Expandable member having a core member

Abstract

According to one aspect, an expandable implant (200) includes a fluid reservoir (202) configured to hold a fluid; an expandable member (210); and a pump assembly (206) configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member, the expandable member including a main body member (250) and a core member (252, 254, 256), the main body member defining a first cavity (262) and a second cavity (264), the core member being disposed in the first cavity, and the second cavity being configured to receive the fluid.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 16 / 867,081, filed on May 5, 2020, and entitled “Expandable Member Having a Core Member,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 845,016, filed on May 8, 2019, and entitled “Expandable Member Having a Core Member,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 845,016, filed on May 8, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to body implants and, more particularly, to body implants such as penile prostheses that include expandable members. Background Art

[0005] One treatment for male erectile dysfunction is to implant a penile prosthesis that mechanically erects the penis. Some existing penile prostheses include an expandable cylinder or member that can be expanded or deflated using a pump mechanism. In some existing devices, the expandable cylinder or member requires a relatively large force to expand. In addition, in some existing devices, the pump mechanism may require multiple consecutive squeezes or activations to expand the cylinder or member.

[0006] It would therefore be useful to provide a body implant, such as a penile prosthesis, that includes an improved column or member that can be more easily expanded. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one aspect, an expandable implant includes a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid; an expandable member; and a pump assembly configured to deliver the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member, the expandable member including a main body member and a core member, the main body member defining a first cavity and a second cavity, the core member being disposed within the first cavity, and the second cavity being configured to receive the fluid.

[0008] In some embodiments, the body member has a first softness and the core member has a second softness, the first softness being different from the first softness. In some embodiments, the body member has a first softness and the core member has a second softness, the second softness being greater than the first softness.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first cavity is fluidly isolated from the second cavity. In some embodiments, the expandable member has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the second cavity extends from a position adjacent to the first end portion to a position adjacent to the second end portion. In some embodiments, the first cavity extends in a first direction and the second cavity extends in a second direction, and the first direction is substantially parallel to the second direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity and a fourth cavity, the body member includes a second core member, the second core member is disposed in the third cavity, and the fourth cavity is configured to receive a fluid. In some embodiments, the core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity and a fourth cavity, the body member includes a second core member, the second core member is disposed in the third cavity, the fourth cavity is configured to receive a fluid, and the first cavity extends substantially parallel to the second cavity, the third cavity, and the fourth cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the expandable member is an elongated member. In some embodiments, the first cavity has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the first cavity has an elongated cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the first cavity has an elongated and curved cross-sectional shape and the second cavity has a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0012] In some embodiments, the expandable member defines a longitudinal axis, the first lumen is aligned along the longitudinal axis, and the second lumen is offset from the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the expandable member defines a longitudinal axis, the second lumen is aligned along the longitudinal axis, and the first lumen is offset from the longitudinal axis.

[0013] In some embodiments, the core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity, the body member includes a second core member, the second core member is disposed within the third cavity. In some embodiments, the body member defines a third cavity, the third cavity is configured to receive a fluid.

[0014] According to another aspect, an expandable implant includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid; an expandable member; and a pump assembly configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member, the expandable member including a main body member and a core member, the main body member defining a plurality of cavities configured to receive fluid, the core member being softer than the main body member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the core member extends in a first direction, a first one of the plurality of cavities extends in a second direction, and the first direction is substantially parallel to the second direction.

[0016] According to another aspect, an expandable implant includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid; an expandable member; and a pump assembly configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member, the expandable member including a main body member and a core member, the main body member defining a cavity, the core member being disposed within the cavity of the main body member, the core member defining a cavity, and the cavity of the core member being configured to receive fluid.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cavity of the body member is configured to receive a fluid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an expandable implant according to one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 An expandable penile implant according to one embodiment is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an expandable member of a penile implant taken along line AA;

[0021] Figure 4-8 is a cross-sectional view of an expandable member according to an embodiment;

[0022] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of an expandable member;

[0023] Fig.10 and 11 yes Figure 8 a side view of an expandable member;

[0024] Fig.12 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an expandable member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims, and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to apply the embodiments in various ways in virtually any appropriate detailed structure. In addition, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the present disclosure.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are defined as one or more than one. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and / or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open transitions). The terms "coupled" or "movably coupled," as used herein, are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not mechanically.

[0027] In general, embodiments are directed to body implants. For example, in some embodiments, the body implant is configured to be placed in the pelvic region of a patient. For example, the body implant can be a penile implant. In other embodiments, the implant is configured to be placed in a different part of the patient's body. The term patient or user may be used hereinafter for a person who benefits from the medical device or method disclosed in the present disclosure. For example, a patient may be a person whose body has a medical device implanted.

[0028] Figure 1 A body implant 100 is schematically illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the implant is an expandable body implant. The body implant includes a fluid reservoir 102, an expandable member 104, and a pump assembly 106. The fluid reservoir 102 is operatively coupled to the pump assembly 106, and the pump assembly 106 is operatively coupled to the expandable member 104. According to one aspect, the pump assembly 106 is configured to transfer fluid between the fluid reservoir 102 and the expandable member 104.

[0029] In some embodiments, implant 100 is a penile implant. In some such embodiments, expandable member 104 can be implanted into the user's corpora cavernosa, fluid reservoir 102 can be implanted into the user's abdomen or pelvis (e.g., fluid reservoir 102 can be implanted into the lower portion of the user's abdomen or the upper portion of the user's pelvis), and pump assembly 106 can be implanted into the user's scrotum.

[0030] The pump assembly 106 includes a ball pump 108 and an actuator or a collapsed mode actuator 112. In the expanded mode, a user can operate the ball pump 108 (e.g., squeeze the ball pump 108, release, then squeeze again, etc.) to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir 102 to the pump assembly 106, and from the pump assembly 106 to the expandable member 104 to achieve a desired stiffness in the expandable member 104. To collapse the expandable member 104, the user can position the collapsed mode actuator 112 and activate the collapsed mode actuator 112 to place the implant 100 in the collapsed mode.

[0031] In some embodiments, the contraction mode actuator 112 is movably coupled to the pump assembly or the valve body. In some examples, the contraction mode actuator 112 includes a protrusion that, when pressed, causes the valve body to define a fluid passage from the expandable member 104 to the fluid reservoir 102 so as to contract the expandable member 104. In some examples, the contraction mode actuator 112 includes a push rod or a button. In some examples, the user presses the contraction mode actuator 112 once (e.g., without holding the contraction mode actuator 112) to discharge the fluid from the expandable member 104.

[0032] The ball pump 108 can be a flexible member that defines a cavity. In some embodiments, the ball pump 108 is coupled to and extends from the valve body. The ball pump 108 can be a squeeze pump. The ball pump 108 can use suction and pressure to move fluid into and out of the cavity of the ball pump 108 in an expansion mode. For example, a user can press or squeeze the ball pump 108 to expel fluid from the cavity, and when the flexible member returns to its initial shape, the suction generated pushes the fluid into the cavity of the ball pump 108. In some examples, the ball pump 108 can have a ball spring constant designed to refill the ball pump 108 within a selected time frame.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 104 includes a main body member 120 and a core member 122. The main body member 120 includes or defines a first cavity 124 and a second cavity 126. In some embodiments, the core member 122 is disposed in the first cavity 124. The second cavity 126 is configured to receive a fluid. For example, in some embodiments, in the expansion mode, the ball pump 108 can be activated or squeezed to deliver fluid to the second cavity 126 of the main body member 108, thereby expanding the expandable member 104.

[0034] In some embodiments, the core member 122 has a softness greater than the softness of the main body member 120. In other words, the core member 122 is softer or more flexible than the main body member 120. For example, in some embodiments, the core member 122 can have a lower hardness (or softer, or more flexible) than the hardness of the main body member 120. In some embodiments, the core member 122 is formed of a material that is softer than the material forming the main body member 120. In other embodiments, the core member 122 is formed of the same material as the main body member 120.

[0035] In some embodiments, the expandable member 104 includes more than one core member. For example, in some embodiments, the expandable member 104 includes two, three, four, or more core members.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first cavity 124 is separated or spaced apart from the second cavity 126. In some embodiments, the first cavity 124 is fluidically isolated from the second cavity 126.

[0037] In some embodiments, the combination of the main body member 120 and the core member 122 allows or helps to facilitate the expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user can expand the expandable member by actuating the ball pump fewer times. In addition, in some embodiments, when the expandable member is in its collapsed configuration, the main body member and the core member can help to maintain the expandable member in a cylindrical shape (rather than a flat or semi-planar shape).

[0038] Figure 2 An inflatable penile prosthesis or implant 200 having a pump assembly 206 is shown according to one aspect. The penile prosthesis 200 can include a pair of inflatable cylinders 210, and the inflatable cylinders 210 are configured to be implanted in a patient's penis. For example, one of the inflatable cylinders 210 can be disposed on one side of the penis, while the other inflatable cylinder 210 can be disposed on the other side of the penis. Each inflatable cylinder 210 can include a first end portion 224, a cavity or expansion chamber 222, and a second end portion 228 having a rear end 232.

[0039] The pump assembly 206 can be implanted in the patient's scrotum. A pair of catheter connectors 205 can attach the pump assembly 206 to the expandable cylinder 210 so that the pump assembly 206 is in fluid communication with the expandable cylinder 210. In addition, the pump assembly 206 can be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 202 through the catheter connector 203. The fluid reservoir 202 can be implanted in the abdomen of the user. The expansion chamber or portion 222 of the expandable cylinder 210 can be disposed within the penis. The first end portion 224 of the expandable cylinder 210 can be at least partially disposed within the crown portion of the penis. The second end portion 228 can be implanted into the pubic region of the patient through the rear end 232 adjacent to the pubic bone.

[0040] To implant the inflatable cylinder 210, the surgeon can first prepare the patient. The surgeon typically makes an incision in the penoscrotal region (e.g., where the base of the penis meets the top of the scrotum). From the penoscrotal incision, the surgeon can dilate the patient's corpora cavernosa to prepare the patient to receive the inflatable cylinder 210. The corpora cavernosa is one of two parallel columns of erectile tissue that form the back of the body of the penis, e.g., two elongated columns that extend substantially the length of the penis. The surgeon will also dilate two areas of the pubic region to prepare the patient to receive the second end portion 228. The surgeon can measure the length of the corpora cavernosa from the incision and the dilated area of ​​the pubic region to determine the appropriate size of inflatable cylinder 210 to be implanted.

[0041] After the patient is ready, the penile prosthesis 200 is implanted in the patient. The end of the first end portion 224 of each inflatable cylinder 210 can be attached to a suture. The other end of the suture can be attached to a needle member (e.g., a Keith needle). The needle member is inserted into the incision and into the expanded corpus cavernosum. The needle member is then pushed through the crown of the penis. The surgeon pulls the suture to pull the inflatable cylinder 210 into the corpus cavernosum. This is done for each inflatable cylinder 210 in the pair. Once the expansion chamber 222 is in place, the surgeon can remove the suture from the end. The surgeon then inserts the second end portion 228. The surgeon inserts the rear end of the inflatable cylinder 210 into the incision and pushes the second end portion 228 toward the pubic bone until each inflatable cylinder 210 is in place.

[0042] The user can squeeze or press the ball pump 208 of the pump assembly 206 to facilitate the transfer of fluid from the fluid reservoir 202 to the expandable cylinder 210. For example, in the expansion mode, when the user operates the ball pump 208, the ball pump 208 can receive fluid from the fluid reservoir 202 and then output the fluid to the expandable cylinder 210. When the user switches to the deflation mode, at least some of the fluid can be automatically transferred back to the fluid reservoir 202 (due to the pressure difference from the expandable cylinder 210 to the fluid reservoir 202). The user can then squeeze the expandable cylinder 210 to facilitate further transfer of fluid to the fluid reservoir 202 through the ball pump 208.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 206 includes an actuation member 212. The patient can use the actuation member 212 to toggle or switch the penile implant 200 from its expanded mode to its contracted mode.

[0044] Figure 3 The expandable column or member 210 is along Figure 2 AA of the cross-sectional view. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 210 includes a main body member 250 and core members 252, 254 and 256. The main body member 250 includes or defines a first cavity 262, a second cavity 264, a third cavity 266 and a fourth cavity 268. The core members 252, 254 and 256 are disposed in the second, third and fourth cavities. The first cavity 262 is configured to receive a fluid. For example, in some embodiments, in the expansion mode, the ball pump 208 can be enabled or squeezed to deliver fluid to the first cavity 262 of the main body member 250, thereby expanding the expandable member 210.

[0045] The core members 252, 254 and 256 have a softness greater than the softness of the main body member 250. In other words, the core members 252, 254 and 256 are softer or more flexible than the main body member 250. For example, in some embodiments, the core members 252, 254, 256 can have a hardness lower (or softer, or more flexible) than the hardness of the main body member 250. In some embodiments, the core member is formed of a material softer than the material forming the main body member. In other embodiments, the core member is formed of the same material as the main body member. For example, in one embodiment, the main body member and the core member are formed of a silicone material.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, cavities 262, 264, 266, and 268 extend along the length of expandable member 210. In some embodiments, cavities 262, 264, 266, and 268 extend from a first end portion of expandable member 210 to a second end portion of expandable member 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. In other words, cavities 262, 264, 266, and 268 are fluidically isolated from each other.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the first cavity 262 is disposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the body member 250. The other cavities 264, 266, and 268 are disposed about the longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cavity 262 has a circular cross-section. The other cavities 264, 266, and 268 have elongated and curved cross-sectional shapes.

[0048] In some embodiments, the combination of the main body member 250 and the core members 252, 254 and 256 allows or helps to promote the expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user can expand the expandable member by actuating the ball pump less times. In addition, when in the contracted configuration, the expandable member can tend to a cylindrical shape rather than a flat shape.

[0049] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an expandable cylinder or member according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 310 includes a main body member 350 and a core member 252. The main body member 350 includes or defines a first cavity 362, a second cavity 364, a third cavity 366, and a fourth cavity 368. The core member 352 is disposed in the first cavity 362. The other cavities 364, 366, and 368 are configured to receive fluid. For example, in some embodiments, in the expansion mode, the ball pump can be enabled or squeezed to deliver fluid to the cavities 364, 366, 368 of the main body member 350, thereby expanding the expandable member 310.

[0050] The core member 352 has a softness greater than the softness of the main body member 350. In other words, the core member 352 is softer or more flexible than the main body member 350. For example, in some embodiments, the core member 352 can have a hardness greater than the hardness of the main body member 350 (or softer, or more flexible). In some embodiments, the core member is formed of a material softer than the material forming the main body member. In other embodiments, the core member is formed of the same material as the main body member. For example, in one embodiment, the main body member and the core member are formed of a silicone material.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, cavities 362, 364, 366, and 368 extend along the length of expandable member 310. In some embodiments, cavities 362, 364, 366, and 368 extend from a first end portion of expandable member 310 to a second end portion of expandable member 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. In other words, cavities 362, 364, 366, and 368 are fluidically isolated from each other.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the first cavity 362 is disposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the body member 350. The other cavities 364, 366, and 368 are disposed about the longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cavity 362 has a circular cross-section. The other cavities 364, 366, and 368 have elongated and curved cross-sectional shapes.

[0053] In some embodiments, the combination of the main body member 350 and the core member 352 allows or helps to promote the expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user can expand the expandable member by actuating the ball pump less times. In addition, when in the collapsed configuration, the expandable member can tend to a cylindrical shape rather than a flat shape.

[0054] Figure 5 4 is a cross-sectional view of an expandable cylinder or member 410 according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 410 includes a main body member 450 and core members 452, 454, 456 and 458. The main body member 450 includes or defines a plurality of cavities 462. The core members 452, 454, 456 and 458 are disposed in some of the cavities. Some of the cavities are configured to receive fluids. For example, in some embodiments, in the expansion mode, the ball pump can be enabled or squeezed to deliver fluid to the cavity of the main body member 450, thereby expanding the expandable member 410.

[0055] The core members 452, 454, 456 and 458 have a softness greater than the softness of the main body member 450. In other words, the core members 452, 454, 456 and 458 are softer or more flexible than the main body member 450. For example, in some embodiments, the core members 452, 454, 456 and 458 can have a hardness lower (or softer, or more flexible) than the hardness of the main body member 450. In some embodiments, the core member is formed of a material softer than the material forming the main body member. In other embodiments, the core member is formed of the same material as the main body member. For example, in one embodiment, the main body member and the core member are formed of a silicone material.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 462 extends along the length of the expandable member 410. In some embodiments, the cavity 462 extends from a first end portion of the expandable member 410 to a second end portion of the expandable member 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. In other words, the cavities 462 are fluidically isolated from each other.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, one of the cavities is disposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the body member 450. The cavity disposed along the longitudinal axis LA is one of the cavities configured to receive a fluid. The other cavities are disposed about the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities have a circular cross-section.

[0058] In some embodiments, the combination of the main body member 450 and the core member allows or helps to promote the expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user can expand the expandable member by actuating the ball pump less times. In addition, when in the contracted configuration, the expandable member can tend to a cylindrical shape rather than a flat shape.

[0059] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an expandable cylinder or member 510 according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 510 is similar to the expandable cylinder or member 510, however in this embodiment, the core member 552 is disposed within a cavity 570 extending along the longitudinal axis LA.

[0060] Figure 7 6 is a cross-sectional view of an expandable cylinder or member 610 according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 610 includes a main body member 650 and a core member 652. The main body member 650 includes or defines a plurality of cavities 662. The core member 652 is disposed in some of the cavities. Some of the cavities are configured to receive fluids. For example, in some embodiments, in an expansion mode, a ball pump can be enabled or squeezed to deliver fluid to the cavities of the main body member 650, thereby expanding the expandable member 610.

[0061] The core member 652 has a softness greater than the softness of the main body member 650. In other words, the core member 652 is softer or more flexible than the main body member 650. For example, in some embodiments, the core member 652 can have a hardness greater than the hardness of the main body member 650 (or softer, or more flexible). In some embodiments, the core member 650 is formed of a material that is softer than the material forming the main body member 652. In other embodiments, the core member is formed of the same material as the main body member. For example, in one embodiment, the main body member and the core member are formed of a silicone material.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 662 extends along the length of the expandable member 610. In some embodiments, the cavity 662 extends from a first end portion of the expandable member 610 to a second end portion of the expandable member 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. In other words, the cavities 662 are fluidically isolated from each other.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, one of the cavities is disposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the body member 650. The cavity disposed along the longitudinal axis LA is one of the cavities configured to receive a fluid. The other cavities are disposed around the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, the central cavity has a circular cross-section, while the other cavities have irregularly shaped cross-sectional shapes.

[0064] In some embodiments, the combination of the main body member 650 and the core member allows or helps to promote the expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user can expand the expandable member by actuating the ball pump less times. In addition, when in the contracted configuration, the expandable member can tend to a cylindrical shape rather than a flat shape.

[0065] Figure 8-12 An expandable column or member 710 is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 8 and 9 7 is a cross-sectional view of an expandable cylinder or member 710 according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 710 includes a main body member 750 and a core member 752. The main body member 750 includes or defines a cavity 762. The core member 752 is disposed within the cavity 762. In the illustrated embodiment, the core member 752 defines a cavity 754. The cavity 754 and the cavity 762 are configured to receive a fluid. For example, in some embodiments, in the expansion mode, the ball pump can be activated or squeezed to deliver fluid to the cavity of the main body member 750, thereby expanding the expandable member 710.

[0066] The core member 752 has a softness greater than the softness of the main body member 750. In other words, the core member 752 is softer or more flexible than the main body member 750. For example, in some embodiments, the core member 752 can have a lower hardness (or softer, or more flexible) than the hardness of the main body member 750. In some embodiments, the core member 752 is formed of a material that is softer than the material forming the main body member 750. In other embodiments, the core member is formed of the same material as the main body member. In some embodiments, the main body member 750 is formed of a fabric material.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the core member 752 is disposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the body member 750. Thus, in some embodiments, the cavity 754 extends along the longitudinal axis LA. In some embodiments, the core member 752 is coupled to the expandable member (e.g., at a first end portion or a second end portion of the expandable member). In such embodiments, the core member is configured to remain at its position within the cavity 762.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, cavities 762 and 754 extend coaxially with each other.

[0069] like Fig. 9 As best shown in FIG. 7 , cavity 762 is fluidly coupled to cavity 754 . Fig.10 and 11 An end portion of expandable member 710 is shown. Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of expandable member 710 .

[0070] In some embodiments, the combination of the main body member 750 and the core member allows or helps to promote the expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user can expand the expandable member by actuating the ball pump less times. In addition, when in the contracted configuration, the expandable member can tend to a cylindrical shape rather than a flat shape.

[0071] While certain features of the described embodiments have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It should therefore be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the scope of the embodiments.

Claims

1. An expandable implant, comprising: a fluid reservoir configured to hold a fluid; an expandable member; as well as a pump assembly configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member, The expandable member includes a main body member, a first core member and a second core member, the main body member defines a first cavity, a second cavity and a third cavity, the first core member is arranged in the first cavity, the second core member is arranged in the third cavity, the second cavity is configured to receive fluid, the first cavity has an elongated and curved cross-sectional shape, the third cavity has an elongated and curved cross-sectional shape, and the second cavity has a circular cross-sectional shape, wherein the second cavity is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the main body member, and the first cavity and the third cavity are arranged around the longitudinal axis.

2. The expandable implant according to claim 1, wherein: The body member has a first softness and the first core member has a second softness that is different from the first softness.

3. The expandable implant according to claim 1, wherein: The body member has a first softness and the first core member has a second softness, the second softness being greater than the first softness.

4. The expandable implant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first cavity is fluidly isolated from the second cavity.

5. The expandable implant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The expandable member has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the second cavity extends from a location adjacent to the first end portion to a location adjacent to the second end portion.

6. The expandable implant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first cavity extends in a first direction, and the second cavity extends in a second direction, and the first direction is substantially parallel to the second direction.

7. The expandable implant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The body member defines a fourth cavity configured to receive a fluid.

8. The expandable implant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The body member defines a fourth cavity configured to receive a fluid, the first cavity extending substantially parallel to the second cavity, the third cavity, and the fourth cavity.

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