Method of removing an inflated implant from a bladder

Abstract

An inflated implant, such as an attenuation device, previously implanted in a urinary bladder can later be removed according to a number of different methods. Preferably, removal is accomplished transurethrally. In one embodiment, removal is accomplished by reducing the inflated implant from an enlarged profile to a reduced profile so that it may be withdrawn transurethrally by a removal system. The removal system can be configured differently depending upon whether reduction from the enlarged profile to the reduced profile is accomplished by deflation, compression, and / or other ways.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 250,503, filed Aug. 29, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 512,228, filed Oct. 10, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,427,295, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 660,814, filed Oct. 25, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,858,460, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 343,120, filed Dec. 23, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,298,132, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 391,448 filed Mar. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,470,228, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 391,446, filed Mar. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,950, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 415,949, filed Oct. 3, 2002; the disclosures of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. Any and all priority claims identified in the Application Data Sheet,...

Images