Male impotence prosthesis apparatus with wireless energy supply

Abstract

A male impotence prosthesis apparatus comprises an operable penile prosthesis (4) implanted in an impotent patient's corpus cavernosum to provide flaccid or erect states of the patient's penis. An energy transmission device (10) for wireless transmission of energy from outside the patient's body to inside the patient's body is provided body for use in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis.

Claims

1. A male sexual impotence treatment prosthesis apparatus, comprising an operable prosthesis implantable in the cavities of the corpora cavernosa of an impotent patient to provide erect penile condition, when the prosthesis is operated, characterised by an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy from outside the patient's body to inside the patient's body for use in connection with the operation of the prosthesis, when the prosthesis is implanted.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy transmission device transmits energy of a first form and the penile prosthesis is operable in response to energy of a second form, and further comprising an energy transforming device implantable in the patient for transforming the energy of the first form wirelessly transmitted by the energy transmission device into the energy of the second form.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy of the second form is different than the energy of the first form.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the energy transforming device comprises at least one element having a positive region and a negative region, the element is capable of creating an energy field between the positive and negative regions when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device, and the energy field produces the energy of the second form.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the element comprises an electrical junction element, and the electrical junction element is capable of inducing an electric field between the positive and negative regions when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device, whereby the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the penile prosthesis is electrically operated, and the positive and negative regions of the electrical junction element supply electric energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising electric conductors connected to the positive and negative regions of the electrical junction element, whereby the electrical junction element is capable of supplying an electric current via the conductors.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the electrical junction element is capable of supplying a direct current or pulsating direct current via the conductors.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the electrical junction element is capable of supplying an alternating current or a combination of a direct and alternating current via the conductors.

10. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the electrical junction element is capable of supplying a frequency or amplitude modulated signal.

11. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the electrical junction element is capable of supplying an analog or digital signal.

12. An apparatus according to any of claims 2-11, wherein the energy transforming device forms a flat and thin sheet, and has a volume of less than 2000 cm.sup.3.

13. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the energy transforming device is adapted to transform the energy of the first form directly or indirectly into the energy of the second form.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising an implantable motor or pump for operating the penile prosthesis, wherein the motor or pump is powered by the energy of the second form.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the energy transforming device is adapted to directly power the motor or pump by the transformed energy, as the energy of the second form is being transformed from the energy of the first form.

16. An apparatus according to any of claims 13-15, wherein the wireless energy of the first form comprises sound waves and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

17. An apparatus according to any of claims 2-16, wherein the energy transforming device comprises a capacitor and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the capacitor is adapted to produce electric pulses from the transformed electric energy.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the capacitor is adapted to produce the pulses of the electric energy, as the energy transforming device transforms the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device into the electric energy of the second form.

20. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an implantable stabiliser for stabilising the energy of the second form.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the energy of the second form comprises electric current and the stabiliser comprises at least one capacitor.

22. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising implantable electrical components including at least one voltage level guard.

23. An apparatus according to any of claims 1-21, further comprising implantable electrical components including a single voltage level guard.

24. An apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the electrical components are devoid of any current detector and/or charge level detector.

25. An apparatus according to any of claims 22-24, further comprising an implantable capacitor or accumulator, wherein the charge or discharge of the capacitor or accumulator is controlled by use of the voltage level guard.

26. An apparatus according to any of claims 17-19, 21 and 25, wherein the capacitor has a capacity less than 0.1 F.

27. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy transmission device is adapted to transmit wireless energy for direct use in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis, as the wireless energy is being transmitted.

28. An apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising an implantable motor or pump for operating the penile prosthesis, wherein the energy transmission device is adapted to directly power the motor or pump with wireless energy.

29. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the energy transmission device is adapted to transmit wireless energy in the form of a magnetic field or electromagnetic waves for direct power of the motor or pump

30. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transforming device is adapted to supply the energy of the second form for direct use in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis, as the energy of the first form is being transformed into the energy of the second form.

31. An apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising an implantable motor or pump for operating the penile prosthesis, wherein the energy transforming device is adapted to directly power the motor or pump with the energy of the second form.

32. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the energy transforming device directly operates the penile prosthesis with the energy of the second form in a non-magnetic, non-thermal or non-mechanical manner.

33. An apparatus according to any of claims 2-12, further comprising an implantable motor for direct or intermittent operation of the penile prosthesis, wherein the energy transforming device powers the motor with the energy of the second form.

34. An apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the penile prosthesis is operable to perform a reversible function and the motor is capable of reversing said function.

35. An apparatus according to any of claims 2-27 and 30, wherein the penile prosthesis comprises a hydraulic penile prosthesis, and further comprising an implantable pump for operating the hydraulic penile prosthesis, the energy transforming device supplying the energy of the second form for driving the pump.

36. An apparatus according to any of claims 28, 29, 31 and 35, wherein the pump is not a plunger type of pump.

37. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the energy transforming device is capable of generating as the energy of the second form a current exceeding 1 A, when transferring the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device.

38. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjustment device for adjusting the penile prosthesis to change between erect and flaccid penile states, wherein the adjustment device is adapted to mechanically adjust the penile prosthesis, or adapted to hydraulically adjust the penile prosthesis by using hydraulic means which is devoid of hydraulic fluid of the kind having a viscosity that substantially increases when exposed to heat or a magnetic field.

39. An apparatus according to any of claims 2-12, wherein the energy transforming device comprises at least one semiconductor type of component.

40. An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the energy transforming device comprises a circuitry of semiconductor components.

41. An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the semiconductor component comprises a transistor or microchip or similar electronic components excluding rectifying diodes.

42. An apparatus according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the semiconductor component comprises at least one element having a positive region and a negative region, the element is capable of creating an energy field between the positive and negative regions when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device, and the energy field produces the energy of the second form.

43. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an implantable operation device for operating the penile prosthesis, wherein the energy transforming device powers the operation device with the energy of the second form.

44. An apparatus according to claim 43, further comprising a control device for controlling the operation device.

45. An apparatus according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the operation device comprises a motor.

46. An apparatus according to claim 33 or 45, further comprising an implantable gearing connected to the motor.

47. An apparatus according to claims 44 and 45, wherein the motor comprises a rotary motor and the control device controls the rotary motor to rotate a desired number of revolutions.

48. An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the motor comprises a linear motor.

49. An apparatus according to claims 44 and 45, wherein the motor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, and the control device controls the fluid motor.

50. An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the motor comprises an electric motor having electrically conductive parts made of plastics.

51. An apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the penile prosthesis comprises hydraulic means and the operation device is adapted to conduct a hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic means.

52. An apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the operation device comprises a fluid conduit connected to the hydraulic means of the penile prosthesis, and a reservoir for fluid, the reservoir forming part of the conduit.

53. An apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the hydraulic means and conduit are devoid of any non-return valve.

54. An apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the reservoir forms a fluid chamber with a variable volume, and the operation device is adapted to distribute fluid from the chamber to the hydraulic means of the penile prosthesis by reduction of the volume of the chamber and to withdraw fluid from the hydraulic means to the chamber by expansion of the volume of the chamber.

55. An apparatus according to claim 54, wherein the operation device comprises an implantable motor used for reducing and expanding the volume of the chamber.

56. An apparatus according to any of claims 51-53, wherein the operation device comprises an implantable pump for pumping the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic means of the penile prosthesis.

57. An apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the control device shifts polarity of the energy of the second form to reverse the operation device.

58. An apparatus according to claim 45 or 57, wherein the operation device comprises an electric motor and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

59. An apparatus according to any of claims 1, 43 and 44, wherein the penile prosthesis is operable to perform a reversible function.

60. An apparatus according to claim 59, further comprising a reversing device implantable in the patient for reversing the function performed by the penile prosthesis.

61. An apparatus according to claims 44 and 60, wherein the control device controls the reversing device to reverse the function performed by the penile prosthesis.

62. An apparatus according to claim 60 or 61, wherein the reversing device comprises hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid flow in the hydraulic means.

63. An apparatus according to claim 60 or 61, wherein the reversing device comprises a mechanical reversing device.

64. An apparatus according to claim 63, wherein the reversing device comprises a gearbox.

65. An apparatus according to claim 60 or 61, wherein the reversing device comprises a switch.

66. An apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the switch is operable by the energy of the second form.

67. An apparatus according to claim 66, wherein the control device controls the operation of the switch by shifting polarity of the energy of the second form.

68. An apparatus according to claim 66 or 67, wherein the switch comprises an electric switch and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

69. An apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the operation device comprises hydraulic means and at least one valve for controlling a fluid flow in the hydraulic means.

70. An apparatus according to claim 69, further comprising a wireless remote control for controlling the valve.

71. An apparatus according to any one of claims 18, 19 and 44, wherein the control device is adapted to control the energy transforming device to produce the energy of the second form in a train of energy pulses for direct use in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis.

72. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an energy storage device implantable in the patient for storing the energy of the second form and for supplying energy in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis.

73. An apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the energy storage device comprises an accumulator.

74. An apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the energy of the second form comprises electric energy and the energy storage device comprises an electric accumulator.

75. An apparatus according to claim 74, wherein the electric accumulator comprises at least one capacitor or at least one rechargeable battery, or a combination of at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery.

76. An apparatus according to any of claims 2, 65, 71-75, further comprising a switch implantable in the patient for directly or indirectly switching the operation of the penile prosthesis.

77. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy storage device to switch from an off mode, in which the source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which the source of energy supplies energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

78. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient, and a remote control for controlling the supply of energy of the source of energy, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy storage device to switch from an off mode, in which the remote control is prevented from controlling the source of energy and the source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control is permitted to control the source of energy to supply energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

79. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy transforming device to switch from an off mode, in which the source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which the source of energy supplies energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

80. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis, and a remote control for controlling the supply of energy of the implantable source of energy, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy transforming device to switch from an off mode, in which the remote control is prevented from controlling the source of energy and the source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control is permitted to control the source of energy to supply energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

81. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the first form supplied by the energy transmission device to switch from an off mode, in which the source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which the source of energy supplies energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

82. An apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising a source of energy implantable in the patient for supplying energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis, and a remote control for controlling the supply of energy of the implantable source of energy, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the first form supplied by the energy transmission device to switch from an off mode, in-which the remote control is prevented from controlling the source of energy and the source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control is permitted to control the source of energy to supply energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis.

83. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the penile prosthesis is electrically operated, and the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.

84. An apparatus according to claim 83, further comprising electric conductors connected to the energy transforming device, whereby the energy transforming device is capable of supplying an electric current via the conductors.

85. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transforming device is capable of supplying a frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated signal.

86. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transforming device is capable of supplying an analog, digital or a combination of an analog and digital signal.

87. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an activatable source of energy implantable in the patient, wherein the source of energy is activated by wireless energy transmitted by the energy transmission device, to supply energy which is used in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis.

88. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy transmission device transmits energy by at least one wireless signal.

89. An apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the signal contains radiant energy.

90. An apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the signal comprises a wave signal.

91. An apparatus according to claim 90, wherein the wave signal comprises an electromagnetic wave signal including one of an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal.

92. An apparatus according to claim 90, wherein the wave signal comprises a sound or ultrasound wave signal.

93. An apparatus according to any one of claims 88-92, wherein the signal comprises a digital or analog signal, or a combination of a digital and analog signal.

94. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission device comprises an electric, an electromagnetic or a magnetic field, or a combination thereof.

95. An apparatus according to claim 94, wherein the electric, electromagnetic or magnetic field, or the combination thereof is transmitted in pulses or digital pulses, or a combination of pulses and digital pulses by the energy transmission device.

96. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy of a first form transmitted by the energy transmission device comprises an electric, an electromagnetic or a magnetic field, or a combination thereof.

97. An apparatus according to claim 96, wherein the electric, electromagnetic or magnetic field, or the combination thereof is transmitted in waves or analog pulses or a combination thereof by the energy, transmission device.

98. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1-97, wherein the energy transmitted by the energy transmission device comprises polarised energy.

99. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transforming device transforms the energy of the first form into a direct current or pulsating direct current, or a combination of a direct current and pulsating direct current.

100. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transforming device transforms the energy of the first form into an alternating current or a combination of a direct and alternating current.

101. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an implantable pulse generator for generating electrical pulses from the energy of the second form produced by the energy field.

102. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one implantable sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient, preferably ejaculation.

103. An apparatus according to claim 102, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor for directly or indirectly sensing as the physical parameter the pressure in the urethra.

104. An apparatus according to claim 102, further comprising a control device for controlling the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

105. An apparatus according to claim 104, wherein the control device comprises an internal control unit implantable in the patient for controlling the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

106. An apparatus according to claim 105, wherein the internal control unit directly controls the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

107. An apparatus according to claim 104, wherein the control device comprises an external control unit outside the patient's body for controlling the penile prosthesis in response to signals from the sensor.

108. An apparatus according to claim 107, wherein the external control unit stores information on the physical parameter sensed by the sensor and is manually operated to control the penile prosthesis based on the stored information.

109. An apparatus according to any one of claims 102-108, further comprising at least one implantable sender for sending information on the physical parameter sensed by the sensor.

110. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless remote control for transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling the penile prosthesis.

111. An apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the control signal comprises a frequency, amplitude or frequency or amplitude modulated signal.

112. An apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the control signal comprises an analog or a digital signal, or a combination of an analog and digital signal.

113. An apparatus according to any of claims 110-112, wherein the remote control is capable of obtaining information on the condition of the implantable penile prosthesis and to control the penile prosthesis in response to the information.

114. An apparatus according to any of claims 110-113, wherein the remote control comprises an implantable control unit for controlling the penile prosthesis.

115. An apparatus according to claim 114, wherein the control unit comprises a microprocessor.

116. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-115, wherein the wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal transmitter or transceiver and at least one internal signal receiver or transceiver implantable in the patient.

117. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-115, wherein the wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal receiver or transceiver and at least one internal signal transmitter or transceiver implantable in the patient.

118. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-117, wherein the remote control is capable of sending information related to the penile prosthesis from inside the patients body to the outside thereof.

119. An apparatus according to claim 118, wherein the remote control controls the penile prosthesis in response to the information.

120. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-119, wherein the remote control comprises a control signal transmitter for transmitting the wireless control signal, and the energy transmission device comprises the control signal transmitter, whereby energy is transmitted by the control signal.

121. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-119, wherein the energy transmission device transmits energy by at least one signal separate from the control signal.

122. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-119, wherein the remote control transmits a carrier signal for carrying the control signal.

123. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-119, wherein the energy transmission device transmits energy by at least one signal, which is used as a carrier signal for the control signal transmitted by the remote control.

124. An apparatus according to claim 123, wherein the carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.

125. An apparatus according to claim 123 or 124, wherein the carrier signal comprises digital, analog or a combination of digital and analog signals.

126. An apparatus according to claim 125, wherein the signals comprise wave signals.

127. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-126, wherein the control signal comprises a wave signal comprising one of a sound wave signal, an ultrasound wave signal, an electromagnetic wave signal, an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser light signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal and a gamma radiation signal.

128. An apparatus according to any one of claims 110-126, wherein the control signal comprises an electric or magnetic field, or a combined electric and magnetic field.

129. An apparatus according to claim 112, wherein the remote control transmits an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying the digital or analog control signal.

130. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy of the second form used for operating the penile prosthesis is wirelessly transmitted by the energy transforming device.

131. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an implantable control unit for controlling the penile prosthesis.

132. An apparatus according to claim 131, wherein the control unit is programmable for controlling the penile prosthesis in accordance with a program.

133. An apparatus according to claim 131, wherein the control unit controls the penile prosthesis over time in accordance with an activity schedule program

134. An apparatus according to any one of claims 131-133, further comprising an external wireless remote control for programming the implantable control unit.

135. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an external data communicator and an implantable internal data communicator communicating with the external data communicator, wherein the internal communicator feeds data related to the penile prosthesis back to the external data communicator or the external data communicator feeds data to the internal data communicator.

136. An apparatus according to claim 135, wherein the internal data communicator feeds data related to at least one physical signal of the patient.

137. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the penile prosthesis is adapted to control the erect and flaccid states of the patient's penis.

138. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the penile prosthesis is non-inflatable.

139. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one of the energy of the first form and the energy of the second form comprises magnetic energy, kinetic energy, sound energy, chemical energy, radiant energy, electromagnetic energy, photo energy, nuclear energy or thermal energy.

140. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one of the energy of the first form and the energy of the second form is non-magnetic, non-kinetic, non-chemical, non-sonic, non-nuclear or non-thermal.

141. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy transmission device functions different from the energy transforming device.

142. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy transmission device functions similar to the energy transforming device.

143. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy transforming device is designed to be implanted subcutaneously or in the abdomen, thorax or cephalic region of the patient.

144. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1-142, wherein the energy transforming device is designed to be implanted in an orifice of the patient's body and under the mucosa or intraluminar outside the mucosa of the orifice.

145. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the penile prosthesis is embedded in a soft or gel-like material.

146. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the penile prosthesis is embedded in a silicone material having hardness less than 20 Shore.

Description

[0084] The invention is described in more detail in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0085] FIGS. 1 to 12 are schematic block diagrams illustrating twelve embodiments respectively, of the male impotence prosthesis apparatus of the invention, in which wireless energy is transmitted from outside a patient's body to energy consuming components of the apparatus implanted in the patient.

[0086] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram illustrating conceivable combinations of implanted components for achieving various communication options;

[0087] FIG. 14 illustrates an electrical junction element for use in the apparatus of the present invention; and

[0088] FIG. 15 illustrates the apparatus in accordance with the invention implanted in a patient;

[0089] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating remote control components of an embodiment of the invention, in which wireless energy is transmitted by the use of electromagnetic signals; and

[0090] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of exemplary circuitry used for the components of the block diagram of FIG. 16.

[0091] Referring to the drawing figures, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements throughout the several figures.

[0092] FIG. 1 schematically shows a most simple embodiment of the male impotence prosthesis apparatus of the invention having some parts implanted in a patient and other parts located outside the patient's body. Thus, in FIG. 1 all parts placed to the right of the patient's skin 2 are implanted and all parts placed to the left of the skin 2 are located outside the patient's body.

[0093] The apparatus of FIG. 1 comprises an operable penile prosthesis 4 placed in the cavities of the corpora cavernosa of an impotent patient's penis. The implanted prosthesis 4 is capable of performing a reversible function, i.e. to erect the penis or to make the penis flaccid. An implanted energy transforming device 6 is adapted to supply energy consuming components of the penile prosthesis 4 with energy via a power supply line 12. An external energy transmission device 10 includes a wireless remote control transmitting a wireless signal, which is received by a signal receiver incorporated in the implanted energy transforming device 6. The implanted energy transforming device 6 transforms energy from the signal into electric energy which is supplied via the power supply line 12.

[0094] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 1, except that a reversing device in the form of an electric switch 14 operable by polarised energy also is implanted in the patient for reversing the penile prosthesis 4. The wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 10 transmits a wireless signal that carries polarised energy and the implanted energy transforming device 6 transforms the wireless polarized energy into a polarized current for operating the Switch 14. When the polarity of the current is shifted by the energy transforming device 6 the switch 14 reverses the function performed by the penile prosthesis 4.

[0095] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 1, except that an operation device in the form of a motor 15 for operating the penile prosthesis 4 also is implanted in the patient. The motor 15 is powered with energy from the energy transforming device 6, as the remote control of the external energy transmission device 10 transmits a wireless signal to the receiver of the energy transforming device 6.

[0096] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 1, except that an assembly. 16 including a motor/pump unit 18 and a fluid reservoir 20 also is implanted in the patient. In this case the penile prosthesis 4 is hydraulically operated, i.e. hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 18 from the reservoir 20 through a conduit 22 to the penile prosthesis 4 to erect the patients penis, and hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 18 back from the penile prosthesis 4 to the reservoir 20 to make the penis flaccid. The implanted energy transforming device unit 6 transforms wireless energy into a current, for example a polarized current, for powering the motor/pump unit 18 via an electric power supply line 24.

[0097] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising the external energy transmission device 10 with its wireless remote control, the penile prosthesis 4, in this case hydraulically operated, and the implanted energy transforming device 6, and further comprising an implanted hydraulic fluid reservoir 30, an implanted motor/pump unit 32 and an implanted reversing device in the form of a hydraulic valve shifting device 34. The motor of the motor/pump unit 32 is an electric motor. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 10, the implanted energy transforming device 6 powers the motor/pump unit 32 with energy from the energy carried by the control signal, whereby the motor/pump unit 32 distributes hydraulic fluid between the reservoir 30 and the penile prosthesis 4. The remote control of the energy transmission device 10 controls the shifting device 34 to shift the hydraulic fluid flow direction between one direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 32 from the reservoir 30 to the penile prosthesis 4 to erect the penis, and another opposite direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 32 back from the penile prosthesis 4 to the reservoir 30 to make the penis flaccid.

[0098] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 1, except that a control unit 36 controlled by the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 10, an accumulator 38 and a capacitor 40 also are implanted in the patient. The control unit 36 stores electric energy received from the energy transforming device 6 in the accumulator 38, which supplies energy to the penile prosthesis 4. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control of the energy transmission device 10, the control unit 6 either releases electric energy from the accumulator 38 and transforms the released energy via power lines 42 and 44, or directly transforms electric energy from the energy transforming device 6 via a power line 46, the capacitor 40, which stabilizes the electric current, a power line 48 and the power line 44, for the operation of the penile prosthesis 4.

[0099] In accordance with an alternative, the capacitor 40 in the embodiment of FIG. 6 may be omitted. In accordance with another alternative, the accumulator 38 in this embodiment may be omitted.

[0100] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 1, except that a battery 50 for supplying energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis 4 and an electric switch 52 for switching the operation of the penile prosthesis 4 also are implanted in the patient. The switch 52 is operated by the energy supplied by the energy transforming device 6 to switch from an off mode, in which the battery 50 is not in use, to an on mode, in which the battery 50 supplies energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis 4.

[0101] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 7, except that a control unit 36 controllable by the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 10 also is implanted in the patient. In this case, the switch 52 is operated by the energy supplied by the energy transforming device 6 to switch from an off mode, in which the wireless remote control is prevented from controlling the control unit 36 and the battery is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control is permitted to control the control unit 36 to release electric energy from the battery 50 for the operation of the penile prosthesis 4.

[0102] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 8, except that an accumulator 38 is substituted for the battery 50 and the implanted components are interconnected differently. In this case, the accumulator 38 stores energy from the energy transforming device 6. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 10, the implanted control unit 36 controls the switch 52 to switch from an off mode, in which the accumulator 38 is not in use, to an on mode, in which the accumulator 38 supplies energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis 4.

[0103] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 9, except that a battery 50 also is implanted in the patient and the implanted components are interconnected differently. In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 10, the implanted control unit 36 controls the accumulator 38 to deliver energy for operating the switch 52 to switch from an off mode, in which the battery 50 is not in use, to an on mode, in which the battery 50 supplies electric energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis 4.

[0104] Alternatively, the switch 52 may be operated by energy supplied by the accumulator 38 to switch from an off mode, in which the wireless remote control is prevented from controlling the battery 50 to supply electric energy and is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the wireless remote control is permitted to control the battery 50 to supply electric energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis 4.

[0105] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 7, except that a motor 15, a mechanical reversing device in the form of a gear box 54 and a control unit 36 for controlling the gear box 54 also are implanted in the patient. The implanted control unit 36 controls the gear box 54 to reverse the function performed by the penile prosthesis 4 (mechanically operated).

[0106] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of FIG. 10 except that the implanted components are interconnected differently. Thus, in this case the control unit 36 is powered by the battery 50 when the accumulator 38, suitably a capacitor, activates the switch 52 to switch to an on mode. When the switch 52 is in its on mode the control unit 36 is permitted to control the battery 50 to supply, or not supply, energy for the operation of the penile prosthesis 4.

[0107] FIG. 13 schematically shows conceivable combinations of implanted components of the apparatus for achieving various communication options. Basically, there are the implanted penile prosthesis 4, control unit 36 and motor/pump unit 18, and the external energy transmission device 10 including the external wireless remote control. As already described above the wireless remote control transmits a control signal which is received by the implanted control unit 36, which in turn controls the various implanted components of the apparatus.

[0108] A sensor 56 may be implanted in the patient for sensing a physical parameter of the patient, such as the pressure in the erected penis tissue. The implanted control unit 36, or alternatively the external wireless remote control of the energy transmission device 10, may control the penile prosthesis 4 in response to signals from the sensor 56. A transceiver may be combined with the sensor 56 for sending information on the sensed physical parameter to the external wireless remote control. The wireless remote control may comprise a signal transmitter or transceiver and the implanted control unit 36 may comprise a signal receiver or transceiver. Alternatively, the wireless remote control may comprise a signal receiver or transceiver and the implanted control unit 36 may comprise a signal transmitter or transceiver. The above transceivers, transmitters and receivers may be used for sending information or data related to the penile prosthesis 4 from inside the patient's body to the outside thereof.

[0109] Where the motor/pump unit 18 and battery 50 for powering the motor/pump unit 18 are implanted, the battery 50 may be equipped with a transceiver for sending information on the condition of the battery 50.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will realize that the above various embodiments according to FIGS. 1-13 could be combined in many different ways. For example, the polarized energy operated switch 14 could be incorporated in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 3,6-12, the hydraulic shifting device 34 could be incorporated in the embodiment of FIG. 4, and the gear box 54 could be incorporated in the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0111] FIG. 14 shows an energy transforming device in the form of an electrical junction element 58 for use in any of the above embodiments according to FIGS. 1-13. The element 58 is a flat p-n junction element comprising a p-type semiconductor layer 60 and an n-type semiconductor layer 62 sandwiched together. A light bulb 64 is electrically connected to opposite sides of the element 58 to illustrate how the generated current is obtained. The output of current from such a p-n junction element 58 is correlated to the temperature. See the formula below.

I=I0(exp(qV/kT)1) [0112] where [0113] I is the external current flow, [0114] I0 is the reverse saturation current, [0115] q is the fundamental electronic charge of 1.60210-19 coulombs, [0116] V is the applied voltage, [0117] k is the Boltzmann constant, and [0118] T is the absolute temperature.

[0119] Under large negative applied voltage (reverse bias), the exponential term becomes negligible compared to 1.0, and I is approximately I0. I0 is strongly dependent on the temperature of the junction and hence on the intrinsic-carrier concentration. I0 is larger for materials with smaller bandgaps than for those with larger bandgaps. The rectifier action of the diodethat is, its restriction of current flow to only one directionis in this particular embodiment the key to the operation of the p-n junction element 58.

[0120] An alternative way to design a p-n junction element is to deposit a thin layer of semiconductor onto a supporting material which does not absorb the kind of energy utilized in the respective embodiments. For use with wirelessly transmitted energy in terms of light waves, glass could be a suitable material. Various materials may be used in the semiconductor layers such as but not limited to cadmium telluride, copper-indium-diselenide and silicon. It is also possible to use a multilayer structure with several layers of p and n-type materials to improve efficiency.

[0121] The electric energy generated by the p-n junction element 58 could be of the same type as generated by solar cells, in which the negative and positive fields create a direct current. Alternatively, the negative and positive semiconductor layers may change polarity following the transmitted waves, thereby generating an alternating current.

[0122] The p-n junction element 58 is designed to make it suited for implantation. Thus, all the external surfaces of the element 58 in contact with the human body are made of a biocompatible material. The p-n junction semiconductors are designed to operate optimally at a body temperature of 37 C because the current output, which should be more than 1 A, is significantly depending on temperature as shown above. Since both the skin and subcutis absorb energy, the relation between the sensitivity or working area of the element 58 and the intensity or strength of the wireless energy transmission is considered. The p-n junction element 58 preferably is designed flat and small. Alternatively, if the element 58 is made in larger sizes it should be flexible, in order to adapt to the patient's body movements. The volume of the element 58 should be kept less than 2000 cm.sup.3.

[0123] FIG. 15 generally illustrates how any of the above-described embodiments of the male impotence prosthesis apparatus of the invention may be implanted in a patient. Thus, a penile prosthesis 4 implanted in a patient engages the penile tissue and the prolongation thereof to provide flaccid or erected conditions of the patient's penis. An implanted operation device 68, such as an electric motor or a motor/pump assembly, operates the penile prosthesis 4 through a transmission member 70, such as a mechanical transmission cord or a fluid tube. An energy transforming device in the form of an element 6 having a positive region and a negative region, as described above in more detail, is placed underneath the skin of the patient.

[0124] Wireless energy carried by a signal transmitted by a wireless remote control of an external energy transmission device 10 at least partly penetrates the patient's skin and hits the element 6. The energy thus hitting the element 6 is transformed into energy of a different form that is suited for powering the operation device 68. For example, where the operation device 68 is an electric motor the element 6 comprises an electric p-n junction element that transforms the wireless energy into an electric current for powering the electric motor. Where the operation device 68 comprises a pump, the element 6 may transform the wireless energy into kinetic energy for powering the pump.

[0125] The transformed energy may be utilized for directly operating the penile prosthesis 4 or, where the penile prosthesis 4 is electrically operated, for storage in a capacitor and/or an accumulator for later or parallel use. Preferably (but not necessarily) the element 6 is controlled by a microprocessor. The wireless remote control of the external energy transmission device 10 is used to control the utilization of the transmitted energy and any function or command to/from the implanted penile prosthesis 4.

[0126] FIG. 16 shows the basic parts of a wireless remote control of the apparatus of the invention including an electric motor 128 for operating a restriction member, for example of the type illustrated in FIG. 15. In this case, the remote control is based on the transmission of electromagnetic wave signals, often of high frequencies in the order of 100 kHz-1 gHz, through the skin 130 of the patient. In FIG. 15, all parts placed to the left of the skin 130 are located outside the patient's body and all parts placed to the right of the skin 130 are implanted. Any suitable remote control system may be used.

[0127] An external signal transmitting antenna 132 is to be positioned close to a signal receiving antenna 134 implanted close to the skin 130. As an alternative, the receiving antenna 134 may be placed for example inside the abdomen of the patient. The receiving antenna 134 comprises a coil, approximately 1-100 mm, preferably 25 mm in diameter, wound with a very thin wire and tuned with a capacitor to a specific high frequency. A small coil is chosen if it is to be implanted under the skin, or in the scrotum and pelvic region of the patient and a large coil is chosen if it is to be implanted in the abdomen of the patient. The transmitting antenna 132 comprises a coil having about the same size as the coil of the receiving antenna 134 but wound with a thick wire that can handle the larger currents that is necessary. The coil of the transmitting antenna 132 is tuned to the same specific high frequency as the coil of the receiving antenna 134.

[0128] An external control unit 136 comprises a microprocessor, a high frequency electromagnetic wave signal generator and a power amplifier. The microprocessor of the control unit 136 is adapted to switch the generator on/off and to modulate signals generated by the generator to send digital information via the power amplifier and the antennas 132,134 to an implanted control unit 138. To avoid that accidental random high frequency fields trigger control commands, digital signal codes are used. A Conventional keypad placed on the external control unit 136 is connected to the microprocessor thereof. The keypad is used to order the microprocessor to send digital signals to either contract or enlarge the penile prosthesis. The microprocessor starts a command by applying a high frequency signal on the antenna 132. After a short time, when the signal has energized the implanted parts of the control system, commands are sent to contract or enlarge the penile prosthesis in predefined steps. The commands are sent as digital packets in the form illustrated below.

TABLE-US-00001 Start pattern, Command, Count, Checksum, 8 bits 8 bits 8 bits 8 bits

[0129] The commands are sent continuously during a rather long time period (e.g. about 30 seconds or more). When a new contract or enlarge step is desired the Count byte is increased by one to allow the implanted control unit 138 to decode and understand that another step is demanded by the external control unit 136. If any part of the digital packet is erroneous, its content is simply ignored.

[0130] Through a line 140, an implanted energizer unit 126 draws energy from the high frequency electromagnetic wave signals received by the receiving antenna 134. The energizer unit 126 stores the energy in an energy storage device, such as a large capacitor, powers the control unit 138 and powers the electric motor 128 via a line 142.

[0131] The control unit 138 comprises a demodulator and a microprocessor. The demodulator demodulates digital signals sent from the external control unit 136. The microprocessor of the control unit 138 receives the digital packet, decodes it and, provided that the power supply of the energizer unit 126 has sufficient energy stored, sends a signal via a signal line 144 to the motor 128 to either contract or enlarge the penile prosthesis depending on the received command code.

[0132] Alternatively, the energy stored in the energy storage device of the energizer unit may only be used for powering a switch, and the energy for powering the motor 128 may be obtained from another implanted energy source of relatively high capacity, for example a battery. In this case the switch is adapted to connect said battery to the control unit 138 in an on mode when said switch is powered by the energy storage device and to keep the battery disconnected from the control unit in a standby mode when the switch is unpowered.

[0133] With reference to FIG. 17, the remote control schematically described above will now be described in accordance with amore detailed embodiment. The external control unit 136 comprises a microprocessor 146, a signal generator 148 and a power amplifier 150 connected thereto. The microprocessor 146 is adapted to switch the signal generator 148 on/off and to modulate signals generated by the signal generator 148 with digital commands that are sent to implanted components of the apparatus. The power amplifier 150 amplifies the signals and sends them to the external signal transmitting antenna 132. The antenna 132 is connected in parallel with a capacitor 152 to form a resonant circuit tuned to the frequency generated by the signal generator 148.

[0134] The implanted signal receiving antenna coil 134 forms together with a capacitor 154 a resonant circuit that is tuned to the same frequency as the transmitting antenna 132. The signal receiving antenna coil 134 induces a current from the received high frequency electromagnetic waves and a rectifying diode 160 rectifies the induced current, which charges a storage capacitor 158. A coil 156 connected between the antenna coil 134 and the diode 160 prevents the capacitor 158 and the diode 160 from loading the circuit of the signal receiving antenna 134 at higher frequencies. Thus, the coil 156 makes it possible to charge the capacitor 158 and to transmit digital information using amplitude modulation.

[0135] A capacitor 162 and a resistor 164 connected in parallel and a diode 166 forms a detector used to detect amplitude modulated digital information. A filter circuit is formed by a resistor 168 connected in series with a resistor 170 connected in series with a capacitor 172 connected in series with the resistor 168 via ground, and a capacitor 174, one terminal of which is connected between the resistors 168,170 and the other terminal of which is connected between the diode 166 and the circuit formed by the capacitor 162 and resistor 164. The filter circuit is used to filter out undesired low and high frequencies. The detected and filtered signals are fed to an implanted microprocessor 176 that decodes the digital information and controls the motor 128 via an H-bridge 178 comprising transistors 180,182,184 and 186. The motor 128 can be driven in two opposite directions by the H-bridge 178.

[0136] The microprocessor 176 also monitors the amount of stored energy in the storage capacitor 158. Before sending signals to activate the motor 128, the microprocessor 176 checks whether the energy stored in the storage capacitor 158 is enough. If the stored energy is not enough to perform the requested operation, the microprocessor 176 waits for the received signals to charge the storage capacitor 158 before activating the motor 128.

[0137] The invention also comprises or consists of the foregoing structures and method steps, and is to be interpreted as broadly as allowed by the prior art.