Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to prosthetic valves having a frame, a frame cover, and a leaflet construct. Some aspects are directed to a diametric taper for the prosthetic valve for achieving enhanced performance of the prosthetic valve under operational conditions, enhanced compressibility and delivery characteristics, and other additional or alternative advantages. Other aspects are directed toward unique assembly and attachment methods for securing leaflet constructs to support structures. Other aspects are directed toward features for interacting with transcatheter delivery systems. Still other aspects are directed to such apparatuses, systems, and methods for valve replacement, such as cardiac valve replacement.

Abstract: A penile ring implant of soft biocompatible material is formed in situ and implanted beneath the skin of the penis of an incontinent male by use of a rod and a probe to form a protuberance which permits the patient to securely attach and easily remove the flexible sheath of the urinary collection device without the assistance of others. A kit for forming and implanting the ring implant includes an elongated D-shaped soft rod, a malleable probe and a connector.

Abstract: An adjustable ureteral stent comprises an elongated, flexible tubular member with a hook at the proximal end, a generally straight elongated trimmable portion extending to the distal end and means for forming a hook at the distal end. In one embodiment the means is a second member which connects to the distal end of the first member and in another embodiment the means is a reinforcing wire or strip in the wall of the tubular member which when formed into a hook will retain that shape in the absence of a straightening force.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis which is adapted to be surgically implanted in man for the treatment of erectile impotence includes a penile implant comprising an elongated, flexible cylindrical member having a short relatively stiff proximal portion which is adapted to be implanted into the root end of the corpus cavernosum to support the implant and an elongated flexible distal portion having a non-distensible tubular chamber substantially filled with a non-compressible fluid and a conical tip. The distal section is adapted to be implanted into the corpus cavernosum of the pendulus penis with the conical tip in the distal end of the corpus cavernosum. The prosthesis also includes means for completely filling and pressurizing the chamber to make rigid the non-distensible distal portion. In one embodiment the chamber is filled and pressurized by squeezing the chamber and reducing its volume and in another it is filled and pressurized by transferring additional fluid under pressure into the chamber.

Abstract: An inflatable penile implant includes a pressure chamber, a reservoir for pressurizing fluid and an expandable member in the reservoir for transferring fluid under pressure to the pressure chamber to make it rigid.

Abstract: An inflatable penile implant includes a novel pressure accumulating chamber which has a wall which stretches to expand the volume of the chamber when the normal working pressure of the implant has been exceeded. The expansion in the volume of the chamber absorbs and compensates for any increased pressure and thereby protects the components of the hydraulic system from pressure damage.

Abstract: A penile implant for use in treating erectile impotence includes an elongated flexible rod having a short proximal stem to support the implant and longer distal portion to be implanted in the corpus cavernosum of a penis. A layer of swellable hydrophilic material covers at least part of the distal portion. When the implant is implanted, the hydrophilic layer absorbs water and expands to increase the girth of the penis.

Abstract: The elastic sheath of a urinary collection device is more securely retained in place upon the penis of an incontinent patient by modifying the patient's penis by making an incision in the penis, implanting penile implants having expansible chambers and a self sealing tip in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, closing the incision and then periodically filling the chambers with fluid introduced through a cannula extending through the glans of the penis and the self sealing tip. The periodic addition of fluid to the chambers causes them to gradually expand and stretch the penile tissue until the penis is larger and firmer and will more securely retain the elastic sheath of the collection device. The implants are especially useful for patients having spinal cord injuries because the implants are soft and not rigid even when filled and therefore they are less likely to erode through the skin of the penis or the urethra.

Abstract: A penile erectile system which is adapted to be surgically implanted in man for the treatment of erectile impotence includes at least one penile implant comprising an elongated, flexible cylindrical body (11, 11') adapted to be implanted in the corpus cavernosum of a penis, said body having a tip (14) at one end and an anchoring stem (12) at the other end and an intermediate section (13) including a pair of inner (17) and outer (18) chambers substantially filled with fluid (20) and connected by a passage (21). The body (11, 11') also includes internal pump means (19) adjacent the stem for transferring fluid into the inner chamber (17) and a control valve (29) adjacent the tip (14) for controlling pressure in the inner chamber (17). The inner chamber (17) is non-distensible so that when it is filled and pressurized by transferring fluid thereto it becomes rigid and supports the penis in an erectile state.

Abstract: A method of controlling urinary incontinence in a male comprises implanting in the penis of the male a relatively rigid backup support against which the urethra can be collapsed, anchoring said backup support to prevent it from migrating, and exerting pressure upon only one side of the urethra to collapse and keep it closed against the backup support. The preferred backup support includes a groove which receives the neurovascular bundle and protects the major blood and nerve supplies of the penis from the adverse effects of pressure exerted on the urethra. Devices for practicing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis which is adapted to be surgically implanted in man for the treatment of erectile impotence includes two separate penile implants each comprising an elongated, flexible rod having a short proximal portion of relatively stiff material which is adapted to be implanted into the root end of the corpus cavernosum to support the implant and a longer distal portion which is adapted to be implanted into the corpus cavernosum of the pendulous penis. A flexible, cylindrical sleeve is positioned axially about an intermediate section of the distal portion of the rod and is sealed at its ends to the rod in a fluid tight manner to form a chamber for pressurizing fluid. The implant also includes sealable means by which pressurizing fluid can be added to the chamber to increase the girth of the implant.

Abstract: A penile implant includes a relatively rigid support portion having a stem at one end to be inserted into the root end of a corpus cavernosum of a penis a relatively rigid elongated tip portion with a tip at one end adapted to be implanted in the glans end of the corpus cavernosum, hinge means joining the support portion and tip portion and holding means at the other ends of the support position and tip portion which cooperate to hold the support portion and tip portion of the implant in the form of unitary rigid rod. In a preferred embodiment the holding means at the other ends of the support portion and tip portion are magnets of opposite polarity and the hinge means is a cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: A penile erectile system which is adapted to be surgically implanted in man for the treatment of erectile impotence includes at least one penile implant comprising an elongated, flexible cylindrical body adapted to be implanted in the corpus cavernosum of a penis, said body having a tip at one end and an anchoring stem at the other end and an intermediate section including a pair of inner and outer chambers substantially filled with fluid and connected by a passage. The body also includes internal pump means for transferring fluid into the inner chamber and a control valve for controlling pressure in the inner chamber. The inner chamber is non-distensible so that when it is filled and pressurized by transferring fluid thereto it becomes rigid and supports the penis in an erectile state.

Abstract: A penile implant for assisting in retaining a urinary collection device on a penis includes an implant of biocompatible material having a ring with a generally D-shaped cross section with the belly of the D extending outwardly and an anchoring sleeve connected to the ring, said ring and sleeve are shaped and sized to be positioned circumferentially about a penis and implanted beneath the penile skin to provide a circumferential outwardly extending protuberance which assists in retaining an elastic urinary collection sheath upon the penis.

Abstract: The penile implant of the present invention comprises a ring of soft biocompatible material which is adapted to be implanted beneath the skin of the penis of an incontinent male. The ring when implanted produces a protuberance which effectively increases the diameter of the penis so as to retain the flexible elastic sheath of a urinary collection device in place. A relatively stiff rod also may be implanted in the penis beneath the ring to support the ring. The protuberance produced by the implanted ring permits the patient to securely attach and easily remove the flexible sheath of the urinary collection device without the assistance of others.

Abstract: A penile erectile system which is adapted to be surgically implanted in man for the treatment of erectile impotence includes an elongated penile implant adapted to be implanted in the corpus cavernosum of a penis, said member including a stem at one end, a tip at the other end, and first and second internal chambers separated by a dividing wall, said chambers being axially positioned between the stem and tip, the first chamber having a resilient collapsible side wall and the second chamber having a flexible non-distensible side wall. Both of the chambers are normally substantially filled with fluid and are connected by an open passage which extends through the dividing wall which permits fluid to flow between the first and the second chambers. The second non-distensible chamber is pressurized by moving the dividing wall towards the stem and maintaining it in that position thus collapsing the first chamber and forcing pressurizing fluid from the first into the second chamber.

Abstract: A penile erectile system which is adapted to be surgically implanted in man for the treatment of erectile impotence includes an elongated penile implant adapted to be implanted in the corpus cavernosum of a penis, said member including a stem at one end, a tip at the other end, first and second chambers axially positioned between the stem and tip, said first chamber having a resilient non-collapsible wall and the second chamber having a flexible non-distensible wall. Both of the chambers are normally substantially filled with fluid and are connected by a passage closed by a valve which normally permits fluid to only flow from the first to the second chamber but which can serve as a relief valve when the pressure in the second chamber exceeds a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis includes at least one and preferably a pair of penile implants. The penile implant is a flexible, elongated member having a short proximal stem which is hollow and includes a fluid filled reservoir. The stem is adapted to be implanted into the root end of the corpus cavernosum to support the implant. The flexible member also includes an elongated flexible, non-distensible distal portion having a chamber substantially filled with a non-compressible fluid and a conical tip and an intermediate fluid filled pressure bulb pump which includes a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism allows fluid to be pumped from the reservoir in the stem into the non-distensible chamber to pressurize it and make it rigid. The implant includes a pressure relief valve which allows fluid to be transferred back to the reservoir.

Abstract: A penile erectile system which is adapted to be surgically implanted in man for the treatment of erectile impotence includes a penile implant comprising an elongated, flexible cylindrical member adapted to be implanted in the corpus cavernosum of a penis, said member including a pair of inner and outer chambers substantially filled with fluid and connected by a passage. The innermost of said chambers being non-distensible so that it is filled and pressurized by transferring fluid thereto from the outer chamber and it becomes rigid and supports the penis in an erectile state.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis which is adapted to be surgically implanted in man for the treatment of erectile impotence includes a penile implant comprising an elongated, flexible cylindrical member having a short relatively stiff proximal portion which is adapted to be implanted into the root end of the corpus cavernosum to support the implant and an elongated flexible distal portion having a non-distensible tubular chamber substantially filled with a non-compressible fluid and a conical tip. The distal section is adapted to be implanted into the corpus cavernosum of the pendulus penis with the conical tip in the distal end of the corpus cavernosum. The prosthesis also includes means for completely filling and pressurizing the chamber to make rigid the non-distensible distal portion. In one embodiment the chamber is filled and pressurized by squeezing the chamber and reducing its volume and in another it is filled and pressurized by transferring additional fluid under pressure into the chamber.