Method of removing an inflated implant
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An inflated implant within an anatomical structure, such as the bladder, may require removal. A method of removing an inflated implant from an anatomical structure can include any of a number of different steps. A removal device can be placed within the anatomical structure. The implant is located within the anatomical structure. After it is located, the implant can be engaged by arms of the removal device. A portion of a surface of the implant can be compromised such that an inflation substance within the implant can escape. The inflation substance can be removed out of the implant through a deflation tube in at least one of the arms used to engage the implant. The implant can then be removed from the anatomical structure.
20 Citations
240 Claims
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1-220. -220. (canceled)
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221. A method of removing an inflated implant from an anatomical structure, the implant having been previously implanted within the anatomical structure, the method comprising:
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placing a removal device within an anatomical structure; locating an implant within the anatomical structure, the implant being in an inflated condition; engaging the implant with two arms of the removal device; compromising a portion of a surface of the implant such that an inflation substance within the implant can escape; removing the inflation substance out of the implant through a deflation tube in at least one of the two arms used to engage the implant, the deflating tube having a distal opening positioned in or near the portion of the surface that has been compromised; and removing the implant together with the removal device from the anatomical structure. - View Dependent Claims (222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232)
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233. A method of removing a balloon from the bladder, the balloon having been previously implanted within the bladder, the method comprising:
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locating the balloon within the bladder, the balloon being in an inflated condition; engaging the balloon with two opposing arms of a retrieval device; compromising an outside surface of the balloon with a needle-like prong extending from at least one of the arms; deflating the balloon with the needle-like prong; and removing the balloon from the bladder. - View Dependent Claims (234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240)
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Specification