RichardTheFrog wrote:I'm still confused as to what makes it go up and down. Isn't nitinol heat activated? So is it the heat generated by the warmth of your hand? Here's a video about nitinol where it says you must heat it to 500 degrees (Celsius?) to program a new shape.
https://youtu.be/JKBM9my5eOA
Different alloy formulations transition at different temperatures. The in vivo model was said to activate at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, heated by an external device (magnetic induction, I think). But the paper I read did not say anything about returning to its alternate shape.
Just guessing, I would imagine the ideal device would be flexible and comparable to an uninflated IPP and then enlarge and stiffen when heated to 104° And then stay that way until cooled to 95° or so. Perhaps with a cold shower
This would not enable a man to control the degree of rigidity, and would still require an external device, not unlike the vacuum pump. But it would relieve the need for pump, tubing, reservoir and the surgery would be simpler