Diaphragm Based Spontaneous Inflation Inhibitor in a Pump for an Inflatable Prosthesis

• US 20090084447A1
• Filed: 10/14/2008
• Published: 04/02/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/27/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Ams Research Corporation (Endo International PLC)
• Inventors: Henkel, Gregory J., Almli, John G., Kuyava, Charles C., Morningstar, Randy L., Waldack, Larry E.
• Granted Patent: US 8,276,591 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/12
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/26 Penis implants
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0379 By fluid pressure

Abstract

A method of preventing inadvertent inflation of an implantable prosthetic includes biasing a valve assembly such that an outlet is substantially closed and using inadvertent pressure increases from the inlet to supplement the biasing of the valve assembly. It may further include the step of preventing fluid flow through the outlet by selectively varying fluid pressure within a bypass passageway having a first end which is in fluid communication with an inlet and a second end which is in fluid communication with a chamber. And, may also additionally include the step of displacing a flexible abutting wall disposed between the chamber and the valve assembly so that the abutting wall is caused to contact the valve assembly and urge the valve assembly into a closed position when the fluid pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined amount.

Claims

1. A method of preventing inadvertent inflation of an implantable prosthetic comprising the steps of:

biasing a valve assembly such that an outlet is substantially closed; and

using inadvertent pressure increases from the inlet to supplement the biasing of the valve assembly.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of using inadvertent pressure includes:

preventing fluid flow through the outlet by selectively varying fluid pressure within a bypass passageway having a first end which is in fluid communication with an inlet and a second end which is in fluid communication with a chamber.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of:

displacing a flexible abutting wall disposed between the chamber and the valve assembly so that the abutting wall is caused to contact the valve assembly and urge the valve assembly into a closed position when the fluid pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined amount.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of:

sliding a valve sleeve along a rear portion of the valve assembly to occlude a passageway leading through a portion of the valve assembly and to sealingly engage a portion of housing.

5. A method of preventing inadvertent inflation of an implantable prosthetic comprising the steps of:

biasing a valve assembly such that an outlet is substantially closed, wherein a biasing mechanism is sufficiently strong to oppose increased pressure levels generated during an overpressurization situation;

providing a sufficient surface area on the valve assembly so that vacuum forces generated after a compression of a pump bulb are sufficient to open the valve assembly.

6. A method of preventing a vacuum lock from occurring in a penile prosthesis having a valve movable through an annulus so that when on a first side of the annulus operation of the prosthesis is permitted and when on a second side, spontaneous inflation is prevented, comprising:

positioning the valve on the first side of the annulus; and

providing a fluid path around the valve through the annulus when a rear face of the valve is proximate the annulus.

7. The method of claim 6 including the step of:

providing at least one spacer to prevent the rear face from sealing against the annulus.

8. The method of claim 7 including the step of:

providing at least one spacer that is integral with the annulus.

9. A method of preventing inadvertent inflation of an implantable prosthetic comprising:

biasing a valve assembly such that an outlet is substantially closed, wherein a biasing mechanism is sufficiently strong to oppose increased pressure levels generated during an overpressurization situation;

providing a support mechanism mechanically linked to the valve assembly to prevent sideward movement of a valve when moving between an open and a closed position; and

providing a sufficient surface area on the valve assembly so that vacuum forces generated after a compression of a pump bulb are sufficient to open the valve assembly.