Method of removing an inflated implant from a bladder
OwnerKevin G. Connors, William L. Pintauro +2inventors
InventorsKevin G. Connors, William L. Pintauro, Sheila K. Wallin, Hung H. Cao
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Abstract
An inflated implant, such as an attenuation device, previously implanted in a urinary bladder can later be removed according to a number of different methods. Preferably, removal is accomplished transurethrally. Removal can be accomplished by reducing the inflated implant from an enlarged profile to a reduced profile so that it may be withdrawn transurethrally by a removal system. The removal system can be configured differently depending upon whether reduction from the enlarged profile to the reduced profile is accomplished by deflation, compression, and/or other ways.
Claims10
A method of removing an inflated implant from a urinary bladder, the inflated implant having been previously implanted within the urinary bladder, the method comprising:
- locating with direct visualization an implant within a urinary bladder, the implant being in an inflated condition;
- capturing the implant within the urinary bladder with a removal device after visualization, and then:
- compromising at least a portion of the implant such that an inflation substance within the implant can escape by dissolving a material of the inflated implant in situ;
- removing the inflation substance out of the implant;
- and
- removing the implant from the urinary bladder with the removal device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.