Method of removing an inflated implant from a bladder

Abstract

An inflated implant, such as an attenuation device, previously implanted in a urinary bladder can later be removed according to a number of different methods. Preferably, removal is accomplished transurethrally. In one embodiment, removal is accomplished by reducing the inflated implant from an enlarged profile to a reduced profile so that it may be withdrawn transurethrally by a removal system. The removal system can be configured differently depending upon whether reduction from the enlarged profile to the reduced profile is accomplished by deflation, compression, and/or other ways.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of attenuating pressure changes in an anatomic structure of a subject, the method comprising:
 placing an attenuating device in the anatomic structure of the subject, the attenuating device comprising:
 a flexible housing having an outer wall and defining a chamber therein, wherein the flexible housing has a low permeability for higher vapor pressure fluids and at least a moderate permeability for lower vapor pressure fluids; 
   injecting into the flexible housing a first quantity of at least one higher vapor pressure fluid and a second quantity of at least one lower vapor pressure fluid,   wherein the at least one higher vapor pressure fluid has a first vapor pressure and a first permeability rate through the outer wall of the flexible housing, wherein the first vapor pressure is greater than the pressure in the anatomical structure of the subject; and   wherein the at least one lower vapor pressure fluid has a second vapor pressure and a second permeability rate through the outer wall of the flexible housing, wherein the second vapor pressure is less than the first vapor pressure of the at least one higher vapor pressure fluid and wherein the second permeability rate of the at least one lower vapor pressure fluid through the outer wall of the flexible housing is greater than the first permeability rate of the at least one higher vapor pressure fluid through the outer wall of the flexible housing.   
     
     
         3 . The method of attenuating pressure changes in an anatomic structure of a subject of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one higher vapor pressure fluid injected into the attenuating device comprises a quantity of vapor and a quantity of liquid. 
     
     
         4 . The method of attenuating pressure changes in an anatomic structure of a subject of  claim 3 , wherein the quantity of vapor in the attenuation device increases and the quantity of liquid in the attenuation device decreases when the pressure on the at least one high vapor pressure fluid decreases, and wherein the quantity of vapor in the attenuation device decreases and the quantity of liquid in the attenuation device increases when the pressure on the at least one high vapor pressure fluid increases. 
     
     
         5 . The method of attenuating pressure changes in an anatomic structure of a subject of  claim 3 , wherein after injection the at least one higher vapor pressure fluid responds to pressure changes on the attenuating device by changing the balance or vapor and liquid. 
     
     
         6 . The method of attenuating pressure changes in an anatomic structure of a subject of  claim 5 , wherein when the pressure on the attenuating device increases the at least one higher vapor pressure condenses and the quantity of liquid in the attenuating device increases, and wherein when the pressure on the attenuating device decreases the at least one higher vapor pressure evaporates and the quantity of vapor in the attenuating device increases. 
     
     
         7 . The method of attenuating pressure changes in an anatomic structure of a subject of  claim 2 , wherein after injection the at least one lower vapor pressure fluid responds to a partial pressure differential between the anatomic structure and the attenuating device by passing through the outer wall of the flexible housing. 
     
     
         8 . The method of attenuating pressure changes in an anatomic structure of a subject of  claim 7 , wherein when the partial pressure of the lower vapor pressure fluid in the anatomic structure is greater than the partial pressure of the lower vapor pressure fluid in the attenuating device the lower vapor pressure fluid is driven from the anatomic structure into the attenuating device through the outer wall of the flexible housing, and wherein when the partial pressure of the lower vapor pressure fluid in the anatomic structure is lower than the partial pressure of the lower vapor pressure fluid in the attenuating device the lower vapor pressure fluid is driven out of the attenuating device through the outer wall of the flexible housing into the anatomic structure.