Patent Description:
This disclosure relates generally to bodily implants and more specifically to bodily implants, such as penile prosthesis that includes an outer protective casing disposed over a valve block of a pump assembly.

One treatment for male erectile dysfunction is the implantation of a penile prosthesis that mechanically erects the penis. Some existing penile prostheses include inflatable cylinders or members that can be inflated or deflated using a pump mechanism. The pump mechanism pulls fluid from a fluid reservoir and then transfers the fluid to the inflatable members. The pump mechanism may include a valve body that is used by patients as a place to hold the device while they are pumping the device to achieve inflation. However, according to some existing designs, patients have reported issues with locating the deflation mechanism and differentiating the valve body from the pump bulb.

Document <CIT> shows a pump for an inflatable penile prosthesis that comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump bulb, a plurality of tubing, and at least one inflatable penile cylinder. The pump comprises a pump body, an inlet valve within the pump body, an exhaust valve within the pump body and in fluid communication with the inlet valve, and a deflate valve within the pump body and in fluid communication with the inlet valve and the exhaust valve. The deflate valve enables one-touch release by (i) providing a voluntarily-activated fluid bypass so that fluid from the at least one inflatable penile cylinder can return to the fluid reservoir through at least one of the plurality of tubing without sustained activation of the deflate valve, and (ii) closing upon subsequent inflation of the at least one inflatable penile cylinder when such inflation is initiated by squeezing the pump bulb so that fluid does not flow back to the fluid reservoir. A clamshell-like girdle component around the pump exterior and a snap ring may be used in the area of the deflate valve to limit both radial and axial deformation.

Document <CIT> describes an implantable pump with a plurality of protrusions and grooves.

Document <CIT> shows a pump and valve assembly for an implantable prosthesis which is provided with an internal actuating bar positioned such that when any portion of the housing is compressed, the check valves within are opened allowing for deflation of the cylinders. The pump and valve assembly also includes a textured surface over a portion of the housing to allow for quick identification of the component, as well as to make it easier for the patient to grasp it. The valve assembly further comprising an actuating bar which has ribs to enhance the spring force applied to a flow valve, a support structure to support and appropriately position the actuating bar, and a check valve made of metal with a segment covered with a plastic material.

The present invention relates to an inflatable penile prosthesis according to claim <NUM> and a pump assembly for an inflatable penile prosthesis according to claim <NUM>. Further details are defined in the dependent claims. According to an aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member, and a pump assembly configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The pump assembly includes a valve body having one or more valves, and an outer protective casing disposed over the valve body.

According to some aspects, the inflatable penile prosthesis may include one or more of the following features (or any combination thereof) as encompassed by the appended claims. The outer protective casing includes a tactile feature configured to assist a user to locate a deflation mode actuator of the inflatable penile prosthesis. The tactile feature includes a plurality of ridges. The tactile feature includes a depression. The outer protective casing includes an opening, and the deflation mode actuator extends through the opening of the outer protective casing. The pump assembly includes a pump bulb, a plurality of fluid ports, and a deflation mode actuator. The outer protective casing includes a first end portion defining a first opening, and a second end portion defining a second opening. The outer protective casing defines a third opening, the pump bulb extends through the first opening, the plurality of fluid ports extends through the second opening, and the deflation mode actuator extends through the third opening. The outer protective casing includes a protruded side portion having a three-dimensional shape, and the protruded side portion has a surface that defines at least one ridge. The outer protective casing includes a polymer material. The outer protective casing includes a silicone material.

According to an aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member, and a pump assembly configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The pump assembly includes a deflation mode actuator, a valve body having one or more valves, and an outer protective casing disposed over the valve body, where the outer protective casing has a tactile feature configured to assist a user locate the deflation mode actuator.

According to some aspects, the inflatable penile prosthesis may include one or more of the above/below features (or any combination thereof), as encompassed by the appended claims. The tactile feature includes a plurality of ridges. The tactile feature includes a depression. The pump assembly includes a pump bulb, and a plurality of fluid ports, and the outer protective casing includes a first end portion defining a first opening, and a second end portion defining a second opening. The outer protective casing defines a third opening. The pump bulb extends through the first opening, the plurality of fluid ports extend through the second opening, and the deflation mode actuator extends through the third opening. The outer protective casing includes a first protruded side portion, and a second protruded side portion, where at least one of the first protruded side portion and the second protruded side portion defines at least one ridge. The outer protective casing includes a central portion, and a plurality of projections extending from the central portion, where projections define at least one groove. The outer protective casing includes a material that is different than the valve body.

According to an aspect, a pump assembly for an inflatable penile prosthesis includes a valve body having one or more valves, a deflation mode actuator movably coupled to the valve body, a pump bulb coupled to the valve body, one or more fluid ports coupled to the valve body, and an outer protective casing disposed over the valve body. The outer protective casing has a tactile feature configured to assist a user to locate the deflation mode actuator.

According to some aspects, the pump assembly may include any one or more of the above/below features (or any combination thereof), as encompassed by the appended claims. The outer protective casing includes a first end portion defining a first opening, a second end portion defining a second opening, and a side portion defining a third opening. The pump bulb extends through the first opening, the one or more fluid ports extends through the third opening, and the deflation mode actuator extends through the third opening. The tactile feature includes one or more ridges. The tactile feature includes one or more depressions.

Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but to provide an understandable description of the present disclosure.

The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having", as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open transition). The term "coupled" or "moveably coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and mechanically.

In general, the embodiments are directed to bodily implants. The term patient or user may hereafter be used for a person who benefits from the medical device or the methods disclosed in the present disclosure. For example, the patient can be a person whose body is implanted with the medical device or the method disclosed for operating the medical device by the present disclosure.

The penile prosthesis discussed herein includes an outer protective casing that is disposed over a valve body of a pump assembly. The outer protective casing may increase ease of identification of a deflation mode actuator. In some examples, the outer protective casing may reduce the profile of the valve body. Also, the outer protective casing may provide flexibility to adapt the valve body to a variety of shapes and textures to meet the needs of patients. Further, the outer protective casing may protect the valves (and other components associated with the valve body) from grip forces by the patient to prevent valve dislocation or accidental cylinder deflation.

<FIG> illustrates an inflatable penile prosthesis <NUM> including a fluid reservoir <NUM>, an inflatable member <NUM>, and a pump assembly <NUM> configured to transfer fluid between the fluid reservoir <NUM> and the inflatable member <NUM> according to an aspect. The inflatable member <NUM> may be implanted into the corpus cavemosae of the user, the fluid reservoir <NUM> may be implanted in the abdomen or pelvic cavity of the user (e.g., the fluid reservoir <NUM> may be implanted in the lower portion of the user's abdominal cavity or the upper portion of the user's pelvic cavity), and the pump assembly <NUM> may be implanted in the scrotum of the user.

The pump assembly <NUM> includes a pump bulb <NUM>, a valve body <NUM>, a deflation mode actuator <NUM>, and an outer protective casing <NUM> disposed over the valve body <NUM>. In an inflation mode, the user may operate the pump bulb <NUM> (e.g., squeeze the pump bulb <NUM>, release, then squeeze again, etc.) to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir <NUM> to the pump assembly <NUM>, and from the pump assembly <NUM> to the inflatable member <NUM> such that a desired rigidity is achieved in the inflatable member <NUM>. In order to deflate the inflatable member <NUM>, the user may locate the deflation mode actuator <NUM>, and activate the deflation mode actuator <NUM> to place the inflatable penile prosthesis <NUM> in a deflation mode.

The deflation mode actuator <NUM> is movably coupled to the valve body <NUM>. In some examples, the deflation mode actuator <NUM> includes a protrusion, that when pressed, causes the valve body <NUM> to define a fluid passageway from the inflatable member <NUM> to the fluid reservoir <NUM> in order to deflate the inflatable member <NUM>. In some examples, the deflation mode actuator <NUM> includes a push rod or button. In some examples, the user presses the deflation mode actuator <NUM> once (e.g., does not need to hold the deflation mode actuator <NUM>) to cause fluid to drain from the inflatable member <NUM>. In some examples, due to the pressure inside of the inflatable member <NUM>, some of the fluid may be automatically transferred from the inflation member <NUM> to the fluid reservoir <NUM> via the pump assembly <NUM>, and then the user may squeeze the inflatable member <NUM> to transfer some of the remaining fluid in the inflatable member <NUM>.

The valve body <NUM> includes passageways and valve components such as one or more valves (e.g., inflation valve, refill valve, check valve, ball valve, one-way valve, and/or two-way valve, etc.) and a spool, for example. The valve body <NUM> may include a silicone material. For example, the valve body <NUM> may be molded from a silicone material having a medium durometer value.

The pump bulb <NUM> may be a flexible member defining a cavity. The pump bulb <NUM> is coupled to and extends from the valve body <NUM>. The pump bulb <NUM> may be a squeeze pump. In some examples, the pump bulb <NUM> includes ribbing or dimples to aid the user in gripping the pump bulb <NUM>. The pump bulb <NUM> may use suction and pressure to move the fluid in and out of the cavity of the pump bulb <NUM> in the inflation mode. For example, the user may depress or squeeze the pump bulb <NUM> to expel the fluid out of the cavity, and, when the flexible member returns to its original shape, the resulting suction pushes the fluid into the cavity of the pump bulb <NUM>. In some examples, the pump bulb <NUM> may have a bulb spring rate that is designed to refill the pump bulb <NUM> in a selected time frame.

The outer protective casing <NUM> is configured to protect the valve components of the valve body <NUM>, and assist a user in locating the deflation mode actuator <NUM> of the inflatable penile prosthesis <NUM>. In some examples, the outer protective casing <NUM> is a single unitary body that is separate from the valve body <NUM>, but placed over the valve body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> includes tactile features <NUM> that assist the user in locating the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. In some examples, the tactile features <NUM> are features that are perceptible by touching the outer protective casing <NUM>. In some examples, the tactile features <NUM> include one or more protruded (or extended) portions that extend away from a surface of the outer protective casing <NUM>. In some examples, the tactile features <NUM> include ridges or ribs. In some examples, the tactile features <NUM> include depressions or recessed portions. In some examples, the tactile features <NUM> include a combination of ridges and depressions. In some examples, the tactile features <NUM> include protrusions and grooves. In some examples, the protrusions and grooves are alternatively disposed on one or more surfaces of the outer protective casing <NUM> (e.g., a first protrusion, then a first groove, then, a second protrusion, then a second groove, etc.). In some examples, the tactile features <NUM> include bumps. The tactile features <NUM> are located on one or more of the surfaces of the outer protective casing <NUM> in order to distinguish the valve body <NUM> and the pump bulb <NUM>. In some examples, the tactile features <NUM> are disposed on the outer protective casing <NUM> at a location proximate (e.g., close to) the deflation mode actuator <NUM>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> may be an enclosure that surrounds and protects the valve body <NUM>. For example, the outer protective casing <NUM> may define a cavity that contains the valve body <NUM>. In some examples, at least a portion of the outer protective casing <NUM> has a shape that conforms to the shape of the valve body <NUM>. In some examples, the outer protective casing <NUM> includes a polymer material. For example, the outer protective casing <NUM> is molded from a medical grade polymer. In some examples, the outer protective casing <NUM> includes a silicon material. For example, the outer protective casing <NUM> may include a high durometer silicone material that is stiffer than the valve body <NUM>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM>, a second end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM>, and a sidewall portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM>, the opening <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> may be separate and distinct openings on different locations on the outer protective casing <NUM>. In some examples, the outer protective casing <NUM> includes more than three opening. In some examples, the opening <NUM> and the opening <NUM> are located on opposite ends of the outer protective casing <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> has a shape that is different than a shape of the opening <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> has a circular shape. In some examples, the opening <NUM> has a size (e.g., a diameter) slightly larger than a size (e.g., a diameter) of a portion of the pump bulb <NUM> that extends from the valve body <NUM>. The pump bulb <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM>.

The pump assembly <NUM> includes a reservoir fluid port <NUM> that extends from the valve body <NUM>. The reservoir fluid port <NUM> is configured to be coupled to the fluid reservoir <NUM> (via a first conduit connector <NUM>). For example, the reservoir fluid port <NUM> is coupled to the first conduit connector <NUM>, and the first conduit connector <NUM> is coupled to the fluid reservoir <NUM>. In some examples, the reservoir fluid port <NUM> includes a tubular member defining a cavity that is fluidly connected to the valve body <NUM>. The pump assembly <NUM> includes one or more cylinder fluid ports <NUM> that extend from the valve body <NUM>, and are fluidly coupled to the inflatable member <NUM> (via a second conduit connector <NUM>). In some examples, the one or more cylinder fluid ports <NUM> includes a first cylinder fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled to a first cylinder of the inflatable member <NUM> (via the second conduit connector <NUM>), and a second cylinder fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled to a second cylinder of the inflatable member <NUM> (via the second conduit connector <NUM>). For example, the cylinder fluid ports <NUM> are configured to be coupled to the second conduit connector <NUM>, and the second conduit connector <NUM> is configured to be coupled to the inflatable member <NUM>. In some examples, the cylinder fluid ports <NUM> include tubular members that define cavities fluidly connected to the valve body <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> is slightly larger than a collective size of the reservoir fluid port <NUM> and the one or more cylinder fluid ports <NUM>. The reservoir fluid port <NUM> and the one or more cylinder fluid ports <NUM> extend through the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is disposed on the sidewall portion <NUM> of the outer protection casing <NUM> between the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM>. The opening <NUM> has a size that is slightly larger than a size of the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> has a circular shape. However, the shape of the opening <NUM> may depend on the shape of the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. The deflation mode actuator <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM>.

Each of the first conduit connector <NUM> and the second conduit connector <NUM> may define a lumen configured to transfer the fluid to and from the pump assembly <NUM>. The first conduit connector <NUM> may be coupled to the pump assembly <NUM> and the fluid reservoir <NUM> such that fluid can be transferred between the pump assembly <NUM> and the fluid reservoir <NUM> via the first conduit connector <NUM>. For example, the first conduit connector <NUM> may define a first lumen configured to transfer fluid between the pump assembly <NUM> and the fluid reservoir <NUM>. The first conduit connector <NUM> may include a single or multiple tube members for transferring the fluid between the pump assembly <NUM> and the fluid reservoir <NUM>.

The second conduit connector <NUM> may be coupled to the pump assembly <NUM> and the inflatable member <NUM> such that fluid can be transferred between the pump assembly <NUM> and the inflatable member <NUM> via the second conduit connector <NUM>. For example, the second conduit connector <NUM> may define a second lumen configured to transfer fluid between the pump assembly <NUM> and the inflatable member <NUM>. The second conduit connector <NUM> may include a single or multiple tube members for transferring the fluid between the pump assembly <NUM> and the inflatable member <NUM>. In some examples, the first conduit connector <NUM> and the second conduit connector <NUM> may include a silicone rubber material. In some examples, the pump assembly <NUM> may be directly connected to the fluid reservoir <NUM>.

The inflatable member <NUM> may be capable of expanding upon the injection of fluid into a cavity of the inflatable member <NUM>. For instance, upon injection of the fluid into the inflatable member <NUM>, the inflatable member <NUM> may increase its length and/or width, as well as increase its rigidity. In some examples, the inflatable member <NUM> may include a pair of inflatable cylinders or at least two cylinders, e.g., a first cylinder member and a second cylinder member. The volumetric capacity of the inflatable member <NUM> may depend on the size of the inflatable cylinders. In some examples, the volume of fluid in each cylinder may vary from about <NUM> milliliters in smaller cylinders and to about <NUM> milliliters in larger sizes. In some examples, the first cylinder member may be larger than the second cylinder member. In other examples, the first cylinder member may have the same size as the second cylinder member.

The fluid reservoir <NUM> may include a container having an internal chamber configured to hold or house fluid that is used to inflate the inflatable member <NUM>. The volumetric capacity of the fluid reservoir <NUM> may vary depending on the size of the inflatable penile prosthesis <NUM>. In some examples, the volumetric capacity of the fluid reservoir <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM> cubic centimeters. In some examples, the fluid reservoir <NUM> is constructed from the same material as the inflatable member <NUM>. In other examples, the fluid reservoir <NUM> is constructed from a different material than the inflatable member <NUM>. In some examples, the fluid reservoir <NUM> contains a larger volume of fluid than the inflatable member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a pump assembly <NUM> having an outer protective casing <NUM> disposed over a valve body according to an aspect. The pump assembly <NUM> may include any of the features described with reference to the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, and the outer protective casing <NUM> may include any of the features described with reference to the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>. In addition, the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG> and/or the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG> may include any of the features described with reference to the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>.

The pump assembly <NUM> includes a pump bulb <NUM>, a valve body (not shown in <FIG> because it is covered by the outer protective casing <NUM>), a deflation mode actuator <NUM>, the outer protective casing <NUM>, and fluid ports such as a first cylinder fluid port <NUM>, a second cylinder fluid port <NUM>, and a reservoir fluid port <NUM>. The reservoir fluid port <NUM> is configured to be connected to the first conduit connector <NUM> of <FIG>, and the first cylinder fluid port <NUM> and the second cylinder fluid port <NUM> are configured to be connected to the second conduit connector <NUM> of <FIG>. The first cylinder fluid port <NUM> includes a first tubular member defining a cavity, and the first tubular member is coupled to the valve body. The second cylinder fluid port <NUM> include includes a second tubular member defining a cavity, and the second tubular member is coupled to the valve body. The reservoir fluid port <NUM> includes a third tubular member defining a cavity, and the third tubular member is coupled to the valve body. In some examples, the first tubular member, the second tubular member, and the third tubular member are disposed parallel to each other.

As shown in <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> may be a single unitary body (e.g., a single piece) that defines an internal cavity, and the valve body is disposed within the internal cavity of the outer protective casing <NUM>. The outer protective casing <NUM> may be an enclosure that surrounds and protects the valve body. In some examples, at least a portion of the outer protective casing <NUM> has a shape that conforms to the shape of the valve body.

The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM>, and a second end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> and the opening <NUM> are disposed on opposite ends of the outer protective casing <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> is circular. In some examples, the opening <NUM> has a different shape than the opening <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> has a non-circular shape. The pump bulb <NUM> extends from the opening <NUM>, and the fluid ports (e.g., the first cylinder fluid port <NUM>, the second cylinder fluid port <NUM>, and the reservoir fluid port <NUM>) extend from the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may have a size (e.g., a diameter) slightly larger than a size (e.g., a diameter) of a portion of the pump bulb <NUM> that extends from the valve body. In some examples, the first end portion <NUM> covers a portion of the pump bulb <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may have a size that is slightly larger than the collective size of the first cylinder fluid port <NUM>, the second cylinder fluid port <NUM>, and the reservoir fluid port <NUM>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM>. The deflation mode actuator <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> is circular. The opening <NUM> has a size (e.g., a diameter) that is slightly larger than a size of the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> is located on a side portion of the outer protective casing <NUM> at a location between the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM>. In some examples, the deflation mode actuator <NUM> extends in a direction that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pump bulb <NUM>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first protruded side portion <NUM>, and a second protruded side portion <NUM>. The first protruded side portion <NUM> extends in a first direction (e.g., orthogonal to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pump bulb <NUM>), and the second protruded side portion <NUM> extending in a second direction (e.g., orthogonal to longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pump bulb <NUM>), where the second direction is opposite to the first direction. In some examples, the opening <NUM> is disposed between the first protruded side portion <NUM> and the second protruded side portion <NUM>.

The first protruded side portion <NUM> has a three-dimensional shape, where one or more of its surfaces define one or more tactile features configured to assist a user to locate the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. The second protruded side portion <NUM> may have a three-dimensional shape, where one or more of its surfaces define one or more tactile features configured to assist the user to locate the deflation mode actuator <NUM>.

The first protruded side portion <NUM> includes a surface <NUM>, and a surface <NUM> disposed opposite to the surface <NUM>. In some examples, the surface <NUM> is curved (e.g., a concave surface). In some examples, the surface <NUM> is curved (e.g., a concave surface). In some examples, the surface <NUM> and/or the surface <NUM> is devoid of surface tactile features (e.g., bumps, ridges, depressions, etc.). In some examples, the surface <NUM> and/or the surface <NUM> are smooth. The first protruded side portion <NUM> includes an outer surface <NUM> between the surface <NUM> and the surface <NUM>. In some examples, the outer surface <NUM> includes a concave portion. In some examples, the outer surface <NUM> defines a depression or a recessed portion. In some examples, the depression defined by the outer surface <NUM> is a tactile feature that help the user locate the deflation mode actuator <NUM>.

The first protruded side portion <NUM> includes a surface <NUM> and a surface <NUM> disposed opposite to the surface <NUM>. The surface <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the opening <NUM> (e.g., disposed in a plane that also includes the opening <NUM>). The surface <NUM> may include a ridge <NUM>. The ridge <NUM> is disposed on a location on the surface <NUM> that is proximate to the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. In some examples, the ridge <NUM> is an elongated raised member. In some examples, the ridge <NUM> is curved. The ridge <NUM> is located proximate to the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. Since the second protruded side portion <NUM> may include the same features as the first protruded side portion <NUM>, the details of the second protruded side portion <NUM> are omitted for the same of brevity.

<FIG> illustrates an outer protective casing <NUM> according to another aspect. The outer protective casing <NUM> may include any of the features discussed with reference to the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG> and the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>. In addition, in some examples, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG> and/or the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG> may include any of the features discussed with reference to the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM> that is configured to hold a valve body of a pump assembly of a penile prosthesis. The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM> (where a pump bulb extends through), and a second end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM> (where fluid ports extends through). Also, the outer protective casing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> between the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM>. A deflation mode actuator may extend through the opening <NUM>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first protruded side portion <NUM> that extends from one side of the outer protective casing <NUM>, and a second protruded side portion <NUM> that extends from the other side of the outer protective casing <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be disposed between the first protruded side portion <NUM> and the second protruded side portion <NUM>. The first protruded side portion <NUM> may have a three-dimensional shape, where one or more of its surfaces define one or more tactile features configured to assist the user to locate the deflation mode actuator. In some examples, the first protruded side portion <NUM> includes one or more ridges <NUM> on at least two of its surfaces, where each ridge <NUM> is an elongated raised member.

The first protruded side portion <NUM> includes a surface <NUM>, and a surface <NUM> disposed opposite to the surface <NUM>. In some examples, the surface <NUM> is curved (e.g., a concave surface). In some examples, the surface <NUM> is curved (e.g., a concave surface). In some examples, the surface <NUM> and/or the surface <NUM> are devoid of surface tactile features. In some examples, the surface <NUM> and/or the surface <NUM> are smooth. The first protruded side portion <NUM> includes an outer surface <NUM> that extends between the surface <NUM> and the surface <NUM>. In some examples, the outer surface <NUM> includes a plurality of the ridges <NUM>. In some examples, each ridge <NUM> on the outer surface <NUM> is an elongated raised member, and the ridges <NUM> are arranged parallel to each other. In some examples, the elongated raised member is a linear member. The first protruded side portion <NUM> includes a surface <NUM> and a surface <NUM> disposed opposite to the surface <NUM>. The surface <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the opening <NUM> (e.g., disposed in a plane that also includes the opening <NUM>). The surface <NUM> may include one or more ridges <NUM>. In some examples, the surface <NUM> has a single ridge <NUM>. In some examples, the ridge <NUM> on the surface <NUM> is an elongated raised elongated member that includes a curved portion. Since the second protruded side portion <NUM> may include the same features as the first protruded side portion <NUM>, the details of the second protruded side portion <NUM> are omitted for the same of brevity.

<FIG> illustrates an outer protective casing according to another aspect. The outer protective casing <NUM> may include any of the features discussed with reference to the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, and the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>. In addition, in some examples, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG> may include any of the features discussed with reference to the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first protruded side portion <NUM> and a second protruded side portion <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the first protruded side portion <NUM> is devoid of a ridge, and the second protruded side portion <NUM> is devoid of a ridge. Rather, the first and second protruded side portions <NUM>, <NUM> themselves may be used as tactile features that enable the user to locate a deflation mode actuator.

The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM> that is configured to hold a valve body of a pump assembly of a penile prosthesis. The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM> (where a pump bulb extends through), and a second end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM> (where fluid ports extends through). Also, the outer protective casing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> between the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM>. The deflation mode actuator of the pump assembly may extend through the opening <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> may be disposed between the first protruded side portion <NUM> and the second protruded side portion <NUM>. The first protruded side portion <NUM> may have a three-dimensional shape, and the second protruded side portion <NUM> may have a three-dimensional shape, which may assist the user to locate the deflation mode actuator. For example, the first protruded side portion <NUM> includes a surface <NUM>, and a surface <NUM> disposed opposite to the surface <NUM>. In some examples, the surface <NUM> is curved (e.g., a concave surface). In some examples, the surface <NUM> is curved (e.g., a concave surface). In some examples, the surface <NUM> and the surface <NUM> have the same curvature. In some examples, the surface <NUM> and/or the surface <NUM> are devoid of surface tactile features. In some examples, the surface <NUM> and/or the surface <NUM> are smooth.

The first protruded side portion <NUM> includes an outer surface <NUM> that extends between the surface <NUM> and the surface <NUM>. In some examples, the outer surface <NUM> is devoid of surface tactile features. In some examples, the outer surface <NUM> defines a depression. In some examples, the outer surface <NUM> is devoid of a depression. In some examples, the outer surface <NUM> is smooth. The first protruded side portion <NUM> includes a surface <NUM> and a surface <NUM> disposed opposite to the surface <NUM>. The surface <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the opening <NUM> (e.g., disposed in a plane that also includes the opening <NUM>). In some examples, the surface <NUM> is devoid of a ridge. In some examples, the surface <NUM> is smooth. Since the second protruded side portion <NUM> may include the same features as the first protruded side portion <NUM>, the details of the second protruded side portion <NUM> are omitted for the same of brevity.

<FIG> illustrates a pump assembly <NUM> having an outer protective casing <NUM> disposed over a valve body according to an aspect. The pump assembly <NUM> may include any of the features described with reference to the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> may include any of the features described with reference to the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>. In addition, the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG> may include any of the features described with reference to the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>.

The pump assembly <NUM> includes a pump bulb <NUM>, a valve body (not shown in <FIG> because it is covered by the outer protective casing <NUM>), a deflation mode actuator <NUM>, the outer protective casing <NUM>, and fluid ports such as a first cylinder fluid port <NUM>, a second cylinder fluid port <NUM>, and a reservoir fluid port <NUM>. The reservoir fluid port <NUM> is configured to be connected to the first conduit connector <NUM> of <FIG>, and the first cylinder fluid port <NUM> and the second cylinder fluid port <NUM> are configured to be connected to the second conduit connector <NUM> of <FIG>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM>, and a second end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> and the opening <NUM> are disposed on opposite ends of the outer protective casing <NUM>. The pump bulb <NUM> extends from the opening <NUM>, and the fluid ports (e.g., the first cylinder fluid port <NUM>, the second cylinder fluid port <NUM>, and the reservoir fluid port <NUM>) extend from the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may have a size (e.g., a diameter) slightly larger than a size (e.g., a diameter) of a portion of the pump bulb <NUM> that extends from the valve body. The opening <NUM> may have a size that is slightly larger than the collective size of the first cylinder fluid port <NUM>, the second cylinder fluid port <NUM>, and the reservoir fluid port <NUM>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM>. The deflation mode actuator <NUM> may extend through the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> has a size (e.g., a diameter) that is slightly larger than a size of the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> is located on a side portion of the outer protective casing <NUM> at a location between the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM>. In some examples, the deflation mode actuator <NUM> extends in a direction that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pump bulb <NUM>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first protruded side portion <NUM>, and a second protruded side portion <NUM>. The first protruded side portion <NUM> extends in a first direction (e.g., orthogonal to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pump bulb <NUM>), and the second protruded side portion <NUM> extending in a second direction (e.g., orthogonal to longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pump bulb <NUM>), where the second direction is opposite to the first direction. In some examples, the deflation mode actuator <NUM> extends in a direction orthogonal to the first protruded side portion <NUM> and the second protruded side portion <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> is disposed between the first protruded side portion <NUM> and the second protruded side portion <NUM>.

The first protruded side portion <NUM> includes an outer surface <NUM>, protrusions <NUM>, and grooves <NUM> configured to assist the user to locate the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. For example, the first protruded side portion <NUM> includes a central portion <NUM>, and a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions <NUM> extend from one side of the central portion <NUM>, and a plurality of spaced-part protrusions <NUM> extend from the other side of the central portion <NUM>. A particular groove <NUM> is disposed between adjacent protrusions <NUM>. In some examples, the protrusions <NUM> include curved portions. In some examples, the number of protrusions <NUM> on each side of the central portion <NUM> is three. In some examples, the number of protrusions <NUM> on each side of the central portion <NUM> is more than three. The protrusions <NUM> may extend in a direction parallel to the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. Since the second protruded side portion <NUM> may include the same features as the first protruded side portion <NUM>, the details of the second protruded side portion <NUM> are omitted for the same of brevity.

<FIG> illustrates a pump assembly <NUM> having an outer protective casing <NUM> disposed over a valve body according to an aspect. The pump assembly <NUM> may include any of the features described with reference to the previous figures. In addition, the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the pump assembly <NUM>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG> may include any of the features described with reference to the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. The pump assembly <NUM> may be similar to the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG> except that first and second protruded side portions <NUM>, <NUM> include two protrusions <NUM>.

The pump assembly <NUM> includes a pump bulb <NUM>, a valve body (not shown in <FIG> because it is covered by the outer protective casing <NUM>), a deflation mode actuator <NUM>, the outer protective casing <NUM>, and fluid ports such as a first cylinder fluid port <NUM>, a second cylinder fluid port <NUM>, and a reservoir port <NUM>. The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM>, and a second end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM>. The pump bulb <NUM> extends from the opening <NUM>, and the fluid ports extend from the opening <NUM>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM>. The deflation mode actuator <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> is located on a side portion of the outer protective casing <NUM> at a location between the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM>. In some examples, the deflation mode actuator <NUM> extends in a direction that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pump bulb <NUM>. The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first protruded side portion <NUM>, and a second protruded side portion <NUM>. The first protruded side portion <NUM> extends in a first direction (e.g., orthogonal to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pump bulb <NUM>), and the second protruded side portion <NUM> extending in a second direction (e.g., orthogonal to longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pump bulb <NUM>), where the second direction is opposite to the first direction. In some examples, the deflation mode actuator <NUM> extends in a direction orthogonal to the first protruded side portion <NUM> and the second protruded side portion <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> is disposed between the first protruded side portion <NUM> and the second protruded side portion <NUM>.

The first protruded side portion <NUM> includes an outer surface <NUM>, protrusions <NUM>, and grooves <NUM> configured to assist the user to locate the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. For example, the first protruded side portion <NUM> includes a central portion <NUM>, and a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions <NUM> extend from one side of the central portion <NUM>, and a plurality of spaced-part protrusions <NUM> extend from the other side of the central portion <NUM>. A particular groove <NUM> is disposed between adjacent protrusions <NUM>. In some examples, the protrusions <NUM> are curved. In some examples, the number of protrusions <NUM> on each side of the central portion <NUM> is two. In some examples, the number of protrusions <NUM> on each side of the central portion <NUM> is less than two. The protrusions <NUM> may extend in a direction parallel to the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. Since the second protruded side portion <NUM> may include the same features as the first protruded side portion <NUM>, the details of the second protruded side portion <NUM> are omitted for the same of brevity.

<FIG> illustrates a pump assembly <NUM> having an outer protective casing <NUM> disposed over a valve body according to an aspect. The pump assembly <NUM> may include any of the features described with reference to the previous figures. In addition, the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the pump assembly <NUM>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG> may include any of the features described with reference to the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. The pump assembly <NUM> may be similar to the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG> except that the outer protective casing <NUM> includes a single protruded side portion <NUM> that extends from a location on the outer protective casing <NUM> that is opposite to a deflation mode actuator <NUM>.

The pump assembly <NUM> includes a pump bulb <NUM>, a valve body (not shown in <FIG> because it is covered by the outer protective casing <NUM>), the deflation mode actuator <NUM>, the outer protective casing <NUM>, and fluid ports such as a first cylinder fluid port <NUM>, a second cylinder fluid port <NUM>, and a reservoir port <NUM>. The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM>, and a second end portion <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM>. The pump bulb <NUM> extends from the opening <NUM>, and the fluid ports extend from the opening <NUM>.

The outer protective casing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM>. The deflation mode actuator <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM>. In some examples, the opening <NUM> is located on a first side portion of the outer protective casing <NUM> at a location between the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM>. In some examples, the deflation mode actuator <NUM> extends in a direction that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pump bulb <NUM>. The protruded side portion <NUM> extends from a second side portion of the outer protective casing <NUM> at a location between the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM>, where the second side portion is opposite to the first side portion. The protruded side portion <NUM> may extend in a direction opposite to the deflation mode actuator <NUM>.

The protruded side portion <NUM> includes protrusions <NUM> and grooves <NUM> configured to assist the user to locate the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. For example, the protruded side portion <NUM> includes a central portion <NUM>, and a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions <NUM> extend from one side of the central portion <NUM>, and a plurality of spaced-part protrusions <NUM> extend from the other side of the central portion <NUM>. A particular groove <NUM> is disposed between adjacent protrusions <NUM>. In some examples, the protrusions <NUM> include curved portions. The protrusions <NUM> may extend in a direction orthogonal to the deflation mode actuator <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a pump assembly <NUM> having an outer protective casing <NUM> disposed over a valve body according to an aspect. The pump assembly <NUM> may include any of the features described with reference to the previous figures. In addition, the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the pump assembly <NUM>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, the outer protective casing <NUM> of <FIG>, the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG> may include any of the features described with reference to the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. The pump assembly <NUM> may be similar to the pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG> except that the protruded side portion <NUM> includes two protrusions <NUM>. For example, the protruded side portion <NUM> has a smaller length than a length of the protruded side portion <NUM> of <FIG>.

The protruded side portion <NUM> includes protrusions <NUM> and grooves <NUM> configured to assist the user to locate the deflation mode actuator <NUM>. For example, the protruded side portion <NUM> includes a central portion <NUM>, and spaced-apart protrusions <NUM> that extend from one side of the central portion <NUM>, and spaced-part protrusions <NUM> that extend from the other side of the central portion <NUM>. A groove <NUM> is disposed between adjacent protrusions <NUM>. In some examples, the protrusions <NUM> are curved. The protrusions <NUM> may extend in a direction orthogonal to the deflation mode actuator <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of a pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the pump assembly <NUM>. The pump assembly <NUM> has an outer protective casing <NUM> disposed over a valve body according to an aspect. The pump assembly <NUM> may include any of the features described with reference to the previous figures. The pump assembly <NUM> includes a pump bulb, a valve body, a deflation mode actuator, the outer protective casing <NUM>, and fluid ports such as a first cylinder fluid port, a second cylinder fluid port, and a reservoir port. The outer protective casing <NUM> includes a first end portion that defines a first opening, and a second end portion that defines a second opening. The pump bulb extends from the first opening, and the fluid ports extend from the second opening. The outer protective casing <NUM> also defines a third opening. The deflation mode actuator extends through the third opening.

In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or the outer protective casing <NUM> includes concave portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The concave portions <NUM> and <NUM> may help the user detect the orientation and various features of the valve assembly <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the concave portions <NUM> and <NUM> may help the user detect the orientation and various features of the valve assembly <NUM> after the assembly has been placed in the body of the user and bodily tissue has encapsulated the assembly. The outer protective casing <NUM> also includes a ridge or a raised portion <NUM> located on the side opposite the deflation button. The ridge or raised portion <NUM> may also assist in feature detection by the user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or the outer protective casing <NUM> includes concave portions <NUM> and <NUM> with curved or smooth edges <NUM>. The concave portions <NUM> and <NUM> may help the user detect the orientation and various features of the valve assembly <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the concave portions <NUM> and <NUM> may help the user detect the orientation and various features of the valve assembly <NUM> after the assembly has been placed in the body of the user and bodily tissue has encapsulated the assembly. The outer protective casing <NUM> also includes a ridge or a raised portion <NUM> located on the side opposite the deflation button. The ridge or raised portion <NUM> may also assist in feature detection by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer protective casing <NUM> also includes extension portions or grip features <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or the outer protective casing <NUM> includes a pointed member or dome member <NUM> located on the side opposite the deflation button. The pointed member or dome member <NUM> may assist in feature detection by the user.

<FIG> illustrate various pump assemblies. The pump assemblies may include any of the features described with reference to the previous figures. The pump assemblies include a pump bulb, a valve body, a deflation mode actuator, the outer protective casing, and fluid ports such as a first cylinder fluid port, a second cylinder fluid port, and a reservoir port. The outer protective casing includes a first end portion that defines a first opening, and a second end portion that defines a second opening. The pump bulb extends from the first opening, and the fluid ports extend from the second opening. The outer protective casing also defines a third opening. The deflation mode actuator extends through the third opening.

<FIG> is a top view of a pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the pump assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or the outer protective casing <NUM> includes a concave portion <NUM> located on the side opposite the deflation button. The concave portion <NUM> may assist in feature detection by the user.

<FIG> is a top view of a pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the pump assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or the outer protective casing <NUM> includes concave portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The casing or outer protective casing <NUM> also includes rounded or smooth corners <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of a pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the pump assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or the outer protective casing <NUM> includes concave triangle shaped portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The concave triangle portions <NUM> and <NUM> may assist in feature detection by the user.

<FIG> is a top view of a pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view of the pump assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or outer protective casing <NUM> includes extended or protruding side portions <NUM>. The casing or the outer protective casing <NUM> also includes concave triangle shaped portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The concave triangle portions <NUM> and <NUM> may assist in feature detection by the user.

<FIG> is a top view of a pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the pump assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or outer protective casing <NUM> includes protrusion or ridge <NUM> that extends along the surface opposite the deflation button. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion or ridge <NUM> extends along the entire length of the surface. The protrusion or ridge <NUM> may assist in feature detection by the user.

<FIG> is a top view of a pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view of the pump assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or outer protective casing <NUM> includes an extension portion <NUM> that extends from the surface opposite the deflation button. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension portion is triangular. In other embodiments, the extension portion has a different shape.

<FIG> is a top view of a pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the pump assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or outer protective casing <NUM> includes curved side portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The casing or outer protective casing <NUM> also includes a bottom surface <NUM> (the surface opposite the deflation button). The bottom surface <NUM> includes a first finger portion <NUM> (a concave or curved portion) and a second finger portion <NUM> (a concave or curved portion). In some embodiments, the user may grasp the device such that a first finger is at the first finger portion <NUM> and a second finger or a thumb is at the second finger portion <NUM>. In some embodiment, the orientation of the device facilitates the actuation of the deflate button.

<FIG> is a top view of a pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the pump assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or outer protective casing <NUM> includes sides that have edges <NUM> and concave portions <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of a pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view of the pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the pump assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing or outer protective casing <NUM> includes sides that have circular concave portions <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate casings or outer protective casings according to various aspects.

<FIG> illustrate pump assemblies according to various aspects.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an inflatable penile prosthesis <NUM> having a pump assembly <NUM> according to an aspect. The pump assembly <NUM> may be any of the previously-described pump assemblies (e.g., the pump assembly <NUM> may include any of the previously-described outer protection casings). The penile prosthesis <NUM> may include a pair of inflatable cylinders <NUM>, and the inflatable cylinders <NUM> are configured to be implanted in a penis. For example, one of the inflatable cylinders <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the penis, and the other inflatable cylinder <NUM> may be disposed on the other side of the penis. Each inflatable cylinder <NUM> may include a first end portion <NUM>, a cavity or inflation chamber <NUM>, and a second end portion <NUM> having a rear tip <NUM>.

The pump assembly <NUM> may be implanted into the patient's scrotum. A pair of conduit connectors <NUM> may attach the pump assembly <NUM> to the inflatable cylinders <NUM> such that the pump assembly <NUM> is in fluid communication with the inflatable cylinders <NUM>. Also, the pump assembly <NUM> may be in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir <NUM> via a conduit connector <NUM>. The fluid reservoir <NUM> may be implanted into the user's abdomen. The inflation chamber or portion <NUM> of the inflatable cylinder <NUM> may be disposed within the penis. The first end portion <NUM> of the inflatable cylinder <NUM> may be at least partially disposed within the crown portion of the penis. The second end portion <NUM> may be implanted into the patient's pubic region PR with the rear tip <NUM> proximate the pubic bone PB.

In order to implant the inflatable cylinders <NUM>, the surgeon first prepares the patient. The surgeon often makes an incision in the penoscrotal region, e.g., where the base of the penis meets with the top of the scrotum. From the penoscrotal incision, the surgeon may dilate the patient's corpus cavernosae to prepare the patient to receive the inflatable cylinders <NUM>. The corpus cavernosum is one of two parallel columns of erectile tissue forming the dorsal part of the body of the penis, e.g., two slender columns that extend substantially the length of the penis. The surgeon will also dilate two regions of the pubic area to prepare the patient to receive the second end portion <NUM>. The surgeon may measure the length of the corpora cavernosae from the incision and the dilated region of the pubic area to determine an appropriate size of the inflatable cylinders <NUM> to implant.

After the patient is prepared, the penile prosthesis <NUM> is implanted into the patient. The tip of the first end portion <NUM> of each inflatable cylinder <NUM> may be attached to a suture. The other end of the suture may be attached to a needle member (e.g., Keith needle). The needle member is inserted into the incision and into the dilated corpus cavernosum. The needle member is then forced through the crown of the penis. The surgeon tugs on the suture to pull the inflatable cylinder <NUM> into the corpus cavernosum. This is done for each inflatable cylinder <NUM> of the pair. Once the inflation chamber <NUM> is in place, the surgeon may remove the suture from the tip. The surgeon then inserts the second end portion <NUM>. The surgeon inserts the rear end of the inflatable cylinder <NUM> into the incision and forces the second end portion <NUM> toward the pubic bone PB until each inflatable cylinder <NUM> is in place.

A pump bulb <NUM> of the pump assembly <NUM> may be squeezed or depressed by the user in order to facilitate the transfer of fluid from the fluid reservoir <NUM> to the inflatable cylinders <NUM>. For example, in the inflation mode, while the user is operating the pump bulb <NUM>, the pump bulb <NUM> may receive the fluid from the fluid reservoir <NUM>, and then output the fluid to the inflatable cylinders <NUM>. When the user switches to the deflation mode, at least some of the fluid can automatically be transferred back to the fluid reservoir <NUM> (due to the difference in pressure from the inflatable cylinders <NUM> to the fluid reservoir <NUM>). Then, the user may squeeze the inflatable cylinders <NUM> to facilitate the further transfer of fluid through the pump bulb <NUM> to the fluid reservoir <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An inflatable penile prosthesis (<NUM>) comprising:
a fluid reservoir (<NUM>) configured to hold fluid;
an inflatable member (<NUM>); and
a pump assembly (<NUM>) configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir (<NUM>) and the inflatable member (<NUM>), the pump assembly (<NUM>) including:
a valve body (<NUM>) having one or more valves; and
an outer protective casing (<NUM>) disposed over the valve body (<NUM>),
wherein the pump assembly (<NUM>) includes a pump bulb (<NUM>), a plurality of fluid ports (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and a deflation mode actuator (<NUM>), the outer protective casing (<NUM>) including a first end portion (<NUM>) defining a first opening (<NUM>), and a second end portion (<NUM>) defining a second opening (<NUM>), the outer protective casing (<NUM>) defining a third opening (<NUM>), the pump bulb (<NUM>) extending through the first opening (<NUM>), the plurality of fluid ports (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending through the second opening (<NUM>), the deflation mode actuator (<NUM>) extending through the third opening (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the outer protective casing (<NUM>) includes a protruded side portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a three-dimensional shape, the protruded side portion having a surface that defines at least one ridge (<NUM>).