Claims
- 1. A method of restoring erectile function comprising the steps of:
providing an inflatable penile prosthesis system comprising a pump, a cylinder capable of inflated and deflated states, a septum and a reservoir capable of inflated and deflated states, providing sufficient fluid to inflate the cylinder and the reservoir to the inflated condition; implanting the inflatable penile prosthesis system with the cylinder and reservoir in the inflated condition; leaving the cylinder and reservoir in the inflated condition in the immediate post operative period, and thereafter inserting a needle through the septum and withdrawing some fluid from the inflatable penile prosthesis system.
- 2. A method according to claim 1 where in the step of leaving the cylinder and reservoir in the inflated condition in the immediate post operative period includes the step of leaving the cylinder and reservoir in the inflated condition for at least three days.
- 3. A method of detecting an unsatisfactory condition of an inflatable penile prosthesis system comprising a pump, a cylinder, fluid circuit, a septum and a reservoir, the method comprising the steps of:
implanting the inflatable penile prosthesis system in a patient; providing a probe assembly with first and second sensors; placing the first sensor through the septum and into the fluid circuit of the inflatable penile prosthesis system; placing a second sensor outside the penile prosthesis system in the patient's tissue, sensing conditions with the first and second sensors, and comparing the conditions sensed by the first and second sensors to detect an unsatisfactory condition.
- 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the unsatisfactory condition is fluid leakage.
- 5. A method according to claim 3 wherein the unsatisfactory condition is infection.
- 6. A method according to claim 3 wherein the first and second sensors are capable of sensing pH.
- 7. A method according to claim 3 wherein the first and second sensors are capable of sensing electrical potential and the probe system comprises an ohmmeter.
- 8. A method according to claim 3 wherein the first and second sensors are capable of sensing resistance.
- 9. A method according to claim 3 wherein at least one of the first and second sensors is integrated into the inflatable penile prosthesis system, and the probe system includes means for communicating with the sensor integrated into the inflatable penile prosthesis system.
- 10. A system for restoring erectile function comprising:
a pump, a cylinder, tubing and a reservoir, a fluid circuit within the system containing fluid, a septum, and an antimicrobial or antibiotic within the fluid placed by inserting a needle through the septum and injecting the antimicrobial or antibiotic.
- 11. A system for restoring erectile function according to claim 10 wherein the antimicrobial or antibiotic comprises rifampin and minocycline.
- 12. A system for restoring erectile function according to claim 10 wherein the antimicrobial comprises an iodine containing compound.
- 13. A method of restoring erectile function comprising the steps of:
implanting an inflatable penile prosthesis having fluid and a septum, placing a needle through the septum, and injecting an antimicrobial through the septum and into the prosthesis.
- 14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the prosthesis comprises a cylinder comprising silicone, and
the antimicrobial comprises iodine.
- 15. A method according to claim 13 further including the step of aspirating fluid from the inflatable penile prosthesis prior to the step of injecting an antimicrobial.
- 16. A method according to claim 13 wherein the antibiotic solution is infused.
- 17. A method according to claim 13 wherein the antibiotic or antimicrobial solution subsequently diffuses through the prosthesis.
- 18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the step of implanting a prosthesis includes the step of implanting a prosthesis constructed at least in part of silicone and the step of diffusing an antibiotic or antimicrobial includes the step of diffusing iodine.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/380,684, filed May 12, 2002.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60380684 |
May 2002 |
US |