Pump problems

[Tmansdorfer]

I had a revision a year ago May and the implant was working perfect until last night. While pumping up, the pump bulb went flat and would not fill up. When I press the release valve the bulb goes back to round. When I then press the bulb I can feel the valve pop switching to inflate but the bulb stays flat. I am afraid that there is a leak in the system. I spoke with the Surgeon on the phone this morning and he suspects the same. He is going to schedule a revision but Does anyone have a trick to try to find out if the pump is working or if it is out of fluid?

[Gt1956]

They all are sealed systems as far as I know. Not a professional but, if your doctor suspects a leak. It's hard to argue with his knowledge. Especially since you're not a new implantee. You know how to use it. I hope that there is a trick. Good luck.

[oldbeek]

Just wondering? Is your new revision system use connectors or was it the pre connected. version.?

[Tmansdorfer]

I believe he left the original reservoir in place and did use connectors as I can feel what seems like a connector on the tube going to it.

[Waynetho]

I think that even in the pre-configured units regardless of manufacturer, the reservoir is connected after the fact. The doctor has to fill the reservoir after placing it, and depending on patient anatomy, the length of tubing may vary somewhat so that particular tube would have to be connected, in situ. Since the reservoir is a passive pressure system though, (i.e., low pressure) it shouldn't spring a leak if it's connected correctly. The connectors between the pump and cylinder carry some substantial pressures so they would in theory be the more likely failure points.

[Ruktitan]

I had a revision a year ago May and the implant was working perfect until last night. While pumping up, the pump bulb went flat and would not fill up. When I press the release valve the bulb goes back to round. When I then press the bulb I can feel the valve pop switching to inflate but the bulb stays flat. I am afraid that there is a leak in the system. I spoke with the Surgeon on the phone this morning and he suspects the same. He is going to schedule a revision but Does anyone have a trick to try to find out if the pump is working or if it is out of fluid?

Mine has got stuck many times but always fills back up. Or just pumps and never get hard. So sometimes I have to hold the release valve and pump and then let go a few times to see if i can get the valve to unstick. The pump has gone really hard before to where I have to squeeze with both hands until it 'pops' and the valve is back in place. And then it pumps normally after that. Scary the first few times it happens.

I hope that is all yours has done too