Inflatable Penile Prosthesis with Needle-Free Cavernosal Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current penile prosthesis implantation procedures involve puncturing the glans penis with a needle, which can be uncomfortable and increase recovery time for patients.
Innovation Solution
A penile prosthesis system that eliminates the need for a needle by using a helical feature on the prosthetic for twisting insertion into the corpora cavernosum, along with a rigid spine or rod for column strength, and a pushrod with length markings for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle is used to puncture the glans penis for implantation, then the prosthetic can be inserted into the corpora cavernosum, but patient discomfort increases and recovery time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the needle component from the implantation procedure entirely. Instead of using a needle to puncture the glans penis, the invention uses a specialized introducer device that allows the prosthetic to be inserted through the dilated corpora cavernosum without penetrating the glans, thereby eliminating the harmful puncture effect while maintaining implantation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized introducer device as an intermediary tool between the prosthetic and the patient's body. This introducer facilitates the insertion of the prosthetic into the corpora cavernosum through a non-puncturing path, mediating the implantation process in a way that avoids direct needle penetration of the glans penis and reduces patient discomfort
2Manufacturing precision
If a needle and suture are used to tow the cylinder into place, then the prosthetic can be positioned correctly, but the number of surgical instruments increases and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single introducer device. The introducer integrates the positioning, insertion, and placement functions that previously required separate needle, suture, and manipulation tools. This merging reduces the number of surgical instruments from multiple components to one unified device, simplifying the procedure while maintaining precise prosthetic placement
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the insertion tool and the placement guide. It can accommodate different prosthetic sizes and configurations while providing universal functionality for the entire implantation process, eliminating the need for specialized needle and suture combinations and reducing overall device complexity
3Ease of operation
If the prosthetic is made rigid enough to allow twisting insertion, then it can be advanced into the corpora cavernosum with a twisting motion, but it may be difficult to compress for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic rigidity control where the prosthetic structure transitions from a compressed flexible state during insertion to a rigid functional state after implantation. The introducing device allows the prosthetic to be compressed and inserted through twisting motion, then the prosthetic expands or locks into its rigid configuration once positioned, providing the necessary structural strength for its intended function
Data Source
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AI summary
An inflatable penile prosthetic system includes a pump adapted for attachment to a reservoir; a penile prosthetic assembly including an inflatable bladder having a distal end sized for placement within a glans penis, a base connected to the inflatable bladder, with base including an interior channel extending an entire length of the base from a hole formed in a proximal end of the base to the inflatable bladder, and a tubing port coupled to an exterior surface of the base, with the tubing port adapted for attachment to the pump, a plug sized for insertion into the hole; and a push rod.