Importance

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Abstract

A mechanical penile prosthesis is disclosed. The prosthesis includes a sleeve that encapsulates a linear assembly of cups, an actuating means and a cable. The linear assembly of cups allows the prosthesis to be bent from an erect position to a flaccid position. The actuating mechanism includes a biasing member, a poppet with first and second shoulders, one or more sliding rings, and a flexible tine. Bending the prosthesis from its erect position to its flaccid position causes the poppet to move toward the distal end of the prosthesis, allowing the tines to lock behind the second shoulder. To return the prosthesis to its erect state the prosthesis is bent further until the sliding ring separates the tines, allowing the biasing member to force the second shoulder past the tines; the tines snapping back into a position on the proximal side of the first shoulder. A second poppet positioned at the distal end of the prosthesis or a second sliding ring that envelopes the first sliding ring may be included to allow the prosthesis to be bent into a super flaccid position, allowing easier surgical implantation of the prosthesis.

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First Claim