Penile implant

Abstract

According to an aspect, an implant includes a sheath defining a lumen, a cable member disposed within the lumen defined by the sheath, and a tensioner. The tensioner is configured to engage the cable to apply tension to the sheath.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A medical implant, for example a penis implant, comprising:
 a sheath defining a lumen;   which sheath further defines a window or opening in the sheath a cable member disposed within the lumen of the sheath; and   a tensioner engaged with the cable member for applying tension to the sheath so that the sheath is selectively arrangeable between a first tensioned configuration and second non-tensioned configuration,   wherein the tensioner comprises a bias member, for providing a bias to the tensioner,   wherein the tensioner comprises a release member, the release member being moveable between a tension retention position, wherein tension is retained in the sheath, and a tension release position, wherein tension is released from the sheath,   wherein the release member is accessible and operable through the window or opening in the sheath, whereby a portion of the release member is extendible through the window or opening in the sheath.   
     
     
         2 . The implant according to  claim 1 , wherein in the first tensioned configuration, the sheath has a linear configuration and in the second non-tensioned configuration, the sheath has a curved configuration, and/or wherein the cable member is coupled to the sheath at a first end portion of the sheath and at a second end portion of the sheath, preferably wherein the cable member is coupled to the first end portion of the sheath via a first crimp member, and to the second end portion of the sheath via a second crimp member. 
     
     
         3 . The implant according to  claim 1 , wherein the bias member provides a bias to the tensioner such that tension is removed from the sheath, and the sheath assumes the second, non-tensioned configuration, preferably wherein the bias member is a spring element. 
     
     
         4 . The implant according to  claim 1 , wherein the release member is pivotably movable between the tension retention and release positions, with respect to the sheath. 
     
     
         5 . The implant according to  claim 1 , wherein the tensioner includes a plunger member and a plunger guide separated by the bias member, wherein the cable member extends through the plunger member, the bias member and the plunger guide. 
     
     
         6 . The implant according to  claim 5 , wherein in the first tensioned configuration of the sheath, an engagement portion of the release member engages the plunger member. 
     
     
         7 . The implant according to  claim 6 , wherein in the second non-tensioned configuration of the sheath, the engagement portion of the release member is disengaged from the plunger member. 
     
     
         8 . The implant according to  claim 5 , wherein the release member includes an activation portion, for moving the release member for disengaging the plunging member from the engagement portion of the release member, whereby the plunger member is movable by the bias member so that the sheath assumes the second configuration. 
     
     
         9 . The implant according to  claim 1 , wherein the sheath defines a plurality of slots arranged at slot locations in a sidewall of the sheath, which slots facilitate flexibility of the sheath, at the slot locations, preferably wherein the slots are non-linear or linear, and/or preferably wherein the slots define a pattern of openings, preferably wherein the slots are configured to engage each other and lock into place, so that columnar strength of the sheath, is increased when the sheath, is in the first configuration. 
     
     
         10 . The implant according to  claim 1 , further comprising a centering member disposed between the cable member and the sheath, for centering the cable member in the sheath, preferably wherein the cable member is disposed within a lumen of the centering member. 
     
     
         11 . The implant according to  claim 1 , further comprising an end cap coupled to the first end portion of the sheath and a front tip base and a front tip coupled to the second end portion of the sheath. 
     
     
         12 . The implant according to  claim 1 , wherein the cable element is configured to move within the sheath when moved between the tensioned and non-tensioned configurations. 
     
     
         13 . Method for arranging the implant according to  claim 1 , between a first, tensioned configuration and a second, non-tensioned configuration, comprising the steps of placing the implant in the first tensioned configuration, in which tensioned configuration the release member, protrudes through the window or opening in the sheath, and subsequently releasing the tension from the implant to place the implant in the second non-tensioned configuration, by way of pressing the release members so that these no longer protrude through the window or opening in the sheath. 
     
     
         14 . Method according to  claim 13 , whereby placing the implant in the first tensioned configuration comprises lifting or straightening the implant, whereby the plunger member moves towards the first end portion of the sheath against the bias of the bias member, whereby the release members age the plunger member, whereby tension is applied to the sheath via the cable. 
     
     
         15 . Method according to  claim 13 , wherein the implant is placed in the second, non-tensioned configuration by pressing on the release members so that these disengage the plunger member, whereby the bias member forces the plunger member towards the second end portion of the sheath, whereby tension in the sheath is removed.