Overview

Erectaid uses negative pressure to distend the corporal sinusoids and to increase blood inflow to the penis. In this setting, an external constricting ring is placed at the base of the penis to prevent blood outflow from the corpora cavernosa, and an erection is maintained for sexual intercourse. As a non-invasive, effective, safe, drug-free and cost-effective erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment, VCD was gradually accepted by the urological community and was finally recommended as an alternative for treatment of ED by the American Urological Association in 1996. Usage begins with placing the correct constriction ring over the open end of the vacuum cylinder. A copious amount of a water-soluble lubricant is then applied to the base of the penis to create a tight seal once the vacuum cylinder is placed over. Negative pressure generated by hand pump is then applied to create an artificial erection.Once the desired state of erection is achieved, the constriction ring is displaced onto the base of the penis to maintain the erect state. Variable constriction rings are available to select for those that are most comfortable and effective. The vacuum cylinders could then be removed and the patient may have intimacy. Patients can become proficient with the device within 5 days or four practice sessions. The time required to achieve an adequate penile erection ranges from 30 s to 7 minutes.