A magnetic urethral closure device: preliminary report of an experimental study.

The new magnetic urethral closure system consists of a retropubically implanted magnet and another removable intravaginal magnet, thus gently closing the urethra. The device has shown its proper function in 12 sheep during a period of observation of up to 33 weeks. There were no technical defects. The pressure on the tissue can be modulated by the size and strength of the removable magnet and the pressure action time can easily be limited to the actual needs of the patient. Necrosis of the vagina wall and urethra have not been observed, using smooth-edged magnets.