Import catheter in erectile dysfunction.

Abstract

We propose an alternative technique for intracavernous self-injection of sodium nitroprusside for erectile dysfunction by inserting a Medtronic ImPort* catheter with a valved tip. A silicone catheter was implanted in 3 patients with psychogenic impotence. The reservoir, which is used for vasoactive agent injection, was implanted laterally to the anterosuperior iliac spine and the distal tip of the catheter was inserted into the corpora cavernosa via a subcutaneous tunnel. The injection technique was taught to the patient and the initial injection was performed 1 week later. All patients and partners were satisfied with the technique and quality of erections at a mean followup of 14 months. There were no major local complications due to catheter implantation and no systemic complications due to sodium nitroprusside injection. An alternative technique for intracavernous pharmacotherapy of inserting an ImPort catheter prevented the complications of intracavernous injections in patients with erectile dysfunction.