Implantable medical device

Abstract

The invention relates to an implantable medical device (10) comprising: - a variable-volume fluid reservoir which is able to deform under the effect of a variation in atmospheric pressure, - an inflatable element (3) in fluid connection with the reservoir (5), - an actuator (8) which is suitable for selectively varying the volume of the reservoir (5), and - a data processing and control unit (200) which is configured to command a selective variation in the volume of the reservoir (5) by the actuator (8) and to carry out, if an atmospheric pressure estimation exceeds at least one atmospheric pressure threshold and / or if an altitude estimation exceeds at least one altitude threshold, at least one of the steps of: a) commanding, by means of the unit (200), at least one withdrawal of a volume of fluid from the inflatable element (3) to the reservoir (5) by means of the actuator (8); b) commanding, by means of the unit (200), at least one injection of a volume of fluid from the reservoir (5) to the inflatable element (3) by means of the actuator (8).

Description

[0001] Implantable medical device

[0002] GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to an implantable medical device comprising a variable volume fluid reservoir, the reservoir being capable of deforming under the effect of a variation in atmospheric pressure.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Medical devices are systems that can be implanted in the body of a human or animal individual. In particular, such devices may include artificial urinary sphincters used to combat urinary incontinence, gastric bands or rings adapted to restrict the stomach in order to combat obesity, inflatable penile implants used for erectile prostheses, etc.

[0006] In a manner known per se, the implantable system may be hydraulically operated and may include in particular a variable volume fluid reservoir and an inflatable element containing a variable volume of fluid. The inflatable element is in fluid connection with the variable volume fluid reservoir, so as to be able to transfer fluid from the reservoir to the inflatable element, and vice versa.

[0007] In the case of an implantable occlusive system such as an artificial urinary sphincter, the inflatable element is an inflatable occlusive cuff capable of selectively occluding an anatomical conduit such as a urethra in men, or a bladder neck in women. Fluid can be transferred from the reservoir to the cuff to increase the pressure exerted on the conduit, and vice versa from the cuff to the reservoir to reduce the pressure exerted on the conduit. Thus, depending on the volume of fluid in the cuff, more or less pressure can be exerted on the anatomical conduit to be occluded.

[0008] Elements of the implantable fluid system may be sensitive to variations in atmospheric pressure (for example due to variations in altitude) and may deform. For example, the reservoir of the implantable fluid system may comprise an elastically deformable portion that deforms according to variations in atmospheric pressure. This deformation may result in an uncontrolled injection of fluid into the cuff or extraction of fluid from the cuff and therefore an increase or decrease in the pressure in the cuff. However, such pressure variations in the inflatable element must be avoided. In the case of artificial urinary sphincters, excess pressures are likely to damage the tissues around which the cuff is arranged, for example by causing damage to these tissues. It is therefore necessary to compensate for these excess pressures in order to limit the corresponding risk of tissue damage.

[0009] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One aim of the invention is to compensate for the effects on an implantable medical device of variations in atmospheric pressure.

[0011] The present invention thus relates, according to a first aspect, to an implantable medical device comprising a variable-volume fluid reservoir, the reservoir being capable of deforming under the effect of a variation in atmospheric pressure, an inflatable element in fluid connection with the reservoir, an actuator adapted to selectively vary the volume of the fluid reservoir, and a control and data processing unit configured to control a selective variation of the volume of the fluid reservoir by the actuator, said unit being configured to implement, if an estimate of an atmospheric pressure crosses at least one atmospheric pressure threshold and / or if an estimate of an altitude crosses at least one altitude threshold, at least one of the steps of: a) controlling, by means of the control and data processing unit,of at least one withdrawal of a volume of fluid from the inflatable element to the reservoir by means of the actuator; b) control, by means of the control and data processing unit, of at least one injection of a volume of fluid from the reservoir to the inflatable element by means of the actuator.,

[0012] According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any combination: the control and data processing unit is configured to:

[0013] - implementing step a) if the atmospheric pressure estimate crosses the at least one atmospheric pressure threshold such that the atmospheric pressure is lower than the at least one atmospheric pressure threshold or if the altitude estimate crosses the at least one altitude threshold such that the altitude estimate is higher than the at least one altitude threshold; and / or to - implementing step b) if the atmospheric pressure estimate crosses the at least one atmospheric pressure threshold such that the atmospheric pressure is higher than the at least one atmospheric pressure threshold or if the altitude estimate crosses the at least one altitude threshold such that the altitude estimate is lower than the at least one altitude threshold;the control and data processing unit is configured to implement, prior to step a) or b), a step a01) or b01) of calculating the volume of fluid to be sampled or injected; the control and data processing unit is configured to implement a step aO) of estimating the atmospheric pressure from at least one fluid pressure value in the reservoir; the control and data processing unit is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be sampled or injected as a function of an atmospheric pressure range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included, a lower limit or an upper limit of the atmospheric pressure range being the atmospheric pressure threshold and / or as a function of an altitude range in which the altitude estimate is newly included, a lower limit or an upper limit of the altitude range being the altitude threshold;the control and data processing unit is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be sampled or injected as a function of an atmospheric pressure range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included, the atmospheric pressure estimate being included in one of a plurality of atmospheric pressure ranges and / or as a function of an altitude range in which the altitude estimate is newly included, the altitude estimate being newly included in one of a plurality of altitude ranges;the control and data processing unit is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be sampled or injected as a function of an atmospheric pressure range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included, the atmospheric pressure estimate being newly included in one of at least two atmospheric pressure ranges, preferably at least three atmospheric pressure ranges, more preferably at least four atmospheric pressure ranges and / or as a function of an altitude range in which the altitude estimate is newly included, the altitude estimate being newly included in one of at least two altitude ranges, preferably at least three altitude ranges, more preferably at least four altitude ranges;the control and data processing unit is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be sampled or injected as a function of the atmospheric pressure range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included and / or as a function of the altitude range in which the altitude estimate is newly included, each atmospheric pressure range and / or each altitude range being associated with a respective fluid volume value, by determining the fluid volume value associated with the atmospheric pressure range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included and / or with the altitude range in which the altitude estimate is newly included, the volume of fluid to be sampled or injected corresponding to the determined fluid volume value;the control and data processing unit is configured to calculate at least one lower limit and / or at least one upper limit of the at least one atmospheric pressure range and / or the at least one altitude range from at least one reference atmospheric pressure value and / or at least one reference altitude value and from at least one atmospheric pressure difference threshold and / or at least one altitude difference threshold; the control and data processing unit is configured to calculate at least one fluid volume value associated with each atmospheric pressure range and / or each altitude range, the at least one fluid volume value corresponding to a subdivision of a maximum volume to be sampled or injected during a variation in atmospheric pressure and / or a maximum variation in altitude;the data control and processing unit is configured to implement a step of: x) detecting whether the atmospheric pressure estimate crosses at least one atmospheric pressure threshold or whether an altitude estimate crosses at least one altitude threshold, the at least one atmospheric pressure threshold being a lower or upper limit of an atmospheric pressure range and the at least one altitude threshold being a lower or upper limit of an altitude range; the data control and processing unit is configured to exchange data with an external control element comprising a barometer and / or an altimeter and / or a GPS, the data control and processing unit being configured to estimate the atmospheric pressure from atmospheric pressure measurement data of the barometer and / or to estimate the altitude from altitude measurement data of the altimeter and / or the GPS;the control and data processing unit is configured to record the atmospheric pressure measurement by the barometer as an estimate of the atmospheric pressure if the measured atmospheric pressure is between 1054 mbar and 694 mbar and / or to record the altitude measurement by the altimeter as an estimate of the altitude if the measured altitude is between 0 meters and 3000 meters above sea level; the control and data processing unit is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be sampled based on an estimate of a second volume of fluid that has been injected into the inflatable element following a deformation of the tank caused by a decrease in atmospheric pressure and / or an increase in altitude;the control and data processing unit is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be injected based on an estimate of a second volume of fluid that has been taken from the inflatable element following a deformation of the reservoir caused by an increase in atmospheric pressure and / or a decrease in altitude; the control and data processing unit is configured to exchange data with an external control element comprising a barometer and / or an altimeter and / or a GPS and configured to, if a command is implemented by a patient in whom the device is implanted via the external control element, record an atmospheric pressure measurement from the barometer and / or an altitude measurement from the altimeter and / or an altitude measurement from the GPS;the data control and processing unit is configured to, following the recording of an atmospheric pressure measurement from the barometer and / or an altitude measurement from the altimeter and / or an altitude measurement from the GPS, update the lower limit and the upper limit of the atmospheric pressure range(s) so that an atmospheric pressure range is centered on the atmospheric pressure measurement and / or update the lower limit and the upper limit of the altitude range(s) so that an altitude range is centered on the altitude measurement; the data control and processing unit is configured to increase, preferably double, the extent of the atmospheric pressure range centered on the atmospheric pressure measurement and / or the altitude range centered on the altitude measurement;the control and data processing unit is configured to, following the recording of an atmospheric pressure measurement from the barometer and / or an altitude measurement from the altimeter and / or an altitude measurement from the GPS, calculate a volume of fluid to be taken from the inflatable element to the reservoir by means of the actuator or to be injected from the reservoir to the inflatable element by means of the actuator by applying the atmospheric pressure or altitude measurement to a function; the control and data processing unit is configured to exchange data with an external control element comprising a barometer and / or an altimeter to record, at a predetermined frequency, an atmospheric pressure measurement from the barometer and / or an altitude measurement from the altimeter;the control and data processing unit is configured to control an increase or a decrease in the volume of the reservoir by the actuator so as to allow the withdrawal or injection of the volume of fluid from the inflatable element to the reservoir; the control and data processing unit is configured to implement step a) periodically and / or step b) periodically; the device is configured to be implanted in a human or animal body to selectively close an anatomical duct of said human or animal body taken from at least one of the following ducts: a urethra, a gastric duct, a colon or a rectum, or comprising an inflatable element of elongated shape configured to be used as penile implants.;

[0014] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising an implantable medical device presented previously and an external control element adapted to exchange data with the implantable medical device and configured to be used by an individual in whom the medical device is implanted, in which the implantable medical device and the external control element comprise communication means adapted to communicate with each other.

[0015] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for compensating for a variation in atmospheric pressure to which an implantable medical device is exposed, said medical device comprising a fluid reservoir with a variable volume capable of deforming under the effect of a variation in atmospheric pressure, an inflatable element in fluid connection with the reservoir, an actuator adapted to selectively vary the volume of the fluid reservoir, and a data control and processing unit configured to control a selective variation of the volume of the fluid reservoir by the actuator, the method comprising at least one of the steps implemented by the data control and processing unit, if an estimation of an atmospheric pressure crosses at least one atmospheric pressure threshold or if an estimation of an altitude crosses at least one altitude threshold,of: a) sending by the control unit of at least one order to the actuator to vary the volume of the reservoir to take a volume of fluid from the inflatable element to the reservoir; b) sending by the control unit of at least one order to the actuator to vary the volume of the reservoir to inject a volume of fluid from the reservoir to the inflatable element.,

[0016] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising code instructions for the execution of a compensation method presented above, when said program is executed by a computer.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a storage means readable by computer equipment on which a computer program product comprises code instructions for the execution of a compensation method presented previously.

[0018] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to the appended figures including:

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates an overview of a medical device implantable in the body of an individual and a control element external to the body of the individual;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the interior of the housing according to one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 represents a breakdown of atmospheric pressure ranges;

[0023] Figure 4 represents a breakdown of atmospheric pressure ranges according to another embodiment; Figure 5 represents the steps of the method for compensating for a variation in atmospheric pressure to which an implantable medical device is exposed.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Device

[0026] According to a first aspect, a medical device is proposed that can be implanted in an individual. In this text, the term "individual" means a human being or an animal. The device is an active implantable medical device capable of occluding a natural conduit such as a urethra (in men), the bladder neck (in women), a gastric conduit, a colon or even a rectum. In the case of application to a urethra or a bladder body, the device makes it possible in particular to combat urinary incontinence by means of an artificial sphincter capable of occluding the urethra or the bladder neck. However, the proposed device is more generally a device comprising a fluid circuit sensitive to pressure variations, in particular generated by altitude variations. Other forms that the device can take include penile implants and gastric constriction bands.

[0027] A medical device implantable in a human or animal body is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in Figures 1 and 2.

[0028] The implantable device 10 comprises:

[0029] - a sealed box 1 containing a gas,

[0030] - an inflatable element 3 adapted to be implanted in the body of the individual outside the housing,

[0031] - a fluid circuit comprising a fluid reservoir 5 having a variable fluid volume arranged in the housing and a fluid connection 2 between said reservoir 5 and said inflatable element 3,

[0032] - an actuator 8 arranged in the housing 1 and mechanically coupled to a part of the fluid reservoir 5 to selectively vary the volume of fluid in said reservoir,

[0033] - a control and data processing unit 200 configured to control a selective variation of the volume of the fluid reservoir 5 by the actuator 8 and therefore configured to control the actuator so as to transfer fluid between the reservoir 5 and the inflatable element 3. The unit 200 is also configured to implement a method of compensating for a variation in atmospheric pressure to which an implantable medical device is exposed. Fluidic circuit

[0034] The fluid circuit is adapted to be filled with a fluid, in particular a liquid. A variation in the volume of the reservoir 5 causes a variation in the pressure in the fluid circuit. More particularly, a reduction in the volume of the reservoir 5 causes a transfer of fluid from the reservoir 5 to the inflatable element 3, and causes an increase in the pressure in the fluid circuit. Conversely, an increase in the volume of the reservoir 5 causes a transfer of fluid from the inflatable element 3 to the reservoir 5, and causes a reduction in the pressure in the fluid circuit.

[0035] The reservoir 5 is preferably a variable-volume fluid reservoir capable of deforming under the effect of a variation in atmospheric pressure. The reservoir 5 may therefore comprise an elastically deformable portion which deforms according to variations in atmospheric pressure. This deformation may cause a variation in the volume of the reservoir 5 and therefore transfers of fluid between the reservoir 5 and the inflatable element 3.

[0036] The reservoir 5 further comprises an orifice for transferring the fluid from and outside the reservoir 5 to the inflatable element 3 via the fluid connection 2.

[0037] The fluid connection 2 may consist of a tube 2 arranged between the reservoir 5 and the inflatable element 3. A first end of the tube 2 opens into the reservoir 5, and a second end of the tube 2 opens into the inflatable element 3.

[0038] The inflatable element 3 may be an inflatable occlusive cuff, particularly when the device 10 is an artificial urinary sphincter. The fluid-filled inflatable occlusive cuff 3 may be adapted to completely or partially surround the duct to be occluded.

[0039] Alternatively, the inflatable element 3 may be an inflatable penile implant, and thus have an elongated shape, in particular when the device 10 is an erectile prosthesis.

[0040] Housing

[0041] The housing 1, the fluid connection 2 and the inflatable element 3 are adapted to be implanted in the body of an individual I, the contours of which are shown schematically in figure 1 on either side of this assembly.

[0042] The housing 1, in particular the interior volume 11 of the housing 1 surrounding the reservoir 5, contains a gas, for example an inert gas. Sensor

[0043] Advantageously, the housing 1 contains a tank sensor 102 adapted to measure a value representative of the fluid pressure in the tank 5. The tank sensor 102 may for example be a force sensor or a pressure sensor.

[0044] External control element

[0045] Particularly advantageously, an external control element 9, such as a remote control, external to the patient's body, can be used by the patient or a third party to communicate wirelessly with the medical device 10.

[0046] In some embodiments, a barometer 90, i.e. an atmospheric pressure sensor, is included in the device 10, for example in the housing 1. According to another embodiment, the barometer 10 is arranged on an external wall of the housing 1 and is configured to communicate with the device 10. According to yet another embodiment, the barometer 90 may be arranged in the external control element 9 external to the body of the individual in which the device 10 is implanted. The barometer 90 is adapted to measure a value representative of an atmospheric pressure to which the implantable medical device 10 is subjected. In the case of a barometer 90 arranged in the external control element 9, a measurement of a value representative of the atmospheric pressure may thus be carried out via the external control element 9, for example when the patient himself activates a command of the external control element 9.In some embodiments also, an altimeter 92, i.e. an altitude sensor, may be arranged in the external control element 9 external to the body of the individual in which the device 10 is implanted. The altimeter 92 is adapted to measure a value representative of an altitude at which the implantable medical device is located. A measurement of a representative altitude value may thus be carried out when a user controls the device 10 via the external control element 9.

[0047] The barometer 90 and the altimeter 92 or a GPS (Global Positioning System) may also be configured to implement an atmospheric pressure measurement and an altitude measurement, respectively, at a predetermined frequency.

[0048] Actuator

[0049] The actuator 8 is adapted to control a variation in the volume of the reservoir 5. In a certain embodiment, the actuator 8 is adapted to control a linear displacement of the movable wall 6, the bellows 7 being adapted to expand or compress as a function of said linear displacement of the movable wall 6 controlled by the actuator 8. The actuator 8 may be chosen from any electromechanical system making it possible to transform electrical energy into a mechanical movement with the power required to allow the displacement at a required force and speed of the movable wall 6 of the variable-volume reservoir 5. The actuator 8 may in particular be a piezoelectric actuator, an electromagnetic actuator which may comprise an electromagnetic motor with or without brushes coupled or not to a reducer, an electroactive polymer or a shape memory alloy.

[0050] Control and data processing unit

[0051] The device 10 comprises a control and data processing unit 200 configured to control the actuator 8 so as to move the movable wall 6 of the tank 5 to a position corresponding to the determined volume. More particularly, in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the control unit 200 is configured to issue an operating command for a motor of the actuator 8 in one direction or the other depending on whether an increase or a decrease in the volume of the tank 5 is required.

[0052] As explained previously, a variation in atmospheric pressure or altitude can cause deformations of the reservoir 5 of the device 10. These deformations can lead to an injection of fluid into the inflatable element 3 or an uncontrolled withdrawal of fluid from the inflatable element 3 and therefore an increase or a decrease in the fluid pressure in the inflatable element 3. However, if the fluid pressure in the inflatable element 3 is too high, this can cause damage to the tissues of the anatomical conduit that the inflatable element 3 surrounds. Conversely, if the fluid pressure in the inflatable element 3 is too low, the anatomical conduit surrounded by the inflatable element 3 is likely not to be sufficiently closed, which can cause, in the example case where the conduit is a urethra, an episode of incontinence.

[0053] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the bellows 7 forms a portion of the wall of the variable volume tank. The bellows is formed from a plurality of convolutions, which may be elastically deformable. The bellows 7 may be in the form of an accordion bellows, the convolutions corresponding to folds of the accordion. In static conditions, that is to say when no stress is exerted by the actuator 8 to vary the volume of the tank, a variation in atmospheric pressure may cause a deformation of the convolutions, thus varying the volume of the tank.

[0054] It is therefore necessary to be able to compensate for this injection or this withdrawal by withdrawing or injecting, respectively, fluid into or from the inflatable element 3. The unit 200 is configured to control an injection or withdrawal of a volume of fluid to be compensated. For this, the unit 200 is configured to determine whether an atmospheric pressure is lower or higher than at least one atmospheric pressure threshold and / or to determine whether an altitude is lower or higher than at least one altitude threshold. This determination allows the unit 200 to trigger, or not, an injection or a withdrawal.

[0055] It is understood that the unit is configured to react to variations in atmospheric pressure and / or altitude. By atmospheric pressure is meant the atmospheric pressure to which the device 10 is exposed. By altitude is meant the altitude at which the device 10 is located. These quantities are linked in that the atmospheric pressure varies substantially linearly as a function of altitude. When increasing in altitude, the atmospheric pressure decreases and, conversely, when decreasing in altitude, the atmospheric pressure increases.

[0056] For the sake of clarity, the remainder of the description will be divided into two parts. The first part concerns the configuration of the unit 200 to compensate based on atmospheric pressure values. The second part concerns the configuration of the unit 200 to compensate based on altitude values. Obviously, since atmospheric pressure and altitude are inversely related (when one increases, the other decreases), the embodiment concerning altitude is the same as the embodiment in the inverse manner.

[0057] Method of realization Atmospheric pressure

[0058] The unit 200 is advantageously configured to estimate an atmospheric pressure value.

[0059] The atmospheric pressure value can be measured by the barometer 90 and then communicated to the unit 200. According to a certain embodiment, the unit 200 is configured to record an atmospheric pressure value measured by the barometer 90 following a command from an individual via the external control element 9. According to a certain embodiment, the unit 200 is configured to record an atmospheric pressure value measured by the barometer 90 at a predetermined frequency.

[0060] An estimate of the atmospheric pressure value is thus obtained. This estimate corresponds to the atmospheric pressure to which the device is exposed at time tn. According to another embodiment, the unit 200 is configured to implement a step aO) of estimating the atmospheric pressure from at least one fluid pressure value in the tank 5. The fluid pressure value in the tank can be measured by the tank sensor 102. The manner of estimating the atmospheric pressure as a function of a fluid pressure value in the tank 5 will not be detailed in this description.

[0061] Unit 200 is also configured to store a reference atmospheric pressure value P_atm t0The reference value can typically be acquired by the barometer. The reference value was recorded by the unit 200 at a time t0 corresponding to the activation of the device 10. The reference value is therefore fixed at the activation of the device 10 and is not intended to be modified (although reconfigurable if necessary).

[0062] The unit 200 is configured to calculate at least one lower bound and / or at least one upper bound of at least one atmospheric pressure range from at least one reference atmospheric pressure value and from at least one atmospheric pressure difference threshold. In fact, the unit 200 is configured to determine atmospheric pressure ranges. In short, each range is associated with a volume of fluid to be injected or sampled and depending on an estimate that will be made of an atmospheric pressure, the unit 200 is configured to determine in which pressure range the estimate is newly included and thus determine a volume of fluid to be injected into the inflatable element 3 from the reservoir 5 or to be sampled from the inflatable element 3. In this way, the unit 200 is configured to compensate within the device for deformations of the reservoir 5 caused by variations in atmospheric pressure.

[0063] The unit 200 is configured to determine at least one range, preferably several. Indeed, preferably, the unit 200 is configured to determine at least three ranges, more preferably at least four ranges.

[0064] As explained, each atmospheric pressure range is determined from at least one reference atmospheric pressure value and from at least one atmospheric pressure difference threshold. The reference atmospheric pressure value ideally corresponds to a maximum atmospheric pressure value, for example corresponding to the atmospheric pressure at an altitude of 0 meters above sea level, or approximately 1054 mbar. Furthermore, the atmospheric pressure difference threshold corresponds to a predetermined range. Typically, this difference threshold is configured upon activation of the device 10 and is not intended to be modified (although reconfigurable if necessary).

[0065] Thus, with reference to Figure 3, if a first difference threshold is set at 90 mbar, a first range P1 will extend over 90 mbar from 1054 mbar to 964 mbar. The upper limit of P1 is 1054 mbar and the lower limit of P1 is 964 mbar. If for all the ranges determined by the unit 200, the difference threshold is identical, then the upper limit of a second range P2 is 964 mbar and the lower limit of P2 is 874 mbar. Identicaly, a third range P3 has as its upper limit 874 mbar and as its lower limit 784 mbar. A fourth range P4 has as its upper limit 784 mbar and as its lower limit 694 mbar. According to another embodiment, the atmospheric pressure difference thresholds (i.e. the range extents) are not identical from one range to another.

[0066] In the example presented above, we note that the upper limit of P1 is equal to 1054 mbar and the lower limit of P4 is equal to 694 mbar. This corresponds, in altitude, to an overall altitude range extending from 0 meters (1054 mbar) to 3000 meters (694 mbar) above sea level.

[0067] In fact, the device 10 is preferably configured to be used at certain atmospheric pressures and / or altitudes. The unit 200 can therefore be configured to compensate for deformations of the tank 5 caused by variations in atmospheric pressure and / or altitude for atmospheric pressures or altitudes respectively between 1054 mbar and 694 mbar or 0 meters and 3000 meters above sea level. However, the unit 200 can be configured to compensate for deformations of the tank 5 caused by variations in atmospheric pressures and / or altitudes for different atmospheric pressures or altitudes (for example for altitudes between 0 meters and 4000 meters above sea level).

[0068] The unit 200 is configured to associate a fluid volume value with each range. This fluid volume value corresponds to a volume of fluid to be injected into the inflatable element 3 or to be taken from the inflatable element 3 if an atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included in a certain range. The fluid volume associated with each range is ideally configured upon activation of the device 10 and is not intended to be modified (although reconfigurable if necessary). Advantageously, the unit 200 is configured to calculate the fluid volume values ​​associated with each range from a maximum fluid volume corresponding to the volume of fluid to be taken or injected during a maximum atmospheric pressure variation. Thus, each fluid volume value associated with the ranges corresponds to a subdivision of the maximum fluid volume.

[0069] The maximum volume of fluid is typically an estimate of a volume that is likely to be injected into the inflatable element 3 from the reservoir 5 in the case of a maximum decrease in atmospheric pressure (for example a decrease in atmospheric pressure of 360 mbar corresponding to an increase in altitude of 3000 meters). This maximum volume of fluid therefore corresponds, reciprocally, to an estimate of a volume that is likely to be taken from the inflatable element 3 into the reservoir 5 in the case of a maximum increase in atmospheric pressure (for example an increase in atmospheric pressure of 360 mbar corresponding to a decrease in altitude of 3000 meters). The values ​​of volumes of fluid associated with the ranges may be equal from one range to another or different.

[0070] According to a particular embodiment, the unit 200 is configured to update the ranges. In other words, the ranges are dynamic. More precisely, the unit 200 is configured to update the ranges when an atmospheric pressure value is measured by the barometer 90 (for example following a command from an individual via the external control element 9). By "update", it is understood that the lower limit and the upper limit of the ranges are modified. The limits are modified according to the atmospheric pressure value measured by the barometer 90. Preferably, the ranges are modified so that a range, preferably the first range P1, is refocused on the atmospheric pressure value measured by the barometer 90.For example, if the atmospheric pressure value measured by barometer 90 is 940 mbar (value included in range P2 according to the example in Figure 3), range P1 will be modified so that its lower limit corresponds to 895 mbar and its upper limit corresponds to 985 mbar, the value of 940 mbar being central to this new range P1. In this example, we understand that we have taken the example of ranges extending over 90 mbar. Range P2 will have an upper limit of 895 mbar and a lower limit of 815 mbar (895 mbar - 90 mbar). Similarly, range P3 will have an upper limit of 815 mbar and a lower limit of 725 mbar (815 mbar - 90 mbar). The P4 range will have an upper limit of 725 mbar and a lower limit preferably of 694 mbar because, as explained previously, the unit 200 is preferably configured to be used at an atmospheric pressure greater than or equal to 694 mbar.The advantages provided by the embodiments with dynamic ranges will be detailed later, in light of other elements of the description. According to a particular embodiment, the unit 200 is configured to modify the extent of the range which is refocused on the atmospheric pressure value measured by the barometer 90. Preferably, this extent is increased and is, even more preferably, doubled compared to the initial extent. In this way, from the center of the newly calculated range, a variation of more than 90 mbar, in one direction or the other, will induce a single change of range (for example, from the center of the range P2, a variation of more than 90 mbar will induce only a change from the range P2 to the range P3 or from the range P2 to the range P1). This makes it possible to avoid the sampling or injection of fluid from or to the inflatable element 3 which is too abrupt.In other words, this allows for more gradual and more accurate compensation for atmospheric pressure variation. Continuing with the example in the previous paragraph, unit 200 is configured to refocus range P1 on 940 mbar and to increase the extent of range P1 to 180 mbar (90 mbar multiplied by two) as shown in Figure 4. Thus, range P1 will have an upper limit of 1030 mbar (940 mbar + 90 mbar) and a lower limit of 850 mbar (940 mbar - 90 mbar). However, the extent of the other ranges will remain unchanged. Thus, range P2 will have an upper limit of 850 mbar and a lower limit of 760 mbar (850 mbar - 90 mbar).

[0071] The unit 200 is preferably configured to implement a step x) of detecting whether the estimate of the atmospheric pressure crosses at least one atmospheric pressure threshold and this threshold is preferably a lower or upper limit of an atmospheric pressure range. In other words, the unit 200 is preferably configured to implement a step of detecting a change of range in which the estimate of the atmospheric pressure is newly included. By "newly", it is therefore meant that the estimate of the atmospheric pressure was previously included in another range and that crossing the atmospheric pressure threshold brought it into a new range. It is recalled that the estimate of the atmospheric pressure value is estimated at a time tn.A change in range means that the estimate of the atmospheric pressure value has crossed an atmospheric pressure threshold (corresponding to a boundary of a range). This also means that, at time tn, the individual in whom the device 10 is implanted is exposed to a lower or higher atmospheric pressure than at a previous time (possibly linked to variations in altitude).

[0072] To detect a change in the range in which the estimate of the atmospheric pressure value is newly included, the unit 200 is advantageously configured to determine whether the difference between the estimate of the atmospheric pressure and the reference atmospheric pressure value is greater than an atmospheric pressure difference threshold. For this, the unit 200 is configured to determine a difference between an estimate of the atmospheric pressure and the reference atmospheric pressure value. In other words, the unit 200 is capable of evaluating the difference between an estimate and the reference value, the reference value having been recorded prior to the estimate. It is understood here that the unit 200 is configured to detect an increase or decrease in atmospheric pressure beyond a certain threshold of increase or decrease in atmospheric pressure.For example, let us assume that the atmospheric pressure estimate is 900 mbar and the reference atmospheric pressure value is 1054 mbar. A difference between the atmospheric pressure estimate and the reference atmospheric pressure value is 154 mbar. Since the reference value was acquired prior to the estimate, it is understood that the device 10 is subjected to a decrease in atmospheric pressure of 154 mbar (which may correspond to a rise in altitude).

[0073] Then, this difference is compared to an atmospheric pressure difference threshold or a set of atmospheric pressure difference thresholds. As explained previously, an atmospheric pressure difference threshold corresponds to the extent of a range. We consider the case where the ranges have equal extents and therefore the atmospheric pressure difference thresholds are equal from one range to another and equal to 90 mbar. In the example presented above, the atmospheric pressure difference is equal to 154 mbar which is greater than 90 mbar but less than 180 mbar (i.e. 2x90 mbar). The pressure difference is therefore greater than a difference threshold but not a set of two difference thresholds. The unit is configured to deduce that the range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate (i.e. 900 mbar) is the P2 range.Depending on this, the unit 200 is configured to determine whether this range is identical or not to the range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate was included at a time tn-1 prior to the time tn. If, at the time tn-1, the atmospheric pressure estimate was included in the range P1, then the unit 200 is configured to detect a change in range and alert that the new atmospheric pressure estimate (at the time tn) is lower than an atmospheric pressure threshold, namely the lower limit of the range P1. The unit 200 is thus configured to, if a change in the range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is included is detected, determine that the atmospheric pressure estimate is lower or higher than an atmospheric pressure threshold.If it is determined that the estimate of atmospheric pressure has crossed an atmospheric pressure threshold (such that the estimate of atmospheric pressure at time tn is within a different range than the estimate of atmospheric pressure at time tn-1), the unit 200 is configured to command a fluid sampling or injection. Indeed, the range change phenomenon indicates that the reservoir 5 has probably deformed so as to inject or sample fluid into the inflatable element without this being desired. These unwanted injections or samples may affect the integrity of the tissues surrounded by the inflatable element (in the case of overpressure caused by fluid injection), or conversely urine leaks (in the case of insufficient pressure caused by fluid sampling).

[0074] Consequently, the unit 200 is preferably configured to implement a step a01) or b01) of calculating a volume of fluid to be sampled or injected. Advantageously, the unit 200 is configured to select the volume of fluid associated with the range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included given that preferably, as explained previously, each range is associated with a volume of fluid.

[0075] The unit 200 is configured to implement, if the estimation of the atmospheric pressure crosses the at least one atmospheric pressure threshold such that the atmospheric pressure is lower than the at least one atmospheric pressure threshold, a step a) of controlling at least one withdrawal of the volume of fluid from the inflatable element 3 to the reservoir 5 by means of the actuator 8. To implement this, the unit is configured to control an increase in the volume of the reservoir 5 which allows the withdrawal of fluid from the inflatable element 3. In this scenario, the unit 200 compensates for a decrease in atmospheric pressure (possibly linked to a rise in altitude) causing an injection of fluid into the inflatable element 3 from the reservoir 5. This scenario corresponds to the example presented above corresponding to a change in range from P1 to P2. The volume of fluid to be withdrawn can be withdrawn in one go or in several times.

[0076] Furthermore, the unit 200 is configured to implement, if the estimation of the atmospheric pressure crosses the at least one atmospheric pressure threshold such that the atmospheric pressure is greater than the at least one atmospheric pressure threshold, a step b) of controlling at least one injection of a volume of fluid from the reservoir 5 to the inflatable element 3. To implement this, the unit is configured to control a reduction in the volume of the reservoir 5 which allows the injection of fluid into the inflatable element 3. In this case, the unit 200 compensates for an increase in atmospheric pressure (possibly linked to a descent in altitude) causing a withdrawal of fluid from the inflatable element 3.

[0077] Furthermore, the embodiments with dynamic ranges detailed above make it possible to avoid the situation that will be described. The unit 200 estimates an atmospheric pressure value included in the range P2, close to the upper limit of the range P2, so that this limit is crossed which results in the command of a fluid sampling. Then, following a command from an individual via the external control element 9, the barometer 90 measures an atmospheric pressure value which updates the atmospheric pressure estimation value (and corrects it because the value measured by the barometer 90 is assumed to be more reliable than the estimate by the unit 200). This measured value is included in the range P1, close to the lower limit of P1 (and therefore close to the upper limit of P2) which results in the command of a fluid injection.If the patient remains at the same altitude, alternating passages from one range to another may occur with repeated injections and fluid sampling, which leads to unnecessary energy consumption by the device 1 and possible discomfort for the patient. Embodiments with dynamic ranges make it possible to avoid this phenomenon, occurring when the patient remains at an atmospheric pressure / altitude close to the value of a terminal of a range, by adapting the terminals of the ranges.

[0078] Advantageously, the unit 200 is configured to control an injection or a withdrawal of a volume of fluid when an atmospheric pressure value is measured by the barometer 90 (in particular following a command from an individual via the external control element 9). In other words, in addition to the injections or withdrawals of fluid automatically controlled by the unit 200 based on an estimation of the atmospheric pressure, injections or withdrawals of fluid can be controlled by a user via the external control element 9. More precisely, the unit 200 is configured to calculate a volume of fluid to be injected or withdrawn following a command from an individual via the external control element 9 (and therefore following the measurement of an atmospheric pressure value by the barometer 90). Preferably, this volume is calculated from a function and the atmospheric pressure value measured by the barometer 90.Preferably, this function is an affine function, i.e. of the type y = a*x+bx corresponding to the atmospheric pressure value measured by the barometer 90, y corresponding to the volume of fluid to be sampled or injected, a and b being real constants. It is therefore understood that the unit 200 is configured to calculate a volume of fluid to be sampled or injected by applying the function to the atmospheric pressure value measured by the barometer 90. It should be noted that, if the atmospheric pressure value measured by the barometer 90 were identical to the estimate of the current atmospheric pressure (by "current" we mean the last estimate of the current atmospheric pressure determined by the unit 200), the volume of fluid to be sampled or injected would be zero.Furthermore, it is understood that the unit 200 is configured to determine whether the measured atmospheric pressure value is higher or lower than the estimate of the current atmospheric pressure so that the unit 200 is configured to determine whether a certain volume of fluid is to be injected or withdrawn. This embodiment is combined with the embodiment involving dynamic ranges so as to ensure consistent atmospheric pressure variation compensation. According to this embodiment, the unit 200 therefore allows more regular compensation for possible atmospheric pressure variations, ensuring better comfort for the patient and greater safety. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, compensation can be directly controlled, commanded by the patient.

[0079] Consequently, the device 10 is adapted to compensate for variations in atmospheric pressure. The device 10 is therefore advantageously adapted to compensate for deformations of the reservoir 5 caused by variations in atmospheric pressure. The individual in whom the device 10 is implanted can be exposed to variations in atmospheric pressure (for example, ascending or descending in altitude) without risking damage to the tissues surrounding his anatomical conduit. Preferably, the unit 200 is therefore configured to implement at least steps a) and b) periodically, for example at least once per hour, more preferably once every half hour, more preferably every 10 minutes.

[0080] Altitude implementation mode

[0081] The unit 200 is advantageously configured to estimate an altitude value. The altitude value can be measured by the altimeter 92 of the external control element 9 and then communicated to the unit 200. According to a certain embodiment, the unit 200 is configured to record an altitude value measured by the altimeter 92 following a command from an individual via the external control element 9. According to a certain embodiment, the unit 200 is configured to record an altitude value measured by the altimeter 92 at a predetermined frequency.

[0082] Unit 200 is also configured to store a reference altitude value A_atm t0The reference value can typically be acquired by the altimeter. The reference value was recorded by the unit 200 at a time t0 corresponding to the activation of the device 10. The reference value is therefore fixed at the activation of the device 10 and is not intended to be modified (although reconfigurable if necessary).

[0083] The remainder of the embodiment relating to altitude is similar to the embodiment relating to atmospheric pressure with a few differences. First, it is understood that the atmospheric pressure estimation, atmospheric pressure thresholds, atmospheric pressure ranges, etc., correspond respectively in the embodiment relating to altitude to an altitude estimation, altitude thresholds, altitude ranges, etc.

[0084] Furthermore, as explained above, a decrease in altitude implies an increase in atmospheric pressure and, conversely, an increase in altitude implies a decrease in atmospheric pressure. It is therefore understood that a decrease in altitude will be compensated by an injection of fluid into the inflatable element while an increase in altitude will be compensated by a withdrawal of fluid from the inflatable element.

[0085] Thus, the embodiment regarding altitude can be simply based on the embodiment regarding atmospheric pressure by taking these differences into account.

[0086] Together

[0087] According to a second aspect, there is provided an assembly comprising an implantable medical device 10 as described above, and an external control element 9 adapted to be used by an individual, for example by an individual in whom the system is implanted. The implantable medical device 10 and the external control element 9 comprise communication means adapted to communicate with each other. The communication means of the implantable device 10 may be integrated into the housing 1.

[0088] Process

[0089] With reference to Figure 5, according to a third aspect, there is proposed a method for compensating for a variation in atmospheric pressure to which the implantable medical device 10 is exposed comprising at least one of the steps implemented by the control and data processing unit, if an estimation of an atmospheric pressure crosses at least one atmospheric pressure threshold or if an estimation of an altitude crosses at least one altitude threshold, of: a) sending by the control unit of at least one order to the actuator to vary the volume of the reservoir to take a volume of fluid from the inflatable element to the reservoir; b) sending by the control unit of at least one order to the actuator to vary the volume of the reservoir to inject a volume of fluid from the reservoir to the inflatable element.

[0090] Product program and storage means

[0091] According to a fourth aspect, a computer program product is provided comprising code instructions for executing the method of compensating for a variation in atmospheric pressure to which the implantable medical device 10 is exposed, when said program is executed by a computer.

[0092] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a storage means readable by computer equipment on which a computer program product comprises code instructions for the execution of the method of a variation of atmospheric pressure to which the implantable medical device 10 is exposed.

[0093] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the attached figures. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various technical characteristics or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the general teaching.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Implantable medical device (10) comprising a variable-volume fluid reservoir, the reservoir (5) being capable of deforming under the effect of a change in atmospheric pressure, an inflatable element (3) in fluidic connection with the reservoir (5), an actuator (8) adapted to selectively vary the volume of the fluid reservoir (5), and a control and data processing unit (200) configured to control a selective variation of the volume of the fluid reservoir (5) by the actuator (8), said unit (200) being configured to implement, if an estimate of atmospheric pressure crosses at least one atmospheric pressure threshold and / or if an estimate of altitude crosses at least one altitude threshold, at least one of the following steps: a) control, by means of the control and data processing unit (200),a) at least one withdrawal of a volume of fluid from the inflatable element (3) to the reservoir (5) by means of the actuator (8); b) control, by means of the control and data processing unit (200), of at least one injection of a volume of fluid from the reservoir (5) to the inflatable element (3) by means of the actuator (8).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to: - implement step a) if the atmospheric pressure estimate crosses at least one atmospheric pressure threshold such that the atmospheric pressure is below at least one atmospheric pressure threshold, or if the altitude estimate crosses at least one altitude threshold such that the altitude estimate is above at least one altitude threshold; and / or to - implement step b) if the atmospheric pressure estimate crosses at least one atmospheric pressure threshold such that the atmospheric pressure is greater than at least one atmospheric pressure threshold or if the altitude estimate crosses at least one altitude threshold such that the altitude estimate is less than at least one altitude threshold.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to implement, prior to step a) or b), a step a01) or b01) of calculating the volume of fluid to be taken or injected.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to implement a step aO) of estimating atmospheric pressure from at least one fluid pressure value in the tank (5).

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be drawn or injected as a function of an atmospheric pressure range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included, a lower bound or an upper bound of the atmospheric pressure range being the atmospheric pressure threshold and / or as a function of an altitude range in which the altitude estimate is newly included, a lower bound or an upper bound of the altitude range being the altitude threshold.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be drawn or injected as a function of an atmospheric pressure range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included, the atmospheric pressure estimate being included in one among a plurality of atmospheric pressure ranges and / or as a function of an altitude range in which the altitude estimate is newly included, the altitude estimate being newly included in one among a plurality of altitude ranges.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be drawn or injected as a function of an atmospheric pressure range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included, the atmospheric pressure estimate being newly included in one of at least two atmospheric pressure ranges, preferably at least three atmospheric pressure ranges, more preferably at least four atmospheric pressure ranges and / or as a function of an altitude range in which the altitude estimate is newly included, the altitude estimate being newly included in one of at least two altitude ranges, preferably at least three altitude ranges, more preferably at least four altitude ranges.

8. A device according to any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be extracted or injected as a function of the atmospheric pressure range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included and / or as a function of the altitude range in which the altitude estimate is newly included, each atmospheric pressure range and / or each altitude range being associated with a respective fluid volume value, by determining the fluid volume value associated with the atmospheric pressure range in which the atmospheric pressure estimate is newly included and / or the altitude range in which the altitude estimate is newly included, the volume of fluid to be withdrawn or injected corresponding to the determined fluid volume value.

9. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to calculate at least one lower bound and / or at least one upper bound of at least one atmospheric pressure range and / or at least one altitude range from at least one reference atmospheric pressure value and / or at least one reference altitude value and from at least one atmospheric pressure difference threshold and / or at least one altitude difference threshold.

10. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to calculate at least one fluid volume value associated with each atmospheric pressure range and / or each altitude range, the at least one fluid volume value corresponding to a subdivision of a maximum volume to be drawn or injected during a variation in atmospheric pressure and / or a variation in maximum altitude.

11. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to implement, a step of: x) detecting whether the atmospheric pressure estimate crosses at least one atmospheric pressure threshold or whether an altitude estimate crosses at least one altitude threshold, the at least one atmospheric pressure threshold being a lower or upper bound of an atmospheric pressure range and the at least one altitude threshold being a lower or upper bound of an altitude range.

12. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the data processing and control unit (200) is configured to exchange data with an external control element (9) comprising a barometer (90) and / or an altimeter (92) and / or a GPS, the data processing and control unit (200) being configured to estimate atmospheric pressure from atmospheric pressure measurement data from barometer (90) and / or to estimate altitude from altitude measurement data from the altimeter (92) and / or GPS.

13. Device according to claim 12, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to record the atmospheric pressure measurement by the barometer (90) as an estimate of the atmospheric pressure if the measured atmospheric pressure is between 1054 mbar and 694 mbar and / or to record the altitude measurement by the altimeter (92) as an estimate of the altitude if the measured altitude is between 0 meters and 3000 meters above sea level.

14. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be extracted based on an estimate of a second volume of fluid that has been injected into the inflatable element (3) following a deformation of the tank (5) caused by a decrease in atmospheric pressure and / or an increase in altitude.

15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to calculate the volume of fluid to be injected based on an estimate of a second volume of fluid that has been withdrawn from the inflatable element (3) following a deformation of the tank (5) caused by an increase in atmospheric pressure and / or a decrease in altitude.

16. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to exchange data with an external control element (9) comprising a barometer (90) and / or an altimeter (92) and / or a GPS and configured to, if a command is implemented by a patient in whom the device is implanted via the external control element (9), record an atmospheric pressure measurement from the barometer (90) and / or an altitude measurement from the altimeter (92) and / or an altitude measurement from the GPS.

17. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 11 in combination with claim 16 or according to any one of claims 12 to 15 in combination with claims 5 and 16, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to, following the recording of an atmospheric pressure measurement from the barometer (90) and / or an altitude measurement from the altimeter (92) and / or an altitude measurement from the GPS, update the lower and upper bounds of the atmospheric pressure range(s) so that an atmospheric pressure range is centered on the pressure measurement. atmospheric and / or update the lower and upper bounds of the altitude range(s) so that an altitude range is centered on the altitude measurement.

18. Device according to claim 17, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to increase, preferably double, the extent of the atmospheric pressure range centered on the atmospheric pressure measurement and / or the altitude range centered on the altitude measurement.

19. Device according to any one of claims 17 and 18, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to, following the recording of an atmospheric pressure measurement from the barometer (90) and / or an altitude measurement from the altimeter (92) and / or an altitude measurement from the GPS, calculate a volume of fluid to be drawn from the inflatable element (3) to the reservoir (5) by means of the actuator (8) or to be injected from the reservoir (5) to the inflatable element (3) by means of the actuator (8) by applying the atmospheric pressure or altitude measurement to a function.

20. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to exchange data with an external control element (9) comprising a barometer (90) and / or an altimeter (92) to record, at a predetermined frequency, an atmospheric pressure measurement from the barometer (90) and / or an altitude measurement from the altimeter (92).

21. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to command an increase or decrease in the volume of the tank (5) by the actuator (8) so as to permit the withdrawal or injection of the volume of fluid from the inflatable element (3) into the tank (5).

22. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the control and data processing unit (200) is configured to implement step a) periodically and / or step b) periodically.

23. Implantable medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, configured to be implanted in a human or animal body to selectively block an anatomical duct of said human or animal body taken from at least one of the following ducts: a urethra, a gastric duct, a colon or a rectum, or comprising an elongated inflatable element configured for use as penile implants.

24. Assembly comprising an implantable medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 23 and an external control element (9) adapted to exchange data with the implantable medical device and configured for use by an individual in which the medical device is implanted, wherein the implantable medical device and the external control element (9) comprise communication means adapted to communicate with each other.

25. A method for compensating for a variation in atmospheric pressure to which an implantable medical device (10) is exposed, said medical device (10) comprising a variable-volume fluid reservoir (5) capable of deforming under the effect of a variation in atmospheric pressure, an inflatable element (3) in fluidic connection with the reservoir (5), an actuator (8) adapted to selectively vary the volume of the fluid reservoir (5), and a control and data processing unit (200) configured to control a selective variation of the volume of the fluid reservoir (5) by the actuator (8), the method comprising at least one of the steps implemented by the control and data processing unit (200), if an estimate of an atmospheric pressure crosses at least one atmospheric pressure threshold or if an estimate of an altitude crosses at least one altitude threshold,of: a) sending at least one command from the control unit to the actuator (8) to vary the volume of the reservoir (5) in order to draw a volume of fluid from the inflatable element (3) to the reservoir (5); b) sending at least one command from the control unit to the actuator (8) to vary the volume of the reservoir (5) in order to inject a volume of fluid from the reservoir (5) into the inflatable element (3).

26. A computer program product comprising code instructions for performing a method of compensating for a variation in atmospheric pressure to which an implantable medical device (10) is exposed, said medical device (10) comprising a variable-volume fluid reservoir (5) capable of deforming under the effect of a variation in atmospheric pressure, an inflatable element (3) fluidically connected to the reservoir (5), an actuator (8) adapted to selectively vary the volume of the fluid reservoir (5), and a control and data processing unit (200) configured to command a selective variation of the volume of the fluid reservoir (5) by the actuator (8), the method comprising at least one of the steps implemented by the control and data processing unit (200), if an atmospheric pressure reading exceeds at least one atmospheric pressure threshold or if an altitude reading exceeds at least one atmospheric pressure threshold. minus an altitude threshold, of: a) sending by the control unit at least one order to the actuator (8) to vary the volume of the tank (5) to draw a volume of fluid from the inflatable element (3) to the tank (5); b) sending by the control unit at least one order to the actuator (8) to vary the volume of the tank (5) to inject a volume of fluid from the tank (5) to the inflatable element (3), when said program is executed by a computer.

27. A computer-readable storage means on which a computer program product includes code instructions for executing a method for compensating for a variation in atmospheric pressure to which an implantable medical device (10) is exposed, said medical device (10) comprising a variable-volume fluid reservoir (5) capable of deforming under the effect of a variation in atmospheric pressure, an inflatable element (3) in fluidic connection with the reservoir (5), an actuator (8) adapted to selectively vary the volume of the fluid reservoir (5), and a control and data processing unit (200) configured to control a selective variation of the volume of the fluid reservoir (5) by the actuator (8), the method comprising at least one of the steps implemented by the control and data processing unit (200),If an atmospheric pressure estimate crosses at least one atmospheric pressure threshold, or if an altitude estimate crosses at least one altitude threshold, then: a) the control unit sends at least one command to the actuator (8) to vary the volume of the reservoir (5) to draw a volume of fluid from the inflatable element (3) to the reservoir (5); b) the control unit sends at least one command to the actuator (8) to vary the volume of the reservoir (5) to inject a volume of fluid from the reservoir (5) to the inflatable element (3).

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