Penile Prosthetic Deflation Assembly Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penile prosthetic devices face challenges in user accessibility due to the rotation of the pump implanted in the scrotum and the difficulty in locating the deflation mechanism, especially for patients with limited dexterity or obese individuals, as the deflation assembly is often hidden beneath skin and fatty tissues.
Innovation Solution
A penile prosthetic system featuring a separate deflation assembly with a prominent and easily identifiable activation surface, comprising an outer peripheral rim and a recessed activation area, allowing users to palpate and activate the mechanism through the skin and tissue layers, decoupled from the pump and reservoir for customization and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pump is implanted in the scrotum for penile prosthetic function, then the device can provide erectile function, but the pump rotation and hidden deflation mechanism make it difficult for users to locate and activate, especially for patients with limited dexterity or obesity
Solution Approach 1:
The deflation assembly is separated from the pump as an independent component. The pump remains implanted in the scrotum for inflation function, while the deflation assembly with its prominent activation surface is implanted in the abdomen, allowing users to easily locate and activate it regardless of pump rotation or body habitus.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate deflation assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the fluid system. This assembly includes a valve that controls fluid flow from the cylinder to the reservoir, and it is positioned with an externally accessible activation surface that mediates user interaction without requiring access to the implanted pump.
2Ease of operation
If the deflation assembly is integrated with the pump in the scrotum, then the device structure is compact, but the deflation mechanism becomes hidden beneath skin and fatty tissues, reducing user accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The deflation assembly is segmented from the pump and positioned in the abdomen where it can be implanted against the external surface of the pelvis. This segmentation allows the activation surface to be prominently positioned and easily locatable by users, eliminating the hidden mechanism problem associated with scrotal implantation.
3Ease of operation
If the activation surface is flat and flush with the outer surface, then the device has a streamlined appearance, but users with limited dexterity or obesity cannot easily palpate and activate it through tissue layers
Solution Approach 1:
The activation surface features a localized recessed area with a pad that is distinguishable from the surrounding outer peripheral rim. This local quality change creates tactile contrast that allows users to easily palpate and identify the activation area through tissue layers, improving accessibility for users with limited dexterity or obesity.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation surface is designed with asymmetric features including a recessed pad area surrounded by an outer peripheral rim. This asymmetric geometry creates a palpable profile that stands out from the surrounding tissue, making it easily locatable and activatable by users regardless of body habitus or dexterity limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of implanting a medical device includes implanting an artificial sphincter around a portion of a urethra in a patient, implanting a reservoir in an abdomen of the patient, coupling a deflation assembly to the artificial sphincter and to the reservoir, and implanting the deflation assembly between transversalis fascia and an exterior surface of a pelvis of the patient.