technology obsolete.