P/00/009 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: Remotely Controllable Implantable Fluid Flow Control Apparatus The invention is described in the following statement: 1 "Remotely Controllable Implantable Fluid Flow Control Apparatus" Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises", "comprising" and "comprised" are to be understood to imply the presence of a stated integer or group of integers but not the 5 exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus. The remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus of the present invention may be used as an implant in the body of a person to control fluid 10 flow at a suitable site in the body of the person. For example, the remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus may be implanted in the bladder neck passage or urethral canal of a person to control flow of urine from the bladder of the person. Background Art The discussion of the background art, any reference to a document and any reference 15 to information that is known, which is contained in this specification, is provided only for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the background art to the present invention, and is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of that material forms part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application in relation to which this specification was filed. 20 Body fluids are stored at several sites in the human body. For example, bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder. It is then periodically discharged into the intestine to aid digestion. By way of another example, urine is excreted by the kidneys and then held in the urinary bladder until it is periodically discharged from the body via the urethra. However, due to some illnesses or conditions, the normal function 25 of these organs can deteriorate. By way of example and further explanation, the urinary bladder is a muscular organ that expands as it fills with urine. Urine stays in the bladder until a certain threshold is reached, at which point nerves within the bladder wall transmit a signal to the brain, indicating to the brain that the bladder is full. The brain interacts and responds by 30 sending a signal back to the bladder to release the urine. 2 Muscles, around the bladder neck (known as the internal urinary sphincter) and distal to the urethra (known as the external urinary sphincter), create a valve-like function that opens or closes to release or hold urine. In males, the external urinary sphincter is located around the prostatic urethra. 5 Both males and females have a circular muscle within the urethral passage known as the external urinary sphincter which, when functioning normally, constricts the urethra and prevents flow of urine from the bladder except when the bladder is voided during normal urination. These muscles may stretch and weaken and be unable to close completely, allowing urine to leak. This condition is called urinary incontinence. 10 Four conditions lead to incontinence: - the valve closing the bladder is too loose, - the valve closing the bladder is too tight, -the bladder is too relaxed, or - the bladder is too active. 15 Urinary incontinence may result from several causes. For example, in females stretching or lengthening of the pelvic attachments to the bladder and urethra (termed cystocele or urethrocele) may occur, A more difficult form of urinary incontinence relates to iatrogenic injury to the urethral sphincter with aging, nerves weakness, 20 diabetes and other conditions. In males, incontinence may occur following certain types of prostate surgery (e.g., for prostate malignancy and sometimes for benign prostatic hypertrophy) as a result of damage to or loss of the external urethral sphincter. Incontinence is a problem for many people including older adults. Present day 25 approaches to dealing with incontinence, such as the Foley catheter or urinary pads, often results in urinary tract infection. A bag for storage of the urine is required and odour becomes a problem. The risk of infection is increased each time the bag is changed. The cost of the Foley catheters and pads is substantial. Urinary retention can be caused by an obstruction in the urethral passage or by nerve 30 problems that interfere with signals between the brain and the bladder. If there is nerve damage, then the signals can be disrupted and the brain may not get the message that the bladder is full. Sometimes, even if the person knows that their bladder is full, the bladder muscle that squeezes urine out may not deliver the signal that it is time to void. 3 The prior art discloses the use of various types of urinary and urethral valves that may be implanted in the body of a patient. Some of these require the patient to manoeuvre and a magnet externally of the patient's body to open the valve (which is implanted in the urethra at the site of the bladder) to allow urine to flow from the bladder. The 5 magnet must be held at the required position to keep the valve open. However, this can be a very awkward procedure for the patient to accomplish. Other prior art systems require that the valve is opened from the exterior of the urethra. For example, by using a mechanical line or electric leads which extend from outside the person's body and connect with the valve that has been implanted in the urethra at 10 the site of the bladder. However, these systems do not allow the person to carry out the procedure himself and a healthcare professional is required. In addition such systems can lead to infections since the mechanical line or electric leads extend from the exterior to the interior of the body. Disclosure of the Invention 15 In accordance with the present invention there is provided a remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus comprising an implant that is implantable into a local passage or canal inside the body of a person to control certain fluid flow through that passage, and a remote control unit is an external actuator located outside the body means, in use, to 20 control operation of the valves via communication means with implant processer. In accordance with the present invention there is provided an implant that is implantable into the body of a person comprising a body having inlet means for fluid to enter the body and outlet means for fluid to exit the body, 25 valve means provided in the body, the valve means having a closed condition and an open condition, stabilisation means, in use, to retain the implant at a required location of the body of the person, receiver means, in use, to receive a signal, 30 processor means to operate the valve means in response to a signal received by the receiver means to thereby control flow of fluid through the body, and 4 power source means to provide energy requires to operate the processor, the receiver and the valve. The remote control unit, in use, to emit one or more signals that are receivable by the receiver means to control operation of the valves means. Preferably, the inlet means 5 comprises at least one opening provided between a first end (proximal end) of the body and the stabilisation means. Preferably, the outlet means comprises at least one opening provided at or near a second end (distal end) of the body. In one embodiment, the body is provided with orifices, or perforations, at a region extending from at or near a second end (distal end) of the body to a location spaced 10 from the second end of the body. The location spaced from the second end of the body may be the location of the stabilisation means. In one embodiment, the location spaced from the second end of the body is substantially the middle section of the body. In an alternative embodiment, the location spaced from the second end of the body is substantially two-thirds the distance along 15 the body from the second end. The stabilisation means may be placed into a deployed condition such that, in use, it is retained at the location at which the implant is implanted. Preferably, in the deployed condition, the stabilisations means is of a size sufficient to retain it at the location at which the implant is implanted. Preferably, the stabilisation 20 means is spaced from a second end (distal end) of the body. Preferably, the stabilisation means comprises a first, or main, stabiliser located substantially at the region where the body houses the valve. In one embodiment, the first stabiliser may be provided substantially in the form of a diaphragm. The diaphragm is moveable from a collapsed condition to an, in use, 25 deployed expanded condition. In its deployed condition, the diaphragm is expanded and extends around the body. The diaphragm may be mesh-like. In another embodiment, the first stabiliser may be provided as a deformable member moveable from an undeformed condition to an, in use, deformed expanded condition. The deformable member has a series of strip portions, with spaces there between, the 30 strip portions, in use, expanding outwardly from the body in the deployed condition of the deformable member. In another embodiment, the stabilisation means further comprises a second stabiliser. 5 The second stabiliser may be provided as a deformable member moveable from an undeformed condition to an, in use, deformed expanded condition. The deformable member has a series of strip portions, with spaces there between, the strip portions, in use, expanding outwardly from the body in the deployed condition of the deformable 5 member. Preferably, the implant further comprises a timer to control the duration of time that the valve means remains in the open condition such that fluid is able to flow through the body. Preferably, the remote control unit is provided with transmitter means which is able to 10 emit one or more signals that are receivable by the receiver means in response to which the processor means is able to operate the valve means to open or close the valve means. In one embodiment, the body is further provided with transmitter means and the remote control unit is further provided with receiver means that is able to receive a 15 signal from the transmitter means of the body to provide an alert via the remote control unit. As an alternative to the transmitter means and receiver means of the body and the transmitter means and receiver means of the remote control unit, the body and the remote control unit may be provided with respective transceiver means. 20 Preferably, remote control unit is provided with remote charging means to remotely recharge the implant power source. An implant catheter is provided to insert and retain the implant into the body of a patient. The implant catheter is used to insert and position the implant at the required site in the body. The catheter is also used to recharge the power source, retract and 25 remove the implant from the body of the patient when required. Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an elevation view of a first embodiment of the implant of a remotely 30 controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 6 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the implant, shown in Figure 1, with one of the stabilisers in its deployed condition; Figure 3 is a second perspective view of the implant, shown in Figure 1, partially cut away to show the internal structure; 5 Figure 4 is an elevation view of the implant shown in Figure 1 with an implant catheter engaged with the implant; Figure 5 is a second elevation view of the fluid flow control device and implant catheter, shown in Figure 4, with the stabiliser of the implant in the deployed condition; Figure 6 shows the implant, shown in Figure 1, in its implanted condition in the bladder 10 and urethra of a patient; Figure 7 is an elevation view of a second embodiment of the implant of a remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a third embodiment of the implant of a 15 remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; Figure 9 is a detail view of a portion of the implant shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 shows the implant, shown in Figure 8, in the process of being implanted into the bladder neck and urethra of a patient using an implant catheter; 20 Figure 11 shows the implant, shown in Figure 8, in the process of being implanted into the bladder neck and urethra of a patient and showing both of the stabilisers in their deployed conditions; Figure 12 is an elevation view of a fourth embodiment of the implant of a remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with one aspect of 25 the present invention; Figure 13 is a detail view of a portion of the implant, shown in Figure 12, with one of the stabilisers in the deployed condition; Figure 14 is an elevation view of the implant, shown in Figure 12, having an implant catheter inserted therein; 7 Figure 15 is an elevation view of the implant and implant catheter, shown in Figure 14, with the stabilisers of the implant in their deployed conditions; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a fifth embodiment of the implant of a remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with one 5 aspect of the present invention; Figure 17 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a sixth embodiment of the implant of a remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; Figure 18 is a detail cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the implant shown in 10 Figure 17; Figure 19 is a top plan view of the valve member of the implant shown in Figure 17; Figure 20 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a seventh embodiment of the implant of a remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, showing the valve in its fully open condition; 15 Figure 21 is a second cross-sectional elevation view of the implant shown in Figure 20, showing the valve in a first stage of closure; Figure 22 is a third cross-sectional elevation view of the implant shown in Figure 20, showing the valve in a nearly closed condition; Figure 23 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an eighth embodiment of the implant of 20 a remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, showing the stabiliser in its deployed condition; Figure 24 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a ninth embodiment of the implant of a remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention showing the stabiliser in its deployed condition; and 25 Figure 25 shows an embodiment of a remote control unit to operate the implant of a remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention In Figures 1 to 6, there is shown an implant 1, of a remotely controllable implantable 30 fluid flow control apparatus, comprising a body 10, a valve 12 housed in the body 10, a 8 stabiliser 14 attached to the body 10, a receiver 16 to receive a signal from a control unit 190 (shown in Figure 25), and a processor 20 to control operation of the valve 12 in response to a signal received by the receiver 16 to thereby control flow of fluid through the body 10. The body 10 is provided with an inlet or inlets 22 and an outlet 5 24. The valve 12 has a closed condition and an open condition. In some embodiments, a receiver and transceiver, e.g. a transceiver, may be used in place of the receiver 16. This will be described further later herein. The body 10 is substantially tubular. Given the small size of the apparatus 1 that is necessitated by the site at which the apparatus 1 is to be implanted, the body 10 is 10 provided substantially as a tubule. The inlets 22 may be provided in any suitable form that allows fluid to have access to the valve12 such that the fluid can pass through the valve 12 when the valve 12 is in the open condition. The inlets 22 are provided in the body 10 between a first end 26 of the body 10 and the 15 location 28 at which the stabiliser 14 is attached to the body 10. The first end 26 is also referred to herein as the proximal end. As best seen in Figure 2, the inlets 22 are formed in the wall 30 of the body 10 as slots that are located between strip portions 32 of the wall 30 of the body 10. The inlets 22 are provided between an end portion 34 of the body 10 and the location 28 at which 20 the stabiliser 14 is attached to the body 10. The end portion 34 is located adjacent the first end 26. The outlet 24 is provided at the second end 36 of the body 10. The second end 36 is also referred to herein as the distal end. The valve 12 comprises a valve member 38 and a valve seat 40. In the closed 25 condition of the valve 12, the valve member 38 seats on the valve seat 40 such that fluid is not able to pass through the body 10 from the inlets 22 to the outlet 24. In the open condition of the valve 12, the valve member 38 is spaced from the valve seat 40 such that fluid is able to pass through the body 10 from the inlets 22 to the outlet 24. The valve 12 further comprises a valve stem 42 which extends from the valve member 30 38 to a magnetic core member 44. The magnetic core member 44 may be a magnet or a magnetically sensitive metal core. The magnetic core member 44 is moveable in a guide housing 46 between a first electromagnetic coil 48 and a second electromagnetic coil 50. 9 The valve 12 is of a type similar to that used in other embodiments of the present invention as described herein, including the sixth and seventh embodiments shown in Figures 17 to 19 and Figures 20 to 22, respectively. As best seen in Figure 19, the valve member 38 comprises a pair of butterfly-like gates 52 that are joined together by 5 a hinge 54. Each of the gates 52 is provided with a pair of lugs 56 which locate in grooves 58 on the internal surface of the wall 30 of the body 10. The lugs 56 travel in the grooves 58 when the gates 52 travel between their open and closed conditions which correspond to the open and closed conditions of the valve 12. Each gate 52 may be in the form as a half-disc plate. 10 The stabiliser 14 is attached to the body 10, at the location 28, by arms 60. The arms 60 have pivotal connections 62 which allow the stabiliser 14 to be moved from a collapsed condition, shown in Figure 1, to an expanded condition, shown in Figure 2. In the collapsed condition, the stabiliser is positioned adjacent the body 10. When the stabiliser 14 is deployed for use, it is in an expanded condition. The stabiliser 14 may 15 be substantially in the form of a diaphragm which surrounds the body 10 in the expanded condition. The implant 1 is provided with a second stabiliser 64. The second stabiliser 64 is formed by a portion of the wall 30 of the body 10 at a region at is located near the second end 36. The second stabiliser 64 is deformable such that it is moveable from 20 an undeformed condition to its deformed expanded condition in use. The deformed expanded condition is shown in Figures 1 to 6. The body 10 is provided with apertures 66 in the region of the second stabiliser 64. The apertures 66 from a mesh-like net structure in the wall 30 of the body 10. The implant 1 further comprises a power source 68, such as battery cells. The power 25 source 68 powers the receiver 16 (or the transceiver if a transceiver is used in place of the receiver 16), processor 20 and the first and second electromagnetic coils 48 and 50. The implant 1 may also be provided with a timer to control the period of time that the valve 12 is maintained in the open condition. The operation of the timer is further described later herein. The timer may be incorporated in the processor 20. 30 The implant 1 may further comprise a pressure sensor, or transducer, 70. The receiver 16, processor 20, power source 68, pressure sensor 70 and the first and second coils 48 and 50 are housed in the end portion 34 of the body 10. 10 The body 10 is provided with engagement members 72. The engagement members 72 are provided inside the body 10. The engagement members 72 may be provided in the form of a series of angled teeth-like projections. An insertion/extraction catheter, referred to herein as an implant catheter C and shown in Figures 4 and 5, is able to 5 engage with the engagement members 72. The implant catheter C does not form part of the implant 1 of the present invention. The implant catheter C is used to implant and deploy the implant 1 at the required location in the body of a person. The implant catheter C is also used to remove the implants from the body of the person. In use, when the implant 1 is to be implanted in the body of a patient, the implant 10 catheter C is inserted into the body 10 of the implant 1 via the outlet 24 and engages with the engagement members 72. At this stage, the stabiliser 14 is in its collapsed condition. The implant catheter C is then used to manoeuvre the implant 1 along the urethra of the patient until the urinary bladder neck is reached. The implant catheter C is used to move the stabiliser 14 from its collapsed condition, 15 shown in Figure 4, to its expanded deployed condition shown in Figure 5. By way of example, Figure 6 shows the implant 1 after it has been implanted in the urinary bladder neck UB and urethra UR of a patient. As can be seen from Figure 6, the stabiliser 14 is in its expanded deployed condition and is located at the urinary bladder neck UB. 20 The inlets 22 and the end portion 34 of the body 10 are located in the bladder U, in use, urine able to flow from the bladder U, through the inlets 22 and the valve 12 (when the valve 12 is in the open condition) and out via the outlet 24. The remainder of the body 10 of the implant 1 is located in the urethra UR. The body 10 is dimensioned such that fluid is unable to pass between the outer surface of the wall 30 of the body and the 25 inside wall of the urethra UR. The stabiliser 14, in its expanded condition, rests on the inside wall W of the bladder neck UB such that a portion of the implant 1 is retained in position in the urinary bladder neck UB. The expanded stabiliser 14 is dimensioned such that it is too large to pass back into the urethra UR. The second stabiliser 64 is expanded so that it presses 30 against the wall of the urethra UR. This ensures that the region of the body 10 near the second end 36, i.e. the distal end, is substantially fixed relative to the urethra UR. In this way, the implant 1 is retained in its position, partially inside the urinary bladder neck UB and partially in the urethra UR. The implant 1 of the apparatus is then ready for use by the patient as will be later described herein. 11 If it becomes necessary to remove the implant 1 from the body of the patient, the implant catheter C is inserted into and along the urethra until it engages in the body 10 of the implant 1. The implant catheter C is then used to collapse the stabiliser 14 and remove the implant 1 from the body of a patient by withdrawing it along the urethra UR. 5 In Figure 7, there is shown a second embodiment of an implant 80 in accordance with the present invention. The implant 80 is similar to the implant 1 and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same features and parts in these embodiments. The implant 80 has a different form of second stabiliser, identified by reference numeral 82, and apertures, that are identified by reference numeral 84, that 10 are provided in the wall 30 of the body 10. The second stabiliser 82 comprises strip portions 86 spaced apart by openings 88 in the wall 30 of the body 10. The strip portions 86 are deformable such that they can expand outwardly, as shown in Figure 7. In their undeformed condition, the strips 86 remain straight and substantially in line with the body 10. 15 The strip portions 86 can be moved to their outwardly expanded deformed condition, in use, by an implant catheter C of a similar type to that illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. This is done once the apparatus 82 has been placed in its position in the body of a person. Whilst the apertures 66 of the implant 1 form a mesh-like net structure, the apertures 84 are provided as perforations in a section 90 of the wall 30 of the body 10. 20 The section 90 is adjacent the second stabiliser 82, between the stabiliser 14 and the second stabiliser 82. In other respects, the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the implant 80, of the second embodiment, are similar to the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the implant 1, of the first embodiment, as previously herein 25 described. In Figures 8 to 11, there is shown a third embodiment of an implant 100 in accordance with the present invention. The same reference numerals are used to denote the same features and parts in the implant 100 as are used for the implant 1 and the implant 80 of the present invention. 30 The implant 100 uses an alternative embodiment for the valve, identified by reference numeral 102 in Figures 8 to 11. The valve 102 comprises a valve member 104 and a valve seat 106. In the closed condition of the valve 102, the valve member 104 seats on the valve seat 106 such 12 that fluid is not able to pass through the body 10 from the inlets 22 to the outlet 24. In the open condition of the valve 102, the valve member 104 is spaced from the valve seat 106 such that fluid is able to pass through the body 10 from the inlets 22 to the outlet 24. 5 The valve member 104 comprises a sealing member 108 and a magnet or magnetically sensitive core member 110. The magnetic core member 110 is moveable in a guide housing 46 between a first electromagnetic coil 48 and a second electromagnetic coil 50. The implant 100 is also provided with an alternative embodiment of the stabiliser, 10 identified by reference numeral 112 in Figures 8 to 11. The stabiliser 112 may comprise strip portions 86 and openings 88 of a form similar to those of the second stabiliser 82 of the apparatus 80 of the second embodiment. The wall 30 of the body 10 is provided with apertures 84 similar to those of the implant 80 of the second embodiment. The apertures 84 are shown as extending along the length of the body 10 15 from the outlet 24 to the stabiliser 112. The implant 100 is also provided with an alternative embodiment for the engagement members, identified by reference numeral 114 in Figures 8 to 11. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the procedure for an implant 100 to be implanted in its required position in the urinary bladder neck UB and urethra UR of a patient. Figure 10 20 shows the implant 100 being positioned using an implant catheter C. The implant 100 is shown with the stabiliser 112 and second stabiliser 82 in their collapsed, i.e. non deployed, conditions. Using the implant catheter C to engage with the engagement members 114, the strip portions 86 of the stabiliser 112 are moved to their expanded condition as shown in Figure 11. 25 The implant catheter C is also used to move the strips 86 of the second stabiliser 82 to their expanded condition, as also shown in Figure 11. From Figure 11 it can be seen that the stabiliser 112 is located in the urinary bladder neck UB of the patient and the second stabiliser 82 is located in the urethra UR of the patient. The size of the stabiliser 112 in its expanded deployed condition is such that it cannot 30 pass back into the urethra of the patient. The second stabiliser 82 is of a size such that it exerts pressure against the internal wall of the urethra. This ensures that the region of the body 10 near the second end 36, i.e. the distal end, is substantially fixed relative to the urethra UR. In this way, the apparatus 100 is retained at its required location. 13 In other respects, the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the implant 100, of the third embodiment, are similar to the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the implants of the embodiments as previously herein described. In Figures 12 to 15, there is shown a fourth embodiment of a implant 120 in 5 accordance with the present invention. The implant 120 is similar to the implant 100 and similar reference numerals are used for the same parts and features in these embodiments. The difference between the implant 120 and the implant 100 is that the implant 120 uses a valve 12 similar to that in the first and second embodiments. In other respects, the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the fourth 10 embodiment of the implant 120 are similar to the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the implant 100 of the third embodiment, as previously herein described. In Figure 16, there is shown a fifth embodiment of a implant 130 in accordance with the present invention. 15 The implant 130 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the power source, identified by reference numeral 132 in Figure 16. The power source 132 is positioned outside the body 10. This is in contrast to the power source 68 of the previous embodiments which is housed in the body 10. The power source 132 may be made up of battery cells. The power source 132 is connected by way of electrical connections 134 to the required 20 components housed in the body 10, such as the receiver 16 (or the transceiver if a transceiver is used in place of the receiver 16), processor 20 and the electromagnetic coils 48 and 50. A power source 132 that is external to the body 10 may be of a self-charging type, e.g. the motion of the power source 132 in the urine, contained in the urinary bladder U, 25 may itself recharge the power source 132. The use of a power source 132 may be used as an alternative power source for any of the embodiments described herein. In the case of a power source 68 that is contained within the body 10 of an implant, such a power source 68 may also be of a type that is rechargeable. For example, an implant catheter C may be inserted into the urethra UR and used to introduce electrical 30 leads from a charging device that is located outside the body of the person with the implant. The electrical leads make electrical contact with the power source 68 such that the power source 68 may be recharged. Alternatively, recharging of a power source 68 located inside the body 10 of an implant may be performed wirelessly from a 14 charging device that is located outside the body of the person with the implant. The use of either of such a rechargeable power sources 68 that is located inside the body 10 of an implant may be used as an alternative power source for any of the embodiments described herein. 5 Alternatively, the power source 68 located inside the body 10 of an implant may be non-rechargeable. In such a case, when the power source 68 has been depleted, the implant is removed using an implant catheter C. The depleted power source is removed from the body 10 and replaced with a new power source. The implant is then re-implanted in the body of the patient. The use of a non-rechargeable power source 10 68 that is located inside the body 10 of an implant may be used as an alternative power source for any of the embodiments described herein. In other respects, the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the fifth embodiment of the implant 130 are similar to the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the implant 100 of the third embodiment, as previously herein 15 described. In Figures 17 to 19, there is shown a sixth embodiment of a implant 140 in accordance with the present invention. The implant 140 has features parts that are similar to the embodiments of the implant previously hereinbefore described and the same reference numerals to denote the same parts and features in these embodiments. 20 The implant 140 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the second stabiliser, identified by reference numeral 142 in Figure 17. The second stabiliser 142 comprises a series of strip portions 144 with spaces 146 there between. The strips 144 taper from the second end 36 of the body 10 to an apex 148. Expansion ring 150 is provided at the second end 36 of the body 10. The 25 expansion ring 150 is used to move the second stabiliser 142, in use, to its expanded deployed condition. This is done by using an implant catheter C to move the expansion ring 150 in the direction of arrow A in Figure 7. Movement of the expansion ring 150 in the direction of arrow A causes the strip portions 144 to move outwardly as the expansion ring 150 approaches the apex 148. 30 In use, this results in the strips 144 of the second stabiliser 142 expanding to rest against the urethra UR to retain the implant 140 at the required location. The implant140 also illustrates the absence of the pressure sensor 70, which is present in the other embodiments. 15 The implant 140 also has a different arrangement in place of the electromagnetic coils 48 and 50 used in the other embodiments of the implant described herein. In that regard, the implant 140 is provided with an electromagnetic coil 152. Energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnetic coil 152 causes the magnetic member 44 to 5 move in the housing 46 to open and close the valve 12. In other respects, the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the sixth embodiment of the implant 140 are similar to the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the implants of the embodiments previously herein described. In Figures 20 to 22, there is shown a seventh embodiment of a implant 160 in 10 accordance with the present invention. The implant 160 is similar to the implant 140 and the same reference numerals have been used to denote the same parts and features in these embodiments. The implant 160 has a different version of the electromagnetic coil, identified by reference numeral 162. The implant160 also has a slightly modified first end 26 of the 15 body 10. In that regard, the first end 26 of the body 10 of the implant160 is substantially flat whilst in the implant 140 it is substantially domed. Figures 20 to 22 illustrate the valve 12 at different stages between the open and closed conditions. In that regard, Figure 20 illustrates the valve 12 in its open condition where fluid is able to flow into the inlets 22. In Figure 21, the valve 12 is beginning to close, as 20 indicated by the gates in a more spaced apart condition. Figure 22 illustrates the valve in a condition where it is moving closely to the closed condition as signified by the gates moving toward the valve seat 40. In other respects, the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the seventh embodiment of the implant 160 are similar to the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the 25 implant 140 of the sixth embodiment previously herein described. Figure 23 illustrates an eighth embodiment of a implant170 in accordance with the present invention. The implant 170 has parts and features that are similar to the parts and features of the embodiments of the implants previously herein described and the same reference numerals have been used to denote the same parts and features in 30 these embodiments. The implant 170 uses only a first stabiliser 14, shown in the form of a diaphragm. 16 The implant 170 is provided with an openable and closable closure, which may be in the form of a folding diaphragm-like inner curtain 172. In its normally closed condition, the inner curtain 172 closes the body 10 at the downstream side 174 of the valve 12 to minimise risk of ascending urinary infection. When the valve 12 is in the open 5 condition, this inner curtain 172 allows urine to flow therethrough from the urinary bladder to the urethra. This happens due to the effect of the flow pressure of the urine, which passes through the open valve 12, and presses against the inner curtain 172, which forces open the inner curtain 172. Once the flow pressure of the urine has dropped, the inner curtain 172 returns to its normally closed condition. 10 In other respects, the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the seventh embodiment of the implant 170 are similar to the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the other embodiments of implants previously herein described. In Figure 24, there is shown a ninth embodiment of a implant 180 in accordance with the present invention. The implant 180 is similar to the implant 170 and the same 15 reference numerals have been used to denote the same parts and features in these embodiments. The implant 180 has a valve 102, of the type used in the implant 100. In other respects, the features, parts and manner of operation and use of the ninth embodiment of the implant 180 are similar to the features, parts and manner of operation and use of 20 the eighth embodiment of implant 170 previously herein described. In Figure 25, there is shown an embodiment of a control unit 190 to control operation of the various embodiments of the implants described herein of the remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus according to present invention. The control unit 190 will be further described herein with reference to the use and 25 operation of the remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus of the present invention. A patient implanted with an implant in accordance with the present invention may use the control unit 190 to operate the implant. In that regard, various configurations of the implant and remote control unit 190 are possible, which enable the remotely 30 controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus to operate in different ways. This allows the use of a suitable remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus depending upon the condition suffered by the patient. The selection of the remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus to use is generally 17 determined prior to the particular remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus being selected and the implant being implanted into the patient. For example, the implant and the control unit 190, of the remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus, may be configured such that the person 5 receives an alert via the control unit 190 that the person should void his or her bladder. In an alternative example, the patient may himself or herself realise that their bladder needs to be voided and can then operate the control unit 190 to open the valve of the implant. In addition, and in either example, once the control unit 190 has been used to open the valve, the valve may remain open for a set period of time, or alternatively, 10 remains open until the person uses the control unit 190 to close the valve. By way of further explanation, if the person suffers from an atonic bladder, then they will not have the normal sensation that their bladder is full and therefore needs to be voided. In such situations, the person would be implanted with an implant that incorporates a pressure sensor or transducer 70. (In addition, the implant is provided 15 with a transceiver 16 instead of the receiver 16. Furthermore, the control unit 190 is provided with a receiver 192 and transmitter 194, the function of which can of course be integrated into a single transceiver in the remote control unit.) Once the pressure sensor 70 senses that the internal pressure in the urinary bladder U has reached a level that requires the urinary bladder U to be voided, 20 the processor 20 directs the transceiver 16 to emit a signal. This allows the processor 20 to be in a "powered down" condition, to avoid unnecessary energy use by the power source, until the pressure sensor 70 senses that that a particular pressure level has been reached. The signal that is emitted by the processor 20 is received by the receiver 192 of the control unit 190. 25 The remote control unit 190 is provided with a processor 196. In response to the signal received by the receiver 192, the processor 196 causes an alert to be issued by the remote control unit 190, such as an audible and/or visual signal alarm. The person is then alerted that his/her bladder needs to be voided. The person can then attend to voiding his/her bladder U by using the control unit 190 to activate the 30 implant, i.e. the person can then use the control unit 190 to open the valve of the implant by pressing the ON button 198. Upon pressing the ON button 192, the processor 196 of the control unit 190 causes the transmitter 194 to emit a signal. This signal is received by the transceiver 16 of the implant and directed to the processor 20. 18 The processor 20 then issues a signal that causes the electromagnetic coils (i.e. the electromagnetic coils 48 and 50; 152) to be energised. This results in the valve moving to its open condition. The valve remains in its open condition for either a set duration, i.e. period of time (as 5 determined by the timer of the implant) or by the person manually pressing the OFF button 200 on the remote control unit 190. It is also possible for the person to operate the remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus at any time to void his/her bladder U by using the ON and OFF buttons 198 and 200 if they person so choose. That is, the person does not have to wait for the remote control unit 190 to 10 issues an alert that the bladder U of the person is full. This provides a manual override function. In the case that the person has a normal, i.e. not atonic, bladder, the person may be implanted with an implant without a pressure sensor 70. This is because in such a case, the person will be aware by the normal sensation that his/her bladder needs to 15 be voided. The person can then attend to voiding their bladder U using the control unit 190 in a manner similar to that as herein before described with reference to the use with an atonic bladder. The valve remains in its open condition for either a set duration, i.e. a period of time (as determined by the timer of the implant) or by the person manually pressing the OFF button 200 on the remote control unit 190. 20 Since the implant does not send a signal to the remote control unit 190 that the bladder U is full, the implant may be provided with a receiver 16 (instead of a transceiver), since there is no need for the transmitter function. In addition, the remote control unit 190 does not require the function of the receiver 192, so it may be provided with only the transmitter 194. 25 The implants of the first to seventh embodiments described herein are for implanting in a male. The body 10 of the implant is positioned in the urethra UR at the location at which seminal fluid enters the prostatic urethra. The body 10 is dimensioned such that seminal fluid is unable to pass between the outer surface of the wall 30 of the body and the inside wall of the prostatic urethra. 30 The apertures 66 and 84 in these embodiments provide openings for seminal fluid to pass into the body 10 and out via the outlet 24 and so exit the prostatic urethra and travel along the urethra UR in the usual way. 19 The implants of the eighth and ninth embodiments described herein are for implanting in a female patent. The implants of these embodiments are shorter than those for implanting in a male due to the shorter length of the female urethra. In addition only the single stabiliser 14 is required in view of this shorter length. 5 Whilst the remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus of the present invention has been described with particular reference to its use to control urine flow from the urinary bladder, it may be used at any suitable locations in the body where fluid flow control is required. For example, in the case of person who has had his/her gall bladder removed, the gall bladder is no longer present to store bile that is 10 produced in the liver. Accordingly, an implant according to the remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus of the present invention may be implanted in the duct that delivers bile to the intestine. The apparatus of the present invention can then be used to control the flow and delivery of bile to the intestine. The person can use the remote control to 15 open the valve in the implant at suitable times, e.g. after the person has eaten a meal. The implant of the remotely controllable implantable fluid flow control apparatus of the present invention may be made of any suitable material that can be used for implants in the human body. Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are 20 deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 20 21