Grooved dilator for implantation of a penile prosthetic

Abstract

A dilator for dilating the tissue of a corpora cavernosum of a penis. The dilator includes a handle, a stem and an intermediate portion connecting the handle and the stem. A dilation portion includes an exterior surface defining a groove configured to leave at least one section or segment of the tissue in the corpora cavernosum undisturbed and un-dilated. A kit of parts including a dilator and a penile prosthetic insert is also disclosed.

1 . A dilator configured to dilate tissue of a corpora cavernosum of a penis, comprising:
 a handle;   a stem;   an intermediate portion connecting the handle and the stem; and   a dilation portion attached at a distal end of the stem and having a larger diameter than the stem portion;   the dilation portion includes an exterior surface defining a groove having a groove depth that is configured to leave a section of tissue in the corpora cavernosum undisturbed and undilated to allow for vascularization of the section of tissue in aid of an erection;   wherein the groove is formed to have a constant groove depth over an entire length of the dilation portion.   
     
     
         2 . The dilator of  claim 1 , wherein the groove extends along an entire length of the dilation portion. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The dilator of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface of the dilation portion defines a plurality of grooves. 
     
     
         6 . The dilator of  claim 1 , wherein the handle further comprises indicia indicating a corresponding position of the groove in the exterior surface of the dilation portion. 
     
     
         7 . The dilator of  claim 1 , wherein the stem further comprises indicia indicating a corresponding position of the groove in the exterior surface of the dilation portion. 
     
     
         8 . The dilator of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate portion is substantially S-shaped. 
     
     
         9 .- 18 . (canceled)