Abstract
Shape memory alloys (SMA) can revert to “memorized” shapes under appropriate conditions. We have been exploring the use of SMAs in the development of penile prosthesis using a lasercut Nitinol extruded tube that expands and becomes rigid when activated to simulate an erection. We hypothesized that electrical current can act as an alternative method to activate SMA prostheses. We used an external current DC generator and commercially available electrical wires attached at the ends of a bent SMA prosthesis, measuring 17 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter, and passed increasing amounts of electrical current through the prosthesis. The current was set at increasing values with 1 ampere intervals. Temperature was recorded at the centre with the use of thermocouples. Mechanical changes were measured in terms of decreased angulation towards “memorized” straight configuration. Perpendicular force to bend the prosthesis was measured with a Dillon handheld force meter. After bench tests, a SMA prosthesis was implanted in the corpora cavernosa of a cadaver with electrical leads connected to an external DC generator and activated.
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