Method of removing an inflated implant from a bladder

摘要

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can be accomplished by reducing the inflated implant from an enlarged profile to a reduced profile so that it may be withdrawn transurethrally by a removal system.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.

主权项

1. 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; andremoving the implant from the urinary bladder with the removal device.