Pump assembly with pressure relief mechanism for penile prosthesis

Abstract

According to one aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis (200) includes a fluid reservoir (202) configured to hold a fluid, an inflatable member (210), and a pump assembly (206) configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member, the pump assembly including a pump bulb (208), a valve body (270), a valve (240) disposed within the valve body, a first fluid port (114) configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir, and a second fluid port (115) configured to be fluidly coupled to the inflatable member, the valve configured to move between an inflation position and a deflation position, wherein the valve body includes a sealing surface (272) configured to engage the valve to form a seal, the valve body including a slot (274) disposed adjacent to the sealing surface.

Description

[0001] Cross-application of related applications

[0002] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 17 / 247,340, filed December 8, 2020, entitled "Pump assembly with pressure relief mechanism for a penile prosthesis," which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62 / 967,317, filed January 29, 2020, entitled "Pump assembly with pressure relief mechanism for a penile prosthesis," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 967,317, filed January 29, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates generally to human implants, and more specifically to human implants such as penile prostheses including pumps. Background Technology

[0005] One treatment for erectile dysfunction in men is the implantation of a penile prosthesis to mechanically achieve an erection. Some existing penile prostheses include an inflatable cylinder or component that can expand or contract using a pump mechanism. The pump mechanism draws fluid from a fluid reservoir and then delivers the fluid to the inflatable component. The pump mechanism may include a pump ball and a valve body comprising one or more valve components. Depending on the design of some existing inflatable penile prostheses, the valve components may be exposed to significant pressure, potentially leading to pump failure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes a fluid reservoir configured to contain fluid, an inflatable member, and a pump assembly configured to deliver fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The pump assembly includes a pump ball, a valve body, a valve disposed within the valve body, a first fluid port configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir, and a second fluid port configured to be fluidly connected to the inflatable member. The valve is configured to move between an inflated position and a deflated position. The valve body includes a sealing surface configured to engage the valve to form a seal, and the valve body includes a slot disposed adjacent to the sealing surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sealing surface is disposed between the slot and the valve. In some embodiments, the slot is a first slot, the valve body includes a second slot. In some embodiments, the slot is a first slot, the valve body includes a second slot disposed adjacent to the sealing surface, the sealing surface is disposed between the second slot and the valve.

[0008] In some embodiments, the valve includes an elongated portion and an engagement portion, the engagement portion having a surface configured to engage the sealing surface of the valve body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the slot is triangular in shape. In some embodiments, the slot includes a straight portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pump assembly includes a biasing member configured to bias the valve toward the sealing surface. In some embodiments, the pump assembly includes a biasing member configured to engage the valve and bias the valve toward the sealing surface. In some embodiments, the pump assembly includes a spring member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the valve includes a surface configured to engage the sealing surface, the surface of the valve including a protruding portion. In some embodiments, the valve includes a protruding portion configured to engage the sealing surface of the valve body. In some embodiments, the valve includes a first member and a second member, the first member configured to move relative to the second member. In some embodiments, the valve body includes a protrusion, the valve defining a cavity, the valve cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the protrusion of the valve body. In some embodiments, the valve defines a recess configured to receive at least a portion of a biasing member.

[0012] In another embodiment, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid; an inflatable member; a pump assembly configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member, the pump assembly including a pump bulb, a valve body, a valve disposed within the valve body, a first fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir, and a second fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled to the inflatable member, the valve configured to move between an inflated position and a deflated position; and a pressure relief valve, wherein the valve defines a cavity, the pressure relief valve disposed within the cavity and configured to move within the cavity.

[0013] In some embodiments, the valve defines a recess configured to receive a biasing member. In some embodiments, the valve defines a recess configured to receive a portion of a spring.

[0014] In another embodiment, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member, and a pump assembly configured to transfer fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member, the pump assembly including a pump bulb, a valve body, a valve disposed within the valve body, a first fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled with the fluid reservoir, and a second fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled with the inflatable member, the valve configured to move between an inflation position and a deflation position, wherein the valve body includes a sealing surface configured to engage the valve to form a seal, the valve body includes a first slot disposed adjacent the sealing surface, the valve body includes a second slot disposed adjacent the sealing surface, the sealing surface is disposed between the first slot and the valve, and the sealing surface is disposed between the second slot and the valve.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pump assembly includes a biasing member configured to bias the valve toward the sealing surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 An inflatable penile prosthesis according to one aspect is schematically illustrated.

[0017] Figure 2 An inflatable penile prosthesis according to one aspect is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 3 A perspective view of a portion of a penile prosthesis of Figure 2

[0019] A cross-sectional view of a portion of a penile prosthesis of Figures 4-5 Figure 2

[0020] Figures 6-7 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a penile prosthesis according to one aspect.

[0021] Figures 8-11 A portion of a penile prosthesis according to one aspect is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 12 A portion of a penile prosthesis according to one aspect is illustrated.

[0023] Figures 13-15 A portion of a penile prosthesis according to one aspect is illustrated.

[0024] Figures 16-17 A portion of a penile prosthesis according to one aspect is illustrated.

[0025] Figure 18 A portion of a penile prosthesis according to one aspect is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 19 ​​A portion of a penile prosthesis according to one aspect is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and can be practiced in various forms. Thus, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the concepts.

[0028] The term "a" or "an" is defined as one or more than one. The term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and / or "having" are defined as comprising (i.e., open transition). The term "coupled" or "movably coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and mechanically connected.

[0029] Generally, the embodiments are directed to human body implants. The term "patient" or "user" can be used hereinafter to refer to a person who benefits from a medical device or method disclosed in the present disclosure. For example, the patient can be a person whose body is implanted with a medical device or is operated by a method disclosed in the present disclosure for operating a medical device.

[0030] Figure 1 An inflatable penile prosthesis 100 according to one aspect is shown, including a fluid reservoir 102, an inflatable member 104, and a pump assembly 106 configured to transport fluid between the fluid reservoir 102 and the inflatable member 104. The inflatable member 104 can be implanted into the user's corpus cavernosum, the fluid reservoir 102 can be implanted into the user's abdomen or pelvic cavity (e.g., the fluid reservoir 102 can be implanted in a lower portion of the user's abdominal cavity or an upper portion of the user's pelvic cavity), and the pump assembly 106 can be implanted into the user's scrotum.

[0031] The pump assembly 106 includes a pump bulb 108, a valve body 110, a push valve 124 movably coupled to the valve body 110, a first fluid port 114 fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir 102 (via the first conduit connector 103), and a second fluid port 115 fluidly coupled to the inflatable member 104 (via the second conduit connector 105). The first fluid port 114 and the second fluid port 115 can extend from an end portion of the valve body 110. In some examples, the fluid delivery ports are disposed (or defined) on a tube adapter (e.g., a triple tube adapter) that is separate from the valve body 110, and the tube adapter is coupled to the valve body 110. In some examples, the first fluid port 114 includes an elongated tubular member that defines a cavity. In some examples, the second fluid port 115 includes two separate elongated tubular members (e.g., one tubular member fluidly coupled to a first cylinder member of the inflatable member 104, and the other tubular member fluidly coupled to a second cylinder member of the inflatable member 104).

[0032] The push valve 124 is configured to move along the axis 121 within the bore of the valve body 110 from an inflation position to a deflation position when pressed by a user in order to control the direction of fluid through the fluid passageway of the valve body 110. The push valve 124 includes a movable valve element 140 and a biasing member 144 that biases the movable valve element 140 to the inflation position. In some examples, the movable valve element 140 is configured to move in a straight line direction to the deflation position based on a single, momentary push of the movable valve element 140 by a user. The pump assembly 106 includes a button component 112 that encloses a portion of the movable valve element 140 when the movable valve element 140 is in the inflation position. The button component 112 can be a flexible button-like material that extends over the movable valve element 140.

[0033] In some examples, the movable valve element 140 includes a directional control valve. In some examples, the movable valve element 140 includes one or more ring members (e.g., annular rings or retainer rings). In some examples, the biasing member 144 includes a spring.

[0034] The design of the push valve 124 can reduce (or eliminate) the likelihood of the pump bulb 108 becoming stuck in a collapsed state, even if the first squeeze from the deflation mode to the inflation mode does not successfully move the movable valve element 140 to the inflation position. When the movable valve element 140 is in the inflation position, the inflatable penile prosthesis 100 is in the inflation mode (or inflation cycle). When the movable valve element 140 is in the deflation position, the inflatable penile prosthesis 100 is in the deflation mode (or deflation cycle). In some examples, a single, momentary push of the movable valve element 140 delivers the inflatable penile prosthesis 100 to the deflation position (e.g., as opposed to pressing and holding the movable valve element 140 for a certain predetermined time). In some examples, the movable valve element 140 moving to the deflation position causes the fluid path between the second fluid port 115 and the first fluid port 114 to open, enabling fluid to be delivered from the inflatable member 104 to the fluid reservoir 102 via the pump assembly 106 in a manner that bypasses the pump bulb 108.

[0035] In contrast, in the inflation mode, the pump bulb 108 is used to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir 102 to the inflatable member 104. For example, a user can press (or squeeze) the pump bulb 108, then release the pump bulb 108, then repeat these operations until a desired rigidity is achieved in the inflatable member 104. The release of the pump bulb 108 creates a suction that pulls fluid from the fluid reservoir 102 to the pump bulb 108, and the pressing of the pump bulb 108 expels fluid from the pump bulb 108 to the inflatable member 104. In some examples, in the inflation mode, the valve body 110 provides an optimized fluid pathway via the push valve 124 that can reduce the pressure drop across the push valve 124 for faster inflation times and / or reduce fluid resistance, requiring less pump bulb squeeze force to inflate.

[0036] In some embodiments, the pump assembly 106 includes a pressure release mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the pump assembly 106 includes a pressure release mechanism that is configured to release pressure on the valve member or movable valve element 140 during the inflation mode if the pressure on the valve member or movable valve element 140 becomes too great. In some embodiments, the pressure release mechanism helps to prevent the valve member or movable valve element 140 from being dislodged from its proper position within the pump assembly 106 or otherwise losing functionality.

[0037] In some embodiments, the pressure release mechanism includes a slot or groove defined by the valve body 110. In some embodiments, the pressure release mechanism includes a groove or slot defined by the valve element 140. In other embodiments, the pressure release mechanism includes the valve element 140 having a secondary valve or secondary valve or secondary valve member.

[0038] The pump bulb 108 can be a flexible member that defines a cavity. The pump bulb 108 is coupled to and extends from the valve body 110. In some examples, the pump bulb 108 extends from the valve body 110 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first fluid port 114 and the second fluid port 115 extend from the valve body 110 (e.g., on an opposite end of the valve body 110). The pump bulb 108 can be a squeeze pump. In some examples, the pump bulb 108 includes ribs or dimples to help a user grip the pump bulb 108. As described above, in the inflation mode, the pump bulb 108 can use suction and pressure to move fluid into and out of the cavity of the pump bulb 108. For example, a user can press or squeeze the pump bulb 108 to expel fluid out of the cavity, and as the flexible member returns to its original shape, the resulting suction pushes fluid into the cavity of the pump bulb 108. In some examples, the pump bulb 108 can have a ball rebound rate designed to refill the pump bulb 108 within a selected time frame.

[0039] The valve body 110 defines one or more fluid passages through the valve body 110. The valve body 110 includes valve components arranged within the fluid passages to control the flow of fluid through the valve body 110 in the inflation mode and the deflation mode. In some examples, the valve body 110 includes a block of material that defines the fluid passages and encloses the valve components. In some examples, the valve body 110 includes a silicone material. In some examples, the valve body 110 can be molded from a silicone material having a medium durometer value. In some examples, the pump assembly 106 includes an outer protective shell arranged over the valve body 110. In some examples, the outer protective shell has a different material than the valve body 110 (e.g., a polymeric material). In some examples, the outer protective shell includes one or more tactile features that help a user locate the valve body 110 (to locate the push valve 124). In some examples, the tactile features include protruding portions, ridges, grooves, bumps, and / or depressions.

[0040] The valve body 110 includes a refill valve 120 and an inflation valve 122. In some examples, the valve body 110 includes an anti-auto inflation valve. The refill valve 120 can be used when refilling the pump bulb 108. The refill valve 120 is not used in the deflation mode. In some examples, the refill valve 120 is a one-way valve. In some examples, the refill valve 120 is arranged in a fluid passage within the valve body 110 between the first fluid port 114 and the pump bulb 108. In some examples, the fluid passage with the refill valve 120 extending between the first fluid port 114 and the pump bulb 108 is only used to refill the pump bulb 108 (e.g., a separate fluid path), which can reduce bulb refill time (e.g., reduce wait time between squeezes). In some examples, the refill valve 120 is fluidly coupled to the bore in which the push valve 124 moves and the pump bulb 108.

[0041] In some examples, refill valve 120 is aligned with first fluid port 114. For example, refill valve 120 can have an inlet and an outlet, where fluid enters the inlet from first fluid port 114 and exits the outlet to pump bulb 108. First fluid port 114 can define a longitudinal axis 119 that extends along a fluid path of refill valve 120 (e.g., between the inlet and the outlet). In some examples, longitudinal axis 119 is perpendicular to axis 121. The alignment of refill valve 120 with first fluid port 114 can minimize tortuosity of the fluid path and / or reduce pressure drop across refill valve 120. In some examples, refill valve 120 includes a floating check ball with a groove (which can increase or maximize fluid velocity through refill valve 120). In some examples, refill valve 120 includes a biasing member that biases refill valve 120 to a sealed position. In some examples, the biasing member includes a spring. In some examples, refill valve 120 does not include a biasing member.

[0042] Expansion valve 122 can be disposed within the fluid passageway between pump bulb 108 and push valve 124. Expansion valve 122 can be used during expansion of inflatable member 104 (e.g., when fluid is delivered from pump bulb 108 to inflatable member 104). Expansion valve 122 is not used during deflation mode. In some examples, expansion valve 122 is a one-way valve. In some examples, expansion valve 122 includes a check ball and a biasing member. The biasing member can bias the check ball to a sealed position. In some examples, the biasing member includes a spring.

[0043] In the expanded position (and when the user operates pump bulb 108), fluid can flow from first fluid port 114 (from fluid reservoir 102) to pump bulb 108 via refill valve 120, and from pump bulb 108 to second fluid port 115 (and then to inflatable member 104) via expansion valve 122 and push valve 124. In response to movable valve element 140 being pressed to the deflated position, the position of movable valve element 140 within the bore of valve body 110 can open a fluid passageway in valve body 110 to deliver fluid from inflatable member 104 around pump bulb 108 to fluid reservoir 102. For example, when moved to the deflated position, movable valve element 140 is configured to change the fluid passageway through the bore to deliver fluid from second fluid port 115 to first fluid port 114 such that pump bulb 108 is bypassed. In some examples, due to pressure inside inflatable member 104, some fluid can be automatically delivered from inflatable member 104 to fluid reservoir 102 via pump assembly 106, and then the user can squeeze inflatable member 104 to deliver some remaining fluid in inflatable member 104.

[0044] Each of the first conduit connector 103 and the second conduit connector 105 can define a lumen configured to transport fluid to and from the pump assembly 106. The first conduit connector 103 can be coupled to the pump assembly 106 and the fluid reservoir 102 such that fluid can be transported between the pump assembly 106 and the fluid reservoir 102 via the first conduit connector 103. For example, the first conduit connector 103 can define a first lumen configured to transport fluid between the pump assembly 106 and the fluid reservoir 102. The first conduit connector 103 can include a single or more tubular members for transporting fluid between the pump assembly 106 and the fluid reservoir 102.

[0045] The second conduit connector 105 can be coupled to the pump assembly 106 and the inflatable member 104 such that fluid can be transported between the pump assembly 106 and the inflatable member 104 via the second conduit connector 105. For example, the second conduit connector 105 can define a second lumen configured to transport fluid between the pump assembly 106 and the inflatable member 104. The second conduit connector 105 can include a single or more tubular members for transporting fluid between the pump assembly 106 and the inflatable member 104. In some examples, the first conduit connector 103 and the second conduit connector 105 can include a silicone rubber material. In some examples, the pump assembly 106 can be directly connected to the fluid reservoir 102.

[0046] The inflatable member 104 is capable of expanding upon the injection of fluid into a cavity of the inflatable member 104. For example, upon the injection of fluid into the inflatable member 104, the inflatable member 104 can increase its length and / or width, as well as increase its rigidity. In some examples, the inflatable member 104 can include a pair of inflatable cylinders or at least two cylinders, such as a first cylinder member and a second cylinder member. The volumetric capacity of the inflatable member 104 can depend on the size of the inflatable cylinders. In some examples, the volume of fluid in each cylinder can vary from about 10 milliliters in a smaller cylinder to about 50 milliliters in a larger size. In some examples, the first cylinder member can be larger than the second cylinder member. In other examples, the first cylinder member can have the same size as the second cylinder member.

[0047] The fluid reservoir 102 can include a container having an internal chamber configured to hold or contain fluid for inflating the inflatable member 104. The volumetric capacity of the fluid reservoir 102 can vary depending on the size of the inflatable penile prosthesis 100. In some examples, the volumetric capacity of the fluid reservoir 102 can be 3 to 150 cubic centimeters. In some examples, the fluid reservoir 102 is constructed of the same material as the inflatable member 104. In other examples, the fluid reservoir 102 is constructed of a different material than the inflatable member 104. In some examples, the fluid reservoir 102 contains a greater volume of fluid than the inflatable member 104.

[0048] Figure 2 An inflatable penile prosthesis 200 having a pump assembly 206 is shown in accordance with one aspect. The pump assembly 206 can include any of the features of the pump assemblies (including push valves) described with reference to the above figures. The penile prosthesis 200 can include a pair of inflatable cylinders 210 and the inflatable cylinders 210 are configured to be implanted in the penis. For example, one inflatable cylinder 210 can be disposed on one side of the penis and 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 inflation chamber 222, and a second end portion 228 having a posterior end 232.

[0049] The pump assembly 206 can be implanted in the scrotum of the patient. A pair of conduit connectors 205 can attach the pump assembly 206 to the inflatable cylinders 210 such that the pump assembly 206 is in fluid communication with the inflatable cylinders 210. Further, the pump assembly 206 can be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 202 via the conduit connector 203. The fluid reservoir 202 can be implanted in the abdomen of the user. The inflation chamber or portion of the inflatable cylinders 210 can be disposed within the penis. The first end portion 224 of the inflatable cylinders 210 can be disposed at least partially within the coronal portion of the penis. The second end portion 228 can be implanted into the pubic region PR of the patient with the posterior end 232 proximate the pubic bone PB.

[0050] To implant the inflatable cylinders 210, the surgeon first prepares the patient. The surgeon typically makes an incision in the penile scrotal region, for example, at the intersection of the base of the penis and the top of the scrotum. From the penile scrotal incision, the surgeon can dilate the corpora cavernosa of the patient to prepare the patient to receive the inflatable cylinders 210. The corpora cavernosa are one of the two parallel columns of erectile tissue that form the back of the shaft of the penis, for example, two elongated columns that substantially extend the length of the penis. The surgeon will also dilate two regions 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 regions of the pubic region to determine the appropriate size of the inflatable cylinders 210 to implant.

[0051] After the patient is prepared, the penile prosthesis 200 is implanted in the patient. The tip of the first end portion 824 of each inflatable cylinder 210 can be attached to a suture. The other end of the suture can be attached to a needle member, such as a Keith needle. The needle member is inserted into the incision and the dilated corpus cavernosum. The needle member is then forced through the corona of the penis. The surgeon pulls on the suture to draw the inflatable cylinder 210 into the corpus cavernosum. This is done for each inflatable cylinder 210 in the pair. Once the inflation chambers 222 are in place, the surgeon can remove the suture from the tip. The surgeon then inserts the second end portion 228. The surgeon inserts the back end of the inflatable cylinder 210 into the incision and pushes the second end portion 228 toward the pubic bone PB until each inflatable cylinder 210 is in place.

[0052] A user can squeeze or press the pump bulb 208 of the pump assembly 206 in order to facilitate the delivery of fluid from the fluid reservoir 202 to the inflatable cylinder 210. For example, in the inflation mode, when the user operates the pump bulb 208, the pump bulb 208 can receive fluid from the fluid reservoir 802 and then output the fluid to the inflatable cylinder 210. When the user switches to the deflation mode, at least some of the fluid can be automatically delivered back to the fluid reservoir 202 (due to the pressure differential from the inflatable cylinder 210 to the fluid reservoir 202). The user can then squeeze the inflatable cylinder 210 in order to facilitate the further delivery of fluid to the fluid reservoir 202 through the pump bulb 208.

[0053] Figures 3-5 The pump assembly 206 is shown. The movable valve element 240 is disposed within the valve body 270 and is configured to move within the valve body 270.

[0054] The pump assembly 206 includes a pressure relief mechanism. For example, the pump assembly 206 includes a pressure relief mechanism that is structured to relieve pressure on the valve member or movable valve element 240 during the inflation mode if the pressure on the valve member or movable valve element 240 becomes too great. In some embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism helps to prevent the valve member or movable valve element 240 from being dislodged from its proper position within the pump assembly 206 or otherwise losing its function.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 270 includes or defines a sealing surface 272. The sealing surface 272 is structured to contact or engage the movable valve element 240 to form a fluid seal. For example, in some embodiments, the movable valve element 240 is structured to contact or engage the sealing surface 272 when the movable valve element 240 is in the inflation position (and when the pump assembly 206 is in the inflation mode).

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 270 includes or defines a slot, groove, or channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 270 includes three slots, grooves, or channels. In other embodiments, the valve body 270 includes a different number of slots. For example, in some embodiments, the valve body 270 includes a single slot or groove. In other embodiments, the valve body includes more than one slot or groove. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body includes or defines slots or grooves that are triangular in shape. In other embodiments, the slots or grooves have a different shape.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing surface 272 is located or disposed between the slot 274 and the movable valve element 240. In some embodiments, if the movable valve element 240 is exposed to excess pressure, it will tend to be forced in the direction of arrow F. In the illustrated embodiment, when this occurs, the movable valve element 240 will move past the sealing surface, and the pressure can be released via the slot 274. Specifically, fluid adjacent to the movable valve element 240 can pass the movable valve element 240 via the slot 274, thereby releasing the pressure. In some embodiments, the reduction in pressure helps to prevent the movable valve element 240 from being forced into an incorrect position within the valve body 270, or otherwise causing the movable valve element 240 to malfunction.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable valve element 240 includes a surface 242 that is configured to engage the sealing surface 272 of the valve body 270. In addition, the movable valve element 240 includes or defines a groove 244 that is configured to receive or engage the biasing member 250. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 250 is a spring member, and is configured to bias the movable valve element 240 toward the sealing surface 272 of the valve body 270.

[0059] Figures 6-7 A pump assembly 306 according to one aspect is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, as Figure 7 As best shown, the slot or groove 372 defined by the valve body 370 is linear or extends linearly.

[0060] Figures 8-11 A pump assembly 406 according to one aspect is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable valve element 440 includes a surface 442 that is configured to engage or contact the sealing surface 472 of the valve body 470.

[0061] The surface 442 includes a protrusion 445. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 445 forms a loop. In other embodiments, the protrusion 445 does not form a loop, and the surface 442 can include a plurality of protrusions. The sealing surface 472 includes a notch or receiving portion 475 that is configured to engage or receive the protrusion 445. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement of the protrusion 445 and the receiving portion 475 facilitates sealing of the valve component and allows fluid to reach the slot or groove 474 in the event of a large pressure on the movable valve element 440.

[0062] Figure 12 A pump assembly 506 according to one aspect is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable valve element 540 defines a lumen 541. A valve or secondary valve 560 is disposed in the lumen. The secondary valve 560 is configured to release pressure on the movable valve element 540 when overpressure is present in region A of the pump assembly 506.

[0063] Figures 13-15 A portion of a pump assembly 606 according to one aspect is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable valve element 640 includes a contact surface 642 that is configured to engage a sealing surface 672 of a valve body 670. The contact surface 642 includes or defines a cutout or recess 643. The cutout or recess 643 is configured to allow fluid to pass through the movable valve element 640 when the movable valve element 640 is exposed to overpressure.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 642 includes or defines three cutouts or recesses 643. In other embodiments, the contact surface includes or defines a different number of cutouts or recesses, such as one, two, or more than three.

[0065] Figures 16-17 A portion of a pump assembly 706 according to one aspect is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable valve element 740 includes a contact surface 742 that is configured to engage a sealing surface 772 of a valve body 770. The contact surface 742 includes or defines a cutout or recess 743. The cutout or recess 743 is configured to allow fluid to pass through the movable valve element 740 when the movable valve element 740 is exposed to overpressure.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 742 includes or defines three cutouts or recesses 743. In other embodiments, the contact surface includes or defines a different number of cutouts or recesses, such as one, two, or more than three.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 742 also includes or defines a protrusion or protrusion portion 747. In some embodiments, the protrusion portion 747 is configured to engage the sealing surface 772 of the valve body 770 to facilitate the pressure release function of the cutout or recess 743.

[0068] Figure 18 A pump assembly 806 according to one aspect is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 870 includes a secondary valve 880. The secondary valve 880 is arranged such that the secondary valve 880 is configured to release pressure when overpressure is present on the movable valve element 840.

[0069] Figure 19 A pump assembly 906 according to one aspect is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable valve element 940 defines a lumen 941. A valve or secondary valve 960 is disposed in the lumen. The secondary valve 960 is configured to release pressure on the movable valve element 940 when overpressure is present in region B of the pump assembly 906.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary valve 960 includes a ball or sphere 961 and a biasing member 963. In other embodiments, the secondary valve includes different components.

[0071] While certain features of the described implementations have been illustrated, those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents can be made to the implementations without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of the embodiments.

Claims

1. An inflatable penile prosthesis, comprising: a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid; an inflatable member; and a pump assembly configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member, the pump assembly including a pump bulb, a valve body, a valve disposed within the valve body, a first fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir, and a second fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled to the inflatable member, the valve configured to move between an inflation position and a deflation position, wherein the valve body includes a sealing surface configured to engage the valve to form a seal, the valve body including a slot disposed adjacent to the sealing surface, wherein the valve body includes a protrusion, the valve defining a cavity, the valve cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the protrusion of the valve body. the sealing surface is disposed between the slot and the valve.

2. The inflatable penile prosthesis of claim 1, wherein, the slot is a first slot, the valve body including a second slot.

3. The inflatable penile prosthesis of claim 1, wherein, the slot is a first slot, the valve body including a second slot disposed adjacent to the sealing surface, the sealing surface disposed between the second slot and the valve.

4. The inflatable penile prosthesis of claim 1, wherein, the valve includes an elongate portion and an engagement portion, the engagement portion having a surface configured to engage the sealing surface of the valve body.

5. The inflatable penile prosthesis of any of claims 1-4, wherein, the slot is triangular in shape.

6. The inflatable penile prosthesis of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, the slot includes a straight portion.

7. The inflatable penile prosthesis of any of claims 1-4, wherein, the pump assembly includes a biasing member configured to bias the valve toward the sealing surface.

8. The inflatable penile prosthesis of claim 1, wherein, the pump assembly includes a biasing member configured to engage the valve and bias the valve toward the sealing surface.

9. The inflatable penile prosthesis of claim 1, wherein, the pump assembly includes a spring member.

10. The inflatable penile prosthesis of claim 1, wherein, the valve includes a surface configured to engage the sealing surface.

11. The inflatable penile prosthesis of claim 1, wherein, the valve includes a first member and a second member, the first member configured to move relative to the second member.

12. The inflatable penile prosthesis of claim 1, wherein, the valve defines a groove configured to receive at least a portion of a biasing member.

13. The inflatable penile prosthesis of claim 8 or 9, wherein, ​

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