Fecal incontinence device, system and method
A device for treating fecal incontinence in a subject is provided. The device includes a plug configured for positioning mostly within an anal canal of the subject.
1. A plug for placement into an anal canal between a rectum having a rectal neck bottom and an external anal surface, the plug comprising:
a stem having a distal end configured with a nose cone;
a cupped or flat soft disc carried on said distal end of said stem proximal to said nose cone; and
a biasing cap at a proximal end of the stem;
wherein said stem elastically stretches to bias said disc downward against the rectal neck bottom when the biasing cap engages the external anal surface.
2. A plug as in claim 1 , wherein the thickness of said disc is greater at the center of said disc relative to said thickness at the circumference of said disc.
3. A plug as in claim 1 , wherein said disc is sufficiently deformable to conform to and seal over the rectal neck bottom when the plug is present in the anal canal.
4. A plug as in claim 3 , wherein the stem can stretch to accommodate anal canal length ranges from 2-5 cm when the plug is placed into the anal canal between the rectum and the external anal surface.
5. A plug as in claim 3 , wherein said soft disc deforms to a concave down configuration as the plug is inserted through the anal canal and to a concave up configuration when said disc seals against the rectal neck bottom.
6. A plug as in claim 5 , wherein the disc has a thickness in the range from 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm.
7. A plug as in claim 6 , wherein the disc has a diameter in the range from 2 cm to 3 cm.
8. A plug as in claim 7 , wherein wall thickness of said stem is greater at said distal end relative to said proximal end.
9. A plug as in claim 8 , wherein the outer diameter of said stem is greater at said distal end relative to said proximal end.