Disposable Measuring Tool for Penile Prosthesis Cylinder Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tools used to measure the corpora cavernosa for penile prosthesis implantation are either thinner at the distal end or thicker at the proximal end than the actual cylinders, leading to imprecise measurements and the need for resizing, which can cause complications such as increased operation time and infection risk.
Innovation Solution
A disposable measuring tool with a tapered body portion and markings on opposite sides to accurately measure the distal and proximal lengths of the corpora cavernosa, allowing for precise selection of penile prosthesis cylinders without resizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current surgical tools (Furlow or Dilamezinsert) are used to measure the corpora cavernosa, then the measurement process can be performed, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the tools are thinner at the distal end and thicker at the proximal end than the actual cylinders
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring tool is designed with a uniform diameter along its length that matches the diameter of the penile prosthesis cylinder being measured. This local quality consistency ensures that the tool accurately represents the actual cylinder dimensions at all points (proximal, mid, and distal ends), eliminating the measurement errors caused by varying tool thickness in conventional instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring tool is designed as a precise copy of the penile prosthesis cylinder in terms of diameter and overall shape. By copying the exact dimensions of the implant, the tool provides accurate measurements without requiring mathematical corrections or estimations that would be necessary when using tools with different dimensional characteristics.
2Productivity
If current surgical tools with varying thickness are used, then the measurement can be completed, but the operation time increases due to the need for resizing the cylinders
Solution Approach 1:
The uniform-diameter measuring tool allows the surgeon to obtain accurate measurements of the corpora cavernosa before selecting the appropriate cylinder size. This preliminary accurate measurement prevents the need for post-measurement resizing operations, thereby eliminating unnecessary delays and improving surgical efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resizing of cylinders is performed to match the measured size, then the cylinder can be adapted to the patient's anatomy, but the infection risk increases due to increased contact with patient's skin and potential dragging of traction suture
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using mechanical resizing methods (adding or removing rear tip extenders) that require repeated handling and increase infection risk, the invention uses a measuring tool that provides accurate initial sizing. This substitution of the sizing approach eliminates the need for mechanical modification of the cylinder after selection, thereby reducing the number of times the implant contacts the patient's skin and minimizing infection risk.
Data Source
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AI summary
A disposable measuring tool is disclosed for used during the implantation of a penile prosthesis cylinder. The measuring tool permits an accurate measurement of a dilated corpus cavernosum prepared to accept and penile prosthesis cylinder.