Importance

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Abstract

A penile implant for assisting disabled men to achieve satisfactory sexual intercourse comprises a flexible rod-like body (1) having an inflatable chamber (3) surrounded by a non-stretchable mesh (4), and a flexible tail portion (2) projecting from the proximal end of the body. A flexible tube (8) connects the chamber to a flexible bulb (7) for pressurizing the chamber, this tube and bulb also being implantable in the patient's body. A non-return valve (10) at the outlet of the bulb prevents return of pressure fluid to the bulb when the chamber is pressurized to stiffen the implant. The valve housing (12) is integral with the bulb wall (11) and can be manually distorted to release the pressure when the implant is to be relaxed. The chamber (3), tube (8) and bulb (7) are filled with fluid at atmospheric pressure. In a modification, the inflatable chamber is constructed so as to be axially expandible upon inflation thereof so as to produce a more natural physiological action.

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First Claim