Male impotence prosthesis apparatus with wireless energy supply

• US 20030135090A1
• Filed: 11/25/2002
• Published: 07/17/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Obtech Medical AG (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Obtech Medical AG (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Forsell, Peter
• Granted Patent: US 7,011,624 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/38
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0219 of externally powered implanted units
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0017 transmitting optical signals transmission by light H04B10/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0028 Body tissue as transmission medium, i.e. transmission systems where the medium is the human body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/036 by means introduced into body tracts A61B5/032 and A61B5/035 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4393 Sexual arousal or erectile dysfunction evaluation, e.g. tumescence evaluation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4836 Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods A61B5/0036 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4851 Prosthesis assessment or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/686 Permanently implanted devices, e.g. pacemakers, other stimulators, biochips A61B5/6861 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/26 Penis implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0002 for data transfer
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0003 having an inflatable pocket filled with fluid, e.g. liquid or gas
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0013 for adjusting fluid pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0093 Ultrasound system, e.g. for inducing coagulation during eye surgery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/70 specially adapted for specific purposes

Abstract

A male impotence prosthesis apparatus comprises an operable penile prosthesis (4) implanted in an impotent patient'"'"'s corpus cavernosum to provide flaccid or erect states of the patient'"'"'s penis. An energy transmission device (10) for wireless transmission of energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body to inside the patient'"'"'s body is provided for use in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis.

Claims

1. A male sexual impotence treatment prosthesis apparatus, comprising an operable prosthesis implantable in the cavities of the corpora cavernosa of an impotent patient to provide erect penile condition, when the prosthesis is operated, characterised by an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy from outside the patient'"'"'s body to inside the patient'"'"'s body for use in connection with the operation of the prosthesis, when the prosthesis is implanted.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy transmission device transmits energy of a first form and the penile prosthesis is operable in response to energy of a second form, and further comprising an energy transforming device implantable in the patient for transforming the energy of the first form wirelessly transmitted by the energy transmission device into the energy of the second form.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy of the second form is different than the energy of the first form.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the energy transforming device comprises at least one element having a positive region and a negative region, the element is capable of creating an energy field between the positive and negative regions when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device, and the energy field produces the energy of the second form.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the element comprises an electrical junction element, and the electrical junction element is capable of inducing an electric field between the positive and negative regions when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device, whereby the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the penile prosthesis is electrically operated, and the positive and negative regions of the electrical junction element supply electric energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising electric conductors connected to the positive and negative regions of the electrical junction element, whereby the electrical junction element is capable of supplying an electric current via the conductors.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the electrical junction element is capable of supplying a direct current or pulsating direct current via the conductors.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the electrical junction element is capable of supplying an alternating current or a combination of a direct and alternating current via the conductors.

10. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the electrical junction element is capable of supplying a frequency or amplitude modulated signal.

11. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the electrical junction element is capable of supplying an analog or digital signal.

12. An apparatus according to any of claims 2-11, wherein the energy transforming device forms a flat and thin sheet, and has a volume of less than 2000 cm³.

13. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the energy transforming device is adapted to transform the energy of the first form directly or indirectly into the energy of the second form.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising an implantable motor or pump for operating the penile prosthesis, wherein the motor or pump is powered by the energy of the second form.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the energy transforming device is adapted to directly power the motor or pump by the transformed energy, as the energy of the second form is being transformed from the energy of the first form.

16. An apparatus according to any of claims 13-15, wherein the wireless energy of the first form comprises sound waves and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

17. An apparatus according to any of claims 2-16, wherein the energy transforming device comprises a capacitor and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the capacitor is adapted to produce electric pulses from the transformed electric energy.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the capacitor is adapted to produce the pulses of the electric energy, as the energy transforming device transforms the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device into the electric energy of the second form.

20. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an implantable stabiliser for stabilising the energy of the second form.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the energy of the second form comprises electric current and the stabiliser comprises at least one capacitor.

22. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising implantable electrical components including at least one voltage level guard.

23. An apparatus according to any of claims 1-21, further comprising implantable electrical components including a single voltage level guard.

24. An apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the electrical components are devoid of any current detector and/or charge level detector.

25. An apparatus according to any of claims 22-24, further comprising an implantable capacitor or accumulator, wherein the charge or discharge of the capacitor or accumulator is controlled by use of the voltage level guard.

26. An apparatus according to any of claims 17-19, 21 and 25, wherein the capacitor has a capacity less than 0.1 μ

F.

27. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy transmission device is adapted to transmit wireless energy for direct use in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis, as the wireless energy is being transmitted.

28. An apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising an implantable motor or pump for operating the penile prosthesis, wherein the energy transmission device is adapted to directly power the motor or pump with wireless energy.

29. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the energy transmission device is adapted to transmit wireless energy in the form of a magnetic field or electromagnetic waves for direct power of the motor or pump.

30. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transforming device is adapted to supply the energy of the second form for direct use in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis, as the energy of the first form is being transformed into the energy of the second form.

31. An apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising an implantable motor or pump for operating the penile prosthesis, wherein the energy transforming device is adapted to directly power the motor or pump with the energy of the second form.

32. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the energy transforming device directly operates the penile prosthesis with the energy of the second form in a non-magnetic, non-thermal or non-mechanical manner.

33. An apparatus according to any of claims 2-12, further comprising an implantable motor for direct or intermittent operation of the penile prosthesis, wherein the energy transforming device powers the motor with the energy of the second form.

34. An apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the penile prosthesis is operable to perform a reversible function and the motor is capable of reversing said function.

35. An apparatus according to any of claims 2-27 and 30, wherein the penile prosthesis comprises a hydraulic penile prosthesis, and further comprising an implantable pump for operating the hydraulic penile prosthesis, the energy transforming device supplying the energy of the second form for driving the pump.

36. An apparatus according to any of claims 28,29,31 and 35, wherein the pump is not a plunger type of pump.

37. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the energy transforming device is capable of generating as the energy of the second form a current exceeding 1 μ

A, when transferring the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device.

38. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjustment device for adjusting the penile prosthesis to change between erect and flaccid penile states, wherein the adjustment device is adapted to mechanically adjust the penile prosthesis, or adapted to hydraulically adjust the penile prosthesis by using hydraulic means which is devoid of hydraulic fluid of the kind having a viscosity that substantially increases when exposed to heat or a magnetic field.

39. An apparatus according to any of claims 2-12, wherein the energy transforming device comprises at least one semiconductor type of component.

40. An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the energy transforming device comprises a circuitry of semiconductor components.

41. An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the semiconductor component comprises a transistor or microchip or similar electronic components excluding rectifying diodes.

42. An apparatus according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the semiconductor component comprises at least one element having a positive region and a negative region, the element is capable of creating an energy field between the positive and negative regions when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device, and the energy field produces the energy of the second form.

43. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an implantable operation device for operating the penile prosthesis, wherein the energy transforming device powers the operation device with the energy of the second form.

44. An apparatus according to claim 43, further comprising a control device for controlling the operation device.

45. An apparatus according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the operation device comprises a motor.

46. An apparatus according to claim 33 or 45, further comprising an implantable gearing connected to the motor.

47. An apparatus according to claims 44 and 45, wherein the motor comprises a rotary motor and the control device controls the rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.

48. An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the motor comprises a linear motor.

49. An apparatus according to claim 44 and 45, wherein the motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and the control device controls the fluid motor.

50. An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the motor comprises an electric motor having electrically conductive parts made of plastics.

51. An apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the penile prosthesis comprises hydraulic means and the operation device is adapted to conduct a hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic means.

52. An apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the operation device comprises a fluid conduit connected to the hydraulic means of the penile prosthesis, and a reservoir for fluid, the reservoir forming part of the conduit.

53. An apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the hydraulic means and conduit are devoid of any non-return valve.

54. An apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the reservoir forms a fluid chamber with a variable volume, and the operation device is adapted to distribute fluid from the chamber to the hydraulic means of the penile prosthesis by reduction of the volume of the chamber and to withdraw fluid from the hydraulic means to the chamber by expansion of the volume of the chamber.

55. An apparatus according to claim 54, wherein the operation device comprises an implantable motor used for reducing and expanding the volume of the chamber.

56. An apparatus according to any of claims 51-53, wherein the operation device comprises an implantable pump for pumping the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic means of the penile prosthesis.

57. An apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the control device shifts polarity of the energy of the second form to reverse the operation device.

58. An apparatus according to claim 45 or 57, wherein the operation device comprises an electric motor and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

59. An apparatus according to any of claims 1, 43 and 44, wherein the penile prosthesis is operable to perform a reversible function.

60. An apparatus according to claim 59, further comprising a reversing device implantable in the patient for reversing the function performed by the penile prosthesis.

61. An apparatus according to claims 44 and 60, wherein the control device controls the reversing device to reverse the function performed by the penile prosthesis.

62. An apparatus according to claim 60 or 61, wherein the reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid flow in the hydraulic means.

63. An apparatus according to claim 60 or 61, wherein the reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.

64. An apparatus according to claim 63, wherein the reversing device comprises a gearbox.

65. An apparatus according to claim 60 or 61, wherein the reversing device comprises a switch.

66. An apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the switch is operable by the energy of the second form.

67. An apparatus according to claim 66, wherein the control device controls the operation of the switch by shifting polarity of the energy of the second form.

68. An apparatus according to claim 66 or 67, wherein the switch comprises an electric switch and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

69. An apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the operation device comprises hydraulic means and at least one valve for controlling a fluid flow in the hydraulic means.

70. An apparatus according to claim 69, further comprising a wireless remote control for controlling the valve.

71. An apparatus according to any one of claims 18, 19 and 44, wherein the control device is adapted to control the energy transforming device to produce the energy of the second form in a train of energy pulses for direct use in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis.

72. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an energy storage device implantable in the patient for storing the energy of the second form and for supplying energy in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis.

73. An apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the energy storage device comprises an accumulator.

74. An apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the energy of the second form comprises electric energy and the energy storage device comprises an electric accumulator.

75. An apparatus according to claim 74, wherein the electric accumulator comprises at least one capacitor or at least one rechargeable battery, or a combination of at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery.

76. An apparatus according to any of claims 2,65,71-75, further comprising a switch implantable in the patient for directly or indirectly switching the operation of the penile prosthesis.

77. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy storage device to switch from an off mode, in which the source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which the source of energy supplies energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

78. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient, and a remote control for controlling the supply of energy of the source of energy, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy storage device to switch from an off mode, in which the remote control is prevented from controlling the source of energy and the source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control is permitted to control the source of energy to supply energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

79. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy transforming device to switch from an off mode, in which the source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which the source of energy supplies energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

80. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis, and a remote control for controlling the supply of energy of the implantable source of energy, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy transforming device to switch from an off mode, in which the remote control is prevented from controlling the source of energy and the source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control is permitted to control the source of energy to supply energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

81. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the first form supplied by the energy transmission device to switch from an off mode, in which the source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which the source of energy supplies energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

82. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis, and a remote control for controlling the supply of energy of the implantable source of energy, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the first form supplied by the energy transmission device to switch from an off mode, in which the remote control is prevented from controlling the source of energy and the source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control is permitted to control the source of energy to supply energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

83. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the penile prosthesis is electrically operated, and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

84. An apparatus according to claim 83, further comprising electric conductors connected to the energy transforming device, whereby the energy transforming device is capable of supplying an electric current via the conductors.

85. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transforming device is capable of supplying a frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated signal.

86. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transforming device is capable of supplying an analog, digital or a combination of an analog and digital signal.

87. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an activatable source of energy implantable in the patient, wherein the source of energy is activated by wireless energy transmitted by the energy transmission device, to supply energy which is used in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis.

88. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy transmission device transmits energy by at least one wireless signal.

89. An apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the signal contains radiant energy.

90. An apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the signal comprises a wave signal.

91. An apparatus according to claim 90, wherein the wave signal comprises an electromagnetic wave signal including one of an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal.

92. An apparatus according to claim 90, wherein the wave signal comprises a sound or ultrasound wave signal.

93. An apparatus according to any one of claims 88-92, wherein the signal comprises a digital or analog signal, or a combination of a digital and analog signal.

94. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device comprises an electric, an electromagnetic or a magnetic field, or a combination thereof.

95. An apparatus according to claim 94, wherein the electric, electromagnetic or magnetic field, or the combination thereof is transmitted in pulses or digital pulses, or a combination of pulses and digital pulses by the energy transmission device.

96. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy of a first form transmitted by the energy transmission device comprises an electric, an electromagnetic or a magnetic field, or a combination thereof.

97. An apparatus according to claim 96, wherein the electric, electromagnetic or magnetic field, or the combination thereof is transmitted in waves or analog pulses or a combination thereof by the energy transmission device.

98. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1-97, wherein the energy transmitted by the energy transmission device comprises polarised energy.

99. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transforming device transforms the energy of the first form into a direct current or pulsating direct current, or a combination of a direct current and pulsating direct current.

100. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transforming device transforms the energy of the first form into an alternating current or a combination of a direct and alternating current.

101. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an implantable pulse generator for generating electrical pulses from the energy of the second form produced by the energy field.

102. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one implantable sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient, preferably ejaculation.

103. An apparatus according to claim 102, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor for directly or indirectly sensing as the physical parameter the pressure in the urethra.

104. An apparatus according to claim 102, further comprising a control device for controlling the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

105. An apparatus according to claim 104, wherein the control device comprises an internal control unit implantable in the patient for controlling the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

106. An apparatus according to claim 105, wherein the internal control unit directly controls the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

107. An apparatus according to claim 104, wherein the control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient'"'"'s body for controlling the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

108. An apparatus according to claim 107, wherein the external control unit stores information on the physical parameter sensed by the sensor and is manually operated to control the penile prosthesis based on the stored information.

109. An apparatus according to any one of claims 102-108, further comprising at least one implantable sender for sending information on the physical parameter sensed by the sensor.

110. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless remote control for transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling the penile prosthesis.

111. An apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the control signal comprises a frequency, amplitude or frequency or amplitude modulated signal.

112. An apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the control signal comprises an analog or a digital signal, or a combination of an analog and digital signal.

113. An apparatus according to any of claims 110-112, wherein the remote control is capable of obtaining information on the condition of the implantable penile prosthesis and to control the penile prosthesis in response to the information.

114. An apparatus according to any of claims 110-113, wherein the remote control comprises an implantable control unit for controlling the penile prosthesis.

115. An apparatus according to claim 114, wherein the control unit comprises a microprocessor.

116. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-115, wherein the wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal transmitter or transceiver and at least one internal signal receiver or transceiver implantable in the patient.

117. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-115, wherein the wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal receiver or transceiver and at least one internal signal transmitter or transceiver implantable in the patient.

118. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-117, wherein the remote control is capable of sending information related to the penile prosthesis from inside the patients body to the outside thereof.

119. An apparatus according to claim 118, wherein the remote control controls the penile prosthesis in response to the information.

120. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-119, wherein the remote control comprises a control signal transmitter for transmitting the wireless control signal, and the energy transmission device comprises the control signal transmitter, whereby energy is transmitted by the control signal.

121. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-119, wherein the energy transmission device transmits energy by at least one signal separate from the control signal.

122. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-119, wherein the remote control transmits a carrier signal for carrying the control signal.

123. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-119, wherein the energy transmission device transmits energy by at least one signal, which is used as a carrier signal for the control signal transmitted by the remote control.

124. An apparatus according to claim 123, wherein the carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

125. An apparatus according to claim 123 or 124, wherein the carrier signal comprises digital, analog or a combination of digital and analog signals.

126. An apparatus according to claim 125, wherein the signals comprise wave signals.

127. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-126, wherein the control signal comprises a wave signal comprising one of a sound wave signal, an ultrasound wave signal, an electromagnetic wave signal, an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser light signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal and a gamma radiation signal.

128. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-126. wherein the control signal comprises an electric or magnetic field, or a combined electric and magnetic field.

129. An apparatus according to claim 112, wherein the remote control transmits an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying the digital or analog control signal.

130. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy of the second form used for operating the penile prosthesis is wirelessly transmitted by the energy transforming device.

131. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an implantable control unit for controlling the penile prosthesis.

132. An apparatus according to claim 131, wherein the control unit is programmable for controlling the penile prosthesis in accordance with a program.

133. An apparatus according to claim 131, wherein the control unit controls the penile prosthesis over time in accordance with an activity schedule program

134. An apparatus according to any one of claims 131-133, further comprising an external wireless remote control for programming the implantable control unit.

135. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an external data communicator and an implantable internal data communicator communicating with the external data communicator, wherein the internal communicator feeds data related to the penile prosthesis back to the external data communicator or the external data communicator feeds data to the internal data communicator.

136. An apparatus according to claim 135, wherein the internal data communicator feeds data related to at least one physical signal of the patient.

137. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the penile prosthesis is adapted to control the erect and flaccid states of the patient'"'"'s penis.

138. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the penile prosthesis is non-inflatable.

139. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one of the energy of the first form and the energy of the second form comprises magnetic energy, kinetic energy, sound energy, chemical energy, radiant energy, electromagnetic energy, photo energy, nuclear energy or thermal energy.

140. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one of the energy of the first form and the energy of the second form is non-magnetic, non-kinetic, non-chemical, non-sonic, non-nuclear or non-thermal.

141. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy transmission device functions different from the energy transforming device.

142. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transmission device functions similar to the energy transforming device.

143. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy transforming device is designed to be implanted subcutaneously or in the abdomen, thorax or cephalic region of the patient.

144. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1-142, wherein the energy transforming device is designed to be implanted in an orifice of the patient'"'"'s body and under the mucosa or intraluminar outside the mucosa of the orifice.

145. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the penile prosthesis is embedded in a soft or gel-like material.

146. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the penile prosthesis is embedded in a silicone material having hardness less than 20 Shore.