Vacuum Constriction Devices Research Articles

Vacuum Devices for the Impotent

Vacuum constriction devices for the treatment of impotence achieve entrapment of blood in the penis following mechanically produced tumescence. Following application, blood flow is sustained, and the majority of users can achieve either an erection or an erection-like state that is satisfactory for intercourse. Properly motivated men can use these devices long-term without serious side effects. The devices are particularly effective in the management of partial impotence; they represent an attractive alternative to surgical procedures upon the penis, intracavernosal injection of vasoactive drugs, and sexual abstinence.

Vacuum Tumescence Devices: The Role of Papaverine in the Selection of Patients

We conducted a prospective study to determine the positive predictive value of papaverine testing to select patients in whom a vacuum constriction device would be a successful alternative to operative management of impotence. A total of 30 men presenting to an impotence clinic was evaluated with a series of papaverine dosages up to 60mg. These patients then received a physician-administered trial of a vacuum constriction device, followed by 3 months of home use and a repeat objective evaluation. Initial responses to the device were poor, with 46% of the patients (14) achieving a rigid erection. However, after 3 months of home use 83% of the patients (25) achieved a rigid erection. The positive predictive value of a good response to the papaverine trial was 94%.

Impotence after Radical Pelvic Surgery: Physiology and Management

Impotence has been a common problem after radical surgery of the colon, rectum, prostate, bladder, and seminal vesicle. However, a better understanding of the neuroanatomy of erection has resulted in its decline. When impotence does result, in cases where the extent of tumor involvement renders preservation of the neurovascular bundle impossible, the variety of treatments available is now improved: these include intracavernous injection of vasodilators, vacuum constriction devices, penile arterial and venous surgery, and penile prostheses. The improved understanding and management of impotence has greatly enhanced the quality of life of patients after radical pelvic surgery.

Vacuum erection devices

Vacuum devices, the least familiar treatment for impotence, have only recently attracted attention and been the subject of serious scientific inquiry. A vacuum draws blood into the penis under enough pressure to cause rigidity. The vacuum constriction device (VCD) uses a constricting ring or band about the base of the penis to keep blood trapped after the vacuum has been relieved. The vacuum entrapment (VE) device applies a continuous vacuum to the penis through a silicone sheath that is worn during intercourse. These devices cause penile rigidity in almost all men and appear to be quite safe. Published reports of long-term use of the VCD are few, but all indicate a high degree of patient and partner acceptance and satisfaction.

Erectile dysfunction: A review of diagnostic and treatment procedures

Research is reviewed on diagnostic and treatment procedures for erectile dysfunction. Both physical and psychological assessment procedures are discussed, emphasizing the need to rely on prognosis rather than differential diagnosis in treatment formulations. Outcome is reviewed for physical treatments, including implants, papaverine injections, and vacuum constriction devices. Outcome research for psychological interventions published since 1974 is reviewed. Methodological problems are highlighted, including the need for controlled clinical trials, problems in the control of therapist variables, measurement problems, the need for increased treatment specificity, the need to explore prognostic indicators, the use and reporting of statistics, comparability across studies, maintenance issues, and the need for improved follow-up.

Vacuum Constriction Device for Management of Erectile Impotence

A mechanical device for treatment of impotence based on the concept of entrapment of blood in the penis following vacuum-assisted tumescence is described and more than 15,000 units have been marketed. A total of 1,517 users who acquired the device between 1974 and 1987 completed a questionnaire concerning the system. Of these patients 92 per cent either achieved an erection or an erection-like state that was satisfactory for intercourse and 77 per cent had intercourse at least every 2 weeks. No serious ill effect from use of the device has been reported and it is particularly effective in the management of partial impotence. In selected patients the device is an alternative to either surgical placement of a penile prosthesis, intracavernous injection of vasoactive drugs or sexual abstinence.

Preliminary experience with a Vacuum Constriction Device (VCD) as a treatment for impotence

The VCD is a mechanical device that produces an erection by creating a vacuum of up to 250 mm Hg. Up to now, it has been used in patients with organic impotence (mainly diabetic) with a high level of success and minimal side effects. This study reports preliminary findings on the application of the VCD in both organic (e.g. diabetics) and psychogenic cases of impotence. All subjects were able to develop an adequate erection with the instrument making intercourse possible. However, the frequency of use dropped sharply as the study progressed and some subjects and their sexual partners expressed reservations about continuing with it. Mild numbness in the penis was experienced by several users.