Male impotence prosthesis apparatus with wireless energy supply

• US 8,678,997 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2006
• Issued: 03/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Obtech Medical AG
• Original Assignee: Obtech Medical AG
• Inventors: Forsell, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): LACYK, JOHN P
• Application Number:
  US11/374,430
• Publication Number:
  US 20070015959A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,933 Days
• Field of Search: 600 29- 32, 600 38- 41, 128/DIG.25
• 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 penile prosthesis implantable in the cavities of the corpora cavernosa of an impotent patient to provide erect penile condition, when the prosthesis is operated,

a source of energy implantable in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis,

a control device operable from outside the patient'"'"'s body for controlling the supply of energy from the source of energy,

an implantable operation device comprising a motor or pump for operating the prosthesis, wherein the control device controls the source of energy to drive the motor or pump, and

wherein the apparatus further comprises a reservoir implantable in the patient and containing hydraulic fluid and wherein said operation device distributes hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the prosthesis.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device comprises an implantable mechanical switch for switching the supply of energy from the source of energy.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device comprises a remote control.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising at least one implantable sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient such as ejaculation or pressure, wherein the control device automatically control the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the remote control comprises a wireless remote control outside the patient'"'"'s body, and wherein the wireless remote control transmits at least one wireless control signal for controlling the penile prosthesis.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control signal comprises a frequency, amplitude or frequency or amplitude modulated signal.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control signal comprises an analog or a digital signal, or a combination of an analog and digital signal.

8. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the remote control comprises a wireless remote control outside the patient'"'"'s body, and wherein the wireless remote control transmits at least one wireless control signal for controlling the penile prosthesis, 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.

9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control signal comprises an electric or magnetic field, or a combined electric and magnetic field.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the wireless remote control transmits an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying the digital or analog control signal.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including electric components including at least on voltage level guard.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the source of energy, comprising an implantable capacitor or accumulator, wherein the charge or discharge of the accumulator is controlled by the use of the voltage level guard.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising 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.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, 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.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the energy of the second form is different than the energy of the first form.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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, and wherein the motor or pump is powered by the energy of the second form.

17. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the wireless energy of the first form comprises sound waves and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

18. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the energy transforming device comprises a capacitor and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

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

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, 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.

21. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising an implantable stabiliser for stabilising the energy of the second form.

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

23. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the electrical components are devoid of any current detector and/or charge level detector.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, 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.

25. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the capacitor has a capacity less than 0.1 μ

F.

26. The apparatus according to claim 13, 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.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the energy transmission device is adapted to directly power the motor or pump with wireless energy.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, 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.

29. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the energy transforming device is adapted to directly power the motor or pump with the energy of the second form.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, 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.

32. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the motor directly or intermittently operates the penile prosthesis, and wherein the energy transforming device powers the motor with the energy of the second form.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the penile prosthesis is operable to perform a reversible function and the motor is capable of reversing said function.

34. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the penile prosthesis comprises a hydraulic penile prosthesis, and the implantable pump operates the hydraulic penile prosthesis, and wherein the energy transforming device supplies the energy of the second form for driving the pump.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the pump is not a plunger type of pump.

36. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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.

37. The apparatus according to claim 1, 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.

38. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the energy transforming device comprises at least one semiconductor type of component.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the energy transforming device comprises a circuitry of semiconductor components.

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

41. The apparatus according to claim 39, 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.

42. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the operation device.

43. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an implantable gearing connected to the motor.

44. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the motor comprises a rotary motor and the control device controls the rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.

45. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the motor comprises a linear motor.

46. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and the control device controls the fluid motor.

47. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the motor comprises an electric motor having electrically conductive parts made of plastics.

48. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the penile prosthesis comprises hydraulic means and the operation device is adapted to conduct a hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic means.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the operation device comprises a fluid conduit connected to the hydraulic means of the penile prosthesis, wherein the reservoir forms a part of the conduit.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the hydraulic means and conduit are devoid of any non-return valve.

51. The apparatus according to claim 49, 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.

52. The apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the implantable motor is used for reducing and expanding the volume of the chamber.

53. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the implantable pump is adapted to pump the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic means of the penile prosthesis.

54. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the control device shifts polarity of the energy of the second form to reverse the operation device.

55. The apparatus according to claim 54, wherein the motor comprises an electric motor and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

56. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the penile prosthesis is operable to perform a reversible function.

57. The apparatus according to claim 56, further comprising a reversing device implantable in the patient for reversing the function performed by the penile prosthesis.

58. The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the control device controls the reversing device to reverse the function performed by the penile prosthesis.

59. The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid flow in the hydraulic means.

60. The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.

61. The apparatus according to claim 60, wherein the reversing device comprises a gearbox.

62. The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the reversing device comprises a switch.

63. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein the switch is operable by the energy of the second form.

64. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein the control device controls the operation of the switch by shifting polarity of the energy of the second form.

65. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein the switch comprises an electric switch and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

66. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation device comprises hydraulic means and at least one valve for controlling a fluid flow in the hydraulic means.

67. The apparatus according to claim 66, further comprising a wireless remote control for controlling the valve.

68. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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.

69. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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.

70. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the source of energy, 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.

71. The apparatus according to claim 70, wherein the energy storage device comprises an accumulator.

72. The apparatus according to claim 71, wherein the energy of the second form comprises electric energy and the energy storage device comprises an electric accumulator.

73. The apparatus according to claim 72, 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.

74. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switch implantable in the patient for directly or indirectly switching the operation of the penile prosthesis.

75. The apparatus according to claim 74, 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.

76. The apparatus according to claim 74, comprising 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.

77. The apparatus according to claim 74, 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.

78. The apparatus according to claim 74, further comprising 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.

79. The apparatus according to claim 74, 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.

80. The apparatus according to claim 74, further comprising 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.

81. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the penile prosthesis is electrically operated, and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

82. The apparatus according to claim 81, 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.

83. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the energy transforming device is capable of supplying a frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated signal.

84. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the energy transforming device is capable of supplying an analog, digital or a combination of an analog and digital signal.

85. The apparatus according to claim 13, 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.

86. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the energy transmission device transmits energy by at least one wireless signal.

87. The apparatus according to claim 86, wherein the signal contains radiant energy.

88. The apparatus according to claim 86, wherein the signal comprises a wave signal.

89. The apparatus according to claim 88, 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.

90. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein the wave signal comprises a sound or ultrasound wave signal.

91. The apparatus according to claim 86, wherein the signal comprises a digital or analog signal, or a combination of a digital and analog signal.

92. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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.

93. The apparatus according to claim 92, 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.

94. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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.

95. The apparatus according to claim 94, 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.

96. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the energy transmitted by the energy transmission device comprises polarised energy.

97. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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.

98. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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.

99. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising an implantable pulse generator for generating electrical pulses from the energy of the second form produced by the energy field.

100. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one implantable sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient, preferably ejaculation.

101. The apparatus according to claim 100, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor for directly or indirectly sensing as the physical parameter the pressure in the urethra.

102. The apparatus according to claim 100, wherein the control device controls the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

103. The apparatus according to claim 102, 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.

104. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein the internal control unit directly controls the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

105. The apparatus according to claim 103, 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.

106. The apparatus according to claim 105, 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.

107. The apparatus according claim 100, further comprising at least one implantable sender for sending information on the physical parameter sensed by the sensor.

108. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device, comprising a wireless remote control for transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling the penile prosthesis.

109. The apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the control signal comprises a frequency, amplitude or frequency or amplitude modulated signal.

110. The apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the control signal comprises an analog or a digital signal, or a combination of an analog and digital signal.

111. The apparatus according to claim 108, 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.

112. The apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the remote control comprises an implantable control unit for controlling the penile prosthesis.

113. The apparatus according to claim 112, wherein the control unit comprises a microprocessor.

114. The apparatus according to claim 108, 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.

115. The apparatus according to claim 108, 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.

116. The apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the remote control is capable of sending information related to the penile prosthesis from inside the patient'"'"'s body to the outside thereof.

117. The apparatus according to claim 116, wherein the remote control controls the penile prosthesis in response to the information.

118. The apparatus according to claim 108, 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.

119. The apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the energy transmission device transmits energy by at least one signal separate from the control signal.

120. The apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the remote control transmits a carrier signal for carrying the control signal.

121. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the energy transmission device transmits energy by at least one signal, which is used as a carrier signal for a control signal transmitted by a remote control.

122. The apparatus according to claim 121, wherein the carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

123. The apparatus according to claim 121, wherein the carrier signal comprises digital, analog or a combination of digital and analog signals.

124. The apparatus according to claim 123, wherein the signals comprise wave signals.

125. The apparatus according to claim 121, wherein the carrier 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.

126. The apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the control signal comprises an electric or magnetic field, or a combined electric and magnetic field.

127. The apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the remote control transmits an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying the digital or analog control signal.

128. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the energy of the second form used for operating the penile prosthesis is wirelessly transmitted by the energy transforming device.

129. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising an implantable control unit for controlling the penile prosthesis.

130. The apparatus according to claim 129, wherein the control unit is programmable for controlling the penile prosthesis in accordance with a program.

131. The apparatus according to claim 130, wherein the control unit controls the penile prosthesis over time in accordance with an activity schedule program.

132. The apparatus according to claim 130, further comprising an external wireless remote control for programming the implantable control unit.

133. The 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.

134. The apparatus according to claim 133, wherein the internal data communicator feeds data related to at least one physical signal of the patient.

135. The apparatus according claim 1, wherein the penile prosthesis is adapted to control the erect and flaccid states of the patient'"'"'s penis.

136. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the penile prosthesis is non-inflatable.

137. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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.

138. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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.

139. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the energy transmission device functions different from the energy transforming device.

140. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the energy transmission device functions similar to the energy transforming device.

141. The apparatus according claim 14, wherein the energy transforming device is designed to be implanted subcutaneously or in the abdomen, thorax or cephalic region of the patient.

142. The apparatus according to claim 14, 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.

143. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the penile prosthesis is embedded in a soft or gel-like material.

144. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the penile prosthesis is embedded in a silicone material having hardness less than 20 Shore.

145. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the source of energy comprises a rechargeable battery.

163. A method according to claim 62, wherein the control unit is programmable for controlling the penile prosthesis in accordance with a program.

146. A method for treating an impotent patient, comprising:

implanting an operable prosthesis in the cavities of the corpora cavernosa of the patient,

cutting an opening in the patient'"'"'s mucosa,

implanting an energy transforming device and a motor or pump in the patient'"'"'s body through the opening,

transmitting wireless energy of a first form to the energy transforming device,

transforming by the energy transforming device the wireless energy of the first form into energy of a second form, and

using the energy of the second form for directly or indirectly operating the prosthesis to provide erect penile condition with the motor or pump.

147. A method according to claim 146, wherein the prosthesis is directly operated with the motor or pump by the energy of the second form being produced by the energy transforming device.

148. A method according to claim 146, further comprising implanting in the patient a rechargeable battery, charging the battery with energy of the second form produced by the energy transforming device, and controlling the rechargeable battery to supply energy for operating the motor or pump.

149. A method according to claim 146, wherein the energy of the first form comprises an electric, electromagnetic or a magnetic field, or a combination thereof, which is transmitted in pulses or digital pulses, or a combination of pulses and digital pulses by the energy transmission device.

150. A method according to claim 146, further comprising implanting at least one sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.

151. A method according to claim 150, wherein the physical parameter is ejaculation.

152. A method apparatus according to claim 150, further comprising controlling the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

153. A method according to claim 150, further comprising implanting an internal control unit that directly controls the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

154. A method according to claim 153, wherein the control unit is programmable for controlling the penile prosthesis in accordance with a program.

155. A method for treating an impotent patient, comprising:

implanting an operable prosthesis in the cavities of the corpora cavernosa of the patient cutting an opening in the patient'"'"'s skin,

implanting an energy transforming device and a motor or a pump in the patient'"'"'s body through the opening in the skin,

transmitting wireless energy of a first form to the energy transforming device,

transforming by the energy transforming device the wireless energy of the first form into energy of a second form, and

using the energy of the second form for directly or indirectly operating the motor or pump to operate the prosthesis to provide erect penile condition.

156. A method according to claim 155, wherein the motor or pump is directly operated by the energy of the second form being produced by the energy transforming device.

157. A method according to claim 155, further comprising implanting in the patient a rechargeable battery, charging the battery with energy of the second form produced by the energy transforming device, and controlling the rechargeable battery to supply energy for operating the motor or pump.

158. A method according to claim 155, wherein the energy of the first form comprises an electric, electromagnetic or a magnetic field, or a combination thereof, which is transmitted in pulses or digital pulses, or a combination of pulses and digital pulses by the energy transmission device.

159. A method according to claim 155, further comprising implanting at least one sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.

160. A method according to claim 159, wherein the physical parameter is ejaculation.

161. A method apparatus according to claim 159, further comprising controlling the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

162. A method according to claim 161, further comprising implanting an internal control unit that directly controls the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

164. A method for treating an impotent patient, comprising:

implanting an operable prosthesis in the cavities of the corpora cavernosa of the patient,

placing at least two laparoscopic cannula within the patient'"'"'s body,

implanting an energy transforming device and a motor or a pump in the patient'"'"'s body by using the at least two laparoscopic cannula,

transmitting wireless energy of a first form to the energy transforming device,

transforming by the energy transforming device the wireless energy of the first form into energy of a second form, and

using the energy of the second form for directly or indirectly for operating the motor or pump to operate the prosthesis to provide erect penile condition.

165. A method according to claim 164, wherein the motor or pump is directly operated by the energy of the second form being produced by the energy transforming device.

166. A method according to claim 164, further comprising implanting in the patient a rechargeable battery, charging the battery with energy of the second form produced by the energy transforming device, and controlling the rechargeable battery to supply energy for operating the motor or pump.

167. A method according to claim 164, wherein the energy of the first form comprises an electric, electromagnetic or a magnetic field, or a combination thereof, which is transmitted in pulses or digital pulses, or a combination of pulses and digital pulses by the energy transmission device.

168. A method according to claim 164, further comprising implanting at least one sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient.

169. A method according to claim 168, wherein the parameter is ejaculation.

170. A method apparatus according to claim 168, further comprising controlling the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

171. A method according to claim 170, further comprising implanting an internal control unit that directly controls the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

172. A method according to claim 171, wherein the control unit is programmable for controlling the penile prosthesis in accordance with a program.

173. A method for treating an impotent patient, comprising:

implanting an operable prosthesis in the cavities of the corpora cavernosa of the patient,

implanting a motor or a pump for operating the prosthesis,

implanting a source of energy in the patient for supplying energy to the motor or pump,

providing a wireless remote control for controlling the supply of energy from the source of energy, and

when desired to achieve erection, using the wireless remote control by the patient to control the source of energy to supply energy for operating the motor or pump.

174. A method according to claim 173, wherein the source of energy comprises a battery, rechargeable or not rechargeable battery.