摘要 |
The prosthesis comprises a pair of expandable cylinders which are implanted in the penis, replacing the function of the two corpora cavernosa. Supplying fluid to the expandable cylinders is a fluid transfer mechanism that is also implanted in the patient's body so as to permit inflation of the cylinders when an elastomeric bulb is squeezed through the person's skin. In addition to the elastomeric bulb, the fluid transfer system includes a reservoir, a first check valve between the bulb and reservoir, a second check valve between the cylinders and bulb, and a special valve that can be manually operated to by-pass the check valves. In this way, the degree of erection of the penis is controlled by varying the amount of fluid within the prosthetic cylinders by squeezing the elastomeric bulb; deflation is accomplished by actuating the by-pass valve.
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