Category Archives: Inflatable Penile Implants

2-piece Inflatable Penile Implant

Indications for inflatable penile implants

Penile Implants are used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). They provide physical support to the penis so that the patient can achieve an erection.

Inflatable implants are slightly more complicated to use than the semi-rigid implants. However, what they lack in simplicity they more than makeup for in functionality. As the name suggests, inflatable implants provide the patient with an erection when they are inflated.

How does the 2-piece Inflatable Penile Implant work?

The two-piece is composed of two cylinders that are surgically placed in the penis. These cylinders are then attached to a tube that is connected to the combined reservoir and pump unit. The reservoir contains saline which is delivered to the cylinders by the pump. This reservoir-pump combo is placed inside the scrotum; therefore there are no parts placed within the lower abdomen, and the surgery is less complicated as compared to the three-piece penile implant.

When the patient is ready for sexual activity, he presses the pump, which then delivers the saline from the reservoir into the cylinders resulting in inflation of the penis causing an erection. When the patient is finished, he presses the deflator valve located at the bottom of the pump, which then delivers the saline back into the reservoir causing the penis to deflate and return to its normal, flaccid state.

Manufacturers of 2-piece penile implants

The most common type of 2-piece prosthesis is created by American Medical Systems, Inc. (AMS). Antibiotic devices help reduce infection rates dramatically in patients who have penile implant surgery. All AMS models are coated with antibiotic to help reduce infection. Ambicor is the name of the penile implant model created by AMS and is an excellent option for men who only want their prosthesis to be placed in the penis and scrotum. A study was done in 1999-2004 which showed that 85% of patients were satisfied with the Ambicor implant.

Advantages of using 2-piece inflatable penile implants

By far the most significant benefit of using the inflatable devices is the ability to return to a flaccid state after sexual activity. With the simple push of the deflator valve, the patient can deflate his penis, which produces a much more natural feel and look as compared to the semi-rigid implant which prevents a return to a flaccid state. Besides some small scarring located on the underside of the penis and the scrotum, the inflatable implants are discreet and undetectable to the naked eye. Patients report that there are no changes to the sensation and ability to ejaculate with the outfitting of the inflatable implant.

Disadvantages of using 2-piece inflatable penile implants

However, there are some disadvantages to using the inflatable implants. Since the two-piece implant reservoir is comparatively smaller, there may not be enough saline in the reservoir-pump combo unit to produce a full erection as compared to the three-piece repository. Complication rates also tend to be higher with the inflatable implants due in part to the multiple different units that could malfunction individually.

If you would like to know more about how penile implants can benefit you and your partner, contact us today at 212-541-6239 and schedule your appointment. To find out more about penile implants, visit our website at fifthavenueurology.com.

References:
Penile prosthesis surgery in the management of erectile dysfunction
Sadeghi-Nejad H., Fam M.
(2013)  Arab Journal of Urology,  11  (3) , pp. 245-253.

Inflatable Penile Implant

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Penile Implants are used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). They provide physical support to the penis so that the patient can achieve an erection. Inflatable implants are slightly more complicated to use than the semi-rigid implants. However, what they lack in simplicity they more than makeup for in functionality. As the name suggests, inflatable implants provide the patient with an erection when they are inflated.

            Three-piece Inflatable Penile Implant

There are two types of inflatable implants: the three-piece and the two-piece inflatable devices. The three-piece is composed of two cylinders that are surgically placed in the penis. These cylinders are then attached to a tube that is connected to the reservoir, which is situated in the lower abdomen. The repository contains saline which is delivered to the cylinders by a pump, which is placed in the scrotal sac. When the patient is ready for sexual activity, he presses the pump, which then delivers the saline from the reservoir into the cylinders resulting in inflation of the penis causing an erection. When the patient is finished, he presses the deflator valve located at the bottom of the pump, which then delivers the saline back into the reservoir causing the penis to deflate and return to its normal, flaccid state.

            Two-piece Inflatable Penile Implant

The two-piece inflatable implant works in much the same way as the three-piece except that the reservoir and the pump are combined into one unit. This reservoir-pump combo is placed inside the scrotum; therefore there are no parts placed within the lower abdomen, and the surgery is less complicated as compared to the three-piece implant.

Benefit of using the inflatable penile implants

By far the most significant advantage of using the inflatable devices instead of the semi-rigid implant is the ability to return to a flaccid state after sexual activity. With the simple push of the deflator valve, the patient can deflate his penis, which produces a much more natural feel and look as compared to the semi-rigid implant which prevents a return to a flaccid state. Besides some small scarring located on the underside of the penis and the scrotum, the inflatable implants are discreet and undetectable to the naked eye. Patients report that there are no changes to the sensation and ability to ejaculate with the outfitting of the inflatable implant.

Disadvantages of using the inflatable penile implants

However, there are some disadvantages to using the inflatable implants. Since the two-piece implant reservoir is comparatively smaller, there may not be enough saline in the reservoir-pump combo unit to produce a full erection as compared to the three-piece repository. Complication rates also tend to be higher with the inflatable implants as compared to the semi-rigid devices due in part to the multiple different units comprising the implant.

Inflatable penile implants are superior to semi-rigid penile implants

In summary, the inflatable implants provide men with the highest rate of satisfaction. Unlike the semi-rigid, the inflatable implant has the ability to give an erect and flaccid state. This creates a more natural feeling to the penis and prevents the chronic pain and erosion that men with semi-rigid implants tend to experience. The inflatable implants also make concealment much easier to do.

If you would like to know more about how penile implants can benefit you and your partner, contact us today at
212-541-6239 and schedule a free consultation.

To find out more about penile implants, visit our website: https://www.fifthavenueurology.com/penile-implants/

Inflatable Penile Implant Types

If you’re considering having penile implant surgery, there are many things to consider. One of these things is choosing between an inflatable, rigid or semi-rigid implants. In this article we will briefly go over the basic inflatable penile implant types.

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Penile Implants are used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). They provide physical support to the penis so that the patient can achieve an erection. Inflatable implants are slightly more complicated to use than the semi-rigid implants. However, what they lack in simplicity they more than makeup for in functionality. As the name suggests, inflatable implants provide the patient with an erection when they are inflated.

Three-piece Inflatable Penile Implant

inflatable-penile-implant-types-info-01

There are two types of inflatable implants: the three-piece and the two-piece inflatable devices. The three-piece is composed of two cylinders that are surgically placed in the penis. These cylinders are then attached to a tube that is connected to the reservoir, which is situated in the lower abdomen. The repository contains saline which is delivered to the cylinders by a pump, which is placed in the scrotal sac. When the patient is ready for sexual activity, he presses the pump, which then delivers the saline from the reservoir into the cylinders resulting in inflation of the penis causing an erection. When the patient is finished, he presses the deflator valve located at the bottom of the pump, which then delivers the saline back into the reservoir causing the penis to deflate and return to its normal, flaccid state.

Two-piece Inflatable Penile Implant

2-piece-inflatable-penile-implant-info-03The two-piece inflatable implant works in much the same way as the three-piece except that the reservoir and the pump are combined into one unit. This reservoir-pump combo is placed inside the scrotum; therefore there are no parts placed within the lower abdomen, and the surgery is less complicated as compared to the three-piece implant.

Benefit of using the inflatable penile implants

By far the most significant advantage of using the inflatable devices instead of the semi-rigid implant is the ability to return to a flaccid state after sexual activity. With the simple push of the deflator valve, the patient can deflate his penis, which produces a much more natural feel and look as compared to the semi-rigid implant which prevents a return to a flaccid state. Besides some small scarring located on the underside of the penis and the scrotum, the inflatable implants are discreet and undetectable to the naked eye. Patients report that there are no changes to the sensation and ability to ejaculate with the outfitting of the inflatable implant.

Disadvantages of using the inflatable penile implants

types-inflatable-penile-implant-nyc-top-surgeon-02

However, there are some disadvantages to using the inflatable implants. Since the two-piece implant reservoir is comparatively smaller, there may not be enough saline in the reservoir-pump combo unit to produce a full erection as compared to the three-piece repository. Complication rates also tend to be higher with the inflatable implants as compared to the semi-rigid devices due in part to the multiple different units comprising the implant.

Inflatable penile implants are superior to semi-rigid penile implants

In summary, the inflatable implants provide men with the highest rate of satisfaction. Unlike the semi-rigid, the inflatable implant has the ability to give an erect and flaccid state. This creates a more natural feeling to the penis and prevents the chronic pain and erosion that men with semi-rigid implants tend to experience. The inflatable implants also make concealment much easier to do.

If you would like to know more about how penile implants can benefit you and your partner, contact us today at 212-541-6239 and schedule your free appointment.

To find out more about penile implants, visit our website at FifthAvenueUrology.com

Inflatable penile implants

Inflatable penile implants are prosthetic devices that are inserted and embedded inside the male reproductive organ using advanced surgical procedure.  Implants are generally used as a last resort for men who have ejaculations and experience orgasm but struggle with achieving an erection, firm and durable enough (from the perspective of time) for a fulfilling coitus.

Physicians, surgeons, and sexologists usually suggest first and second-line treatments, including the three distinct pills (Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis) and the vacuum constriction device (penis pump) for men with erectile dysfunction. The penis pump and/or the three medications serve their purpose in most of the cases. Doctors consider a penile implant surgery only when the above forms or techniques of treatments prove ineffective as far as remedying ED is concerned.

Inflatable penile implants

Penile prostheses are prosthetic or artificial tubes which are meticulously placed inside the penis. These tubes or cylinders are designed in an innovative manner, making them capable of mimicking the physiological function of the penis that causes an erection. Penile implants have been used since 1936-initially the implants were made from bone and rib cartilage.

We’ve discussed about the two basic types of penile prostheses in our previous blogs. In the last blog, we dwelt at length on non-inflatable semi-rigid and articulated implants. In this blog we focus on inflatable penile implants-their types along with the pros and cons of each type.

The first penile implant which could be truly considered an inflatable version was developed by Scott, Tim, and Bradley, in the 1970s. Since then, rapid strides made in the area of prosthetic technology that have significantly contributed towards development of advanced inflatable implants, enabling surgeons to place them with greater convenience, ultimately leading to heightened satisfaction rates.

There are two kinds of inflatable implants-two-volume and three-volume prostheses-and both function in a similar manner. For facilitating an erection, you have to press a pump that transmits fluid stored in a reservoir into the cylinders instilled in the penis. The cylinders become taut when filled with fluid leading to an erection, thereby preparing you for an intercourse. Once you’re through with coitus, you activate the release valve that drains the fluid back into the reservoir.

Two-volume penile prostheses

The two-volume penile prostheses are made up of two separate sections-a pump with a discharge valve attached at the back of the two cylinders that is placed within the penis, and a reservoir containing fluid which is positioned underneath the lower abdomen. The surgical procedure for implanting a two-piece penile prosthesis is simpler compared to that for a three-piece device.

Pros

  • Surgery is simple compared to the operation for a three-piece implant
  • Penis appears more lifelike and natural during phases of erection and flaccidity in comparison to semi-rigid prostheses
  • Controlling the device is easier compared to the three-volume implant
  • Incisions do not have to be in the abdomen

Cons

  • Perimeter or circumference of the penis does not increase noticeably even after fully inflating the cylinders
  • Less concealed and flaccid compared to three-volume implants in deactivated state
  •  Likelihood of malfunctioning or developing leaks is also more compared to the three-piece device

Three-volume penile prostheses

A three-volume penile prosthesis consists of a pump with a built-in discharge valve, a reservoir housing a saline fluid, and two cylinders. The surgery associated with the three-piece implant is the most complicated amongst all penile prostheses types.

Pros

  • The erection you achieve is almost natural and better than those you get with semi-rigid or two-piece devices

Cons

  • Surgical process is considerably extensive
  • Costliest amongst all implant types
  • Highly vulnerable to leakage and dysfunction
  • Requires the user to have good skills for operating it

Concluding remarks

For an in-depth understanding of inflatable penile implants and their mechanisms, you can shoot an email to us or contact our surgeon.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4355428/#__sec2title
  2. http://implapark.com/index.php/2017/11/23/penile-prosthesis-surgery-a-review-of-prosthetic-devices-and-associated-complications/
  3. http://www.flinturology.com/ams_prothesis.shtml
  4. http://www.flinturology.com/ambicor.shtml
  5. https://www.askdoctork.com/different-options-penile-implants-201404096260
  6. https://blog.drpaulo.com.br/en/blog/types-of-penile-prosthesis