A magnet system for urethral closure in females.

The magnetic/urethral-closure system consists of a retropubically implanted magnet, fixed to the inner rim of the symphysis pubica, and an intravaginal magnet which, by their mutual attraction, close the urethra. Magnetic force/distance characteristics of rare earth/cobalt magnets used for this purpose have been investigated with distances similar to those to be expected with the system in situ. Experiments on excised sheep urethra and bladder have shown proper function of the closure system up to a urethral pressure of more than 120 cm H2O. The system has also been tested in vivo in 16 Merino sheep.