Telemetric intracavernosal and intraspongiosal pressure monitoring

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the major breakthroughs basic research in erectile physiology experienced in the last, most of the methods used for quantitative assessment of erectile function in longitudinal studies suffer many drawbacks.

Objective: This review will focus on radiotelemetric assessment of intracavernosal (ICP) and intraspongiosal (ISP) regarding the technique, data collection, interpretation, and overall benefits.

Results: Telemetric recording of ICP and ISP allows for qualitative and quantitative assessment of erectile responses in experimental animals, a characteristic that is not possible using other techniques. This technique has many advantages that can collectively lead to production of high quality data regarding erection. The system suffers two drawbacks, its high cost and the need for surgical implantation of the transmitter.

Conclusion: The use of telemetric monitoring of ICP and ISP carries many advantages that will, hopefully, establish this technique as the gold standard method for assessment of erectile responses in the near future.