A Novel Thermal-activated Shape Memory Penile Prosthesis: Comparative Mechanical Testing

Brian Le*, Kevin McVary, Kevin McKenna, Alberto Colombo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective To compare a novel nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) shape memory alloy (SMA) penile prosthesis of our own design with commercially available prostheses using a format similar to mechanical testing done at major penile prosthesis manufacturers. We evaluated the mechanical parameters of commercially available penile prostheses and used this information to guide the development of the Ni-Ti-based physiological penile prosthesis that expands and becomes erect with a small amount of heat applied. Methods A penile prosthesis consisting of an exoskeleton of temperature-tuned Nitinol was designed and prototyped. Mechanical testing was performed in a model of penile buckling, penile lateral deviation, and original penile shape recovery commonly used by penile prosthesis manufacturers for testing. Results Our SMA penile prosthesis demonstrated useful mechanical characteristics, including rigidity to buckling when activated similar to an inflatable penile prosthesis (2.62 kgf SMA vs 1.42 kgf inflatable penile prosthesis vs 6.45 kgf for a malleable prosthesis). The Ni-Ti also became more pliable when deactivated within acceptable mechanical ranges of existing devices. It could be repeatedly cycled and generate a restorative force to become erect. Conclusion An SMA-based penile prosthesis represents a promising new technology in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. We demonstrated that an Ni-Ti-based prosthesis can produce the mechanical forces necessary for producing a simulated erection without the need for a pump or reservoir, comparable with existing prostheses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)136-141
Number of pages6
JournalUrology
Volume99
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2017

Funding

Financial Disclosure: Brian Le and Alberto Colombo received grant from Boston Scientific (formerly American Medical Systems). Kevin McVary received grant from Boston Scientific Research and Educational Grant. The remaining author declares that he has no relevant financial interests. Funding Support: The work was funded in part by Boston Scientific (formerly American Medical Systems).

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

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