Abstract: A urethral prosthesis provides relief of urinary retention and has first and second tubular elements with an interposed bridge segment. A valve can be disposed in the second tubular element to control the flow of urine therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly includes a fluid carrier and a heat exchange assembly coupled to the fluid carrier. The heat exchange assembly includes a heat exchange conduit, a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the heat exchange conduit, and a pump. The pump defines a stroke volume that is greater than a fluid carrier volume defined by the fluid carrier. The configuration of the stroke volume of the pump and the fluid carrier volume of the fluid carrier limits the length of the fluid carrier. In such a configuration, the heat exchange assembly orients in proximity to the body during operation to create a relatively short ex vivo flow path between a body and the heat exchange assembly. During operation, as the fluid flows along the ex vivo flow path, the relatively short ex vivo flow path minimizes thermal change in the fluid caused by a heat exchange between the walls of the fluid carrier and the atmosphere.