Penile implants are still an excellent choice for restoring the ability to have sexual intercourse, particularly if the non-surgical treatments for erectile dysfunction fail. Coloplast and Boston Scientific, previously known as American Medical Systems (AMS), are widely reputed for manufacturing penile implants.
Going by most of the penile implant reviews, inflatable implants rank among the most widely used penile implant types for men with erectile dysfunction (1). Nonetheless, there are other types, such as Ambicor and malleable.
Malleable Penile Prosthesis
The malleable penile prosthesis has two different cylinders that are semi-rigid in nature. These non-inflatable implants remain the same in size. Generally, the implant is kept in a downward position, and during sexual activity, it is bent upward. The perks of this implant include ease of use and technical insertion use. The downside is that there is a heightened risk of erosion and discomfort.
There is also the semi-rigid penis appearance that is a key disadvantage of the malleable penile prosthesis. Presently, semi-rigid devices are rarely chosen (2). Nonetheless, a few patients prefer these devices which are provided at the Center for Reconstructive Urology.
AMS Ambicor Penile Implant
A two-piece penile prosthesis is available at Boston Scientific (AMS). The Ambicor penile prosthesis has no reservoir but includes a pump and a set of cylinders. The fluid is moved between the cylinders and pump as the latter is being used.
The upside is that the need for a separate reservoir is eliminated. In a few cases, prior reconstructive, hernia, abdominal, or vascular surgery constitute a contradiction to the placement of the reservoir. In such cases, an Ambicor penile implant is used. The drawback of the Ambicor penile implant is that when flaccid, it is less soft than an inflatable penile prosthesis (3).
Inflatable Penile Implant Prosthesis 3-piece
The three-piece device, which is the most popular penile prosthesis, has cylinders put inside the penis (4). A reservoir located near the bladder and a pump is positioned under the scrotal skin. It could be argued that the two cylinders need to be considered as two pieces. However, they are viewed as a single piece. Alternatives include the LGX penile implant or Boston Scientific (AMS) 700CX and Coloplast’s Titan penile prosthesis.
The three-piece silicone penile prosthesis has a tube connection that facilitates fluid transfer between the components. By squeezing the pump multiple times, the fluid is transferred from the reservoir and taken to the cylinders.
The result of this series of events is penile rigidity. When the pump’s valve is depressed, the fluid goes from the cylinders and back to the reservoir. The Boston Scientific (AMS) and Coloplast inflatable penile prosthesis have many similarities in function and general appearance.
Penile Implant Reviews Can Be Useful
Patients who have undergone a penile implant procedure seem to be considerably more satisfied with their treatment choice than those with other treatment alternatives, including ED medication. You can always choose to have an interactive session with your physician to determine what is the best option for you.
Links to Sources Used:
- Penile implants: a look into the future https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5715181/
- Outcome of penile prosthesis implantation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5507097/
- Ambicor 2-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: Who and How? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29339015/
- Three-piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: Surgical Techniques and Pitfalls https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296438/