info@sbhi.ie 
+353 (0)1 457 2329 
What is it?
The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is a surgically implanted device for controlling urinary incontinence which has been in use since 1972.
Usually, when the bladder is full, the urge to urinate is felt because a message goes from the brain, through the network of nerves in our back (spinal cord), to the natural sphincter (muscle that keeps the urethra closed). When it receives the message, the sphincter relaxes and allows the bladder to empty. Afterwards, it tightens again, squeezing the urethra (the opening which allows urine to leave the body) to keep urine from leaking out of the bladder. Sometimes the “messages” aren’t able to get from the brain to the natural sphincter. This often happens because the nerve supply (communication network) is damaged, as in Spina Bifida. The bladder is then considered to be “neuropathic” and must be managed.