Vacuum Erection Device (VED®)

Scientific Literature Supporting VED®

Sexuality in men after prostate cancer surgery: a qualitative interview study

Schantz, LB et al., Scand J Caring Sci. 2016 Apr 14. doi: 10.1111/scs.12328
Prostate cancer affects a growing number of men. Although erectile dysfunction is a well-known side effect, its impact on sex life and sexuality is under-researched. The aim of this study was therefore to elucidate the effect of surgical treatment for prostate cancer on men’s sexuality. Data for the descriptive qualitative study were collected in interviews. The author applied a phenomenological-hermeneutic frame of understanding. Four themes appeared in the analysis of the interviews: lack of control, sense of self, intimate relations and redefining sexuality. Men experience erectile dysfunction as a negative influence on their sexuality with respect to their sex life, sense of self and intimate relations. The dysfunction is thus shown not only to affect sexual life but also to have repercussions for a range of aspects in male intimate life. A broader perspective should be applied in supporting the men’s efforts towards improving their quality of life, for example through sexual counselling services performed by nurses.
The use of vacuum erection devices in erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.

Hoylan K. et al., See comment in PubMed Commons belowRev Urol. 2013;15(2):67-71.
The risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) following radical prostatectomy (RP) is reported to be between 14% and 89%. With an increase in the detection of prostate cancer in younger men, there is a greater emphasis on the appropriate management of ED following RP. A number of options are available to manage ED after RP, including phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, intracorporeal injections, intraurethral alprostadil, and vacuum erection devices (VEDs). Penile rehabilitation programs are increasingly used to facilitate the return of natural postoperative erections; the VED is an ideal therapy given that it increases blood flow and oxygenation to the corpora to reverse the changes that result in ED after RP.
The resurgence of the vacuum erection device (VED) for treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Brison D. et al., J Sex Med. 2013 Apr;10(4):1124-35. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12046. Epub 2013 Jan 24

Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) have been approved in the United States since 1982 and offer a viable alternative to oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), injections and transurethral suppositories. Studies have demonstrated efficacy in erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with a variety of conditions. More recently, this modality has been evaluated in initial phosphodiesterase inhibitor nonresponders as well as for post-prostatectomy penile rehabilitation. This article provides a detailed overview of the history of VEDs, a review of the literature, and a concise description of their new applications in modern urological practice. A retrospective review of publications relevant to the field of VEDs. Review of the historical milestones, evolution, and modern utilization of VEDs in modern urological protocols. Studies have demonstrated efficacy in ED associated with a variety of conditions. Early penile rehabilitation after surgery for prostate cancer with the VED appears to improve erectile function and penile length. Adverse events are transient and not serious. The VED has continued to show efficacy for treatment of ED due to various etiologies and should be considered an attractive second-line therapy. In select cases such post-prostatectomy penile rehabilitation, as well as in men who cannot use a PDE5i, the vacuum device should be considered first-line treatment.

Application of the vacuum erectile device in penile rehabilitation for erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy

Lin, H., el al., Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2015 Mar;21(3):195-9

The vacuum erectile device (VED) uses negative pressure to increase blood inflow into the corpora cavernosum, with a ring at the base of the penis to maintain erection for intercourse or without a ring for penile rehabilitation. Owing to the limitation of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) shown in the treatment of refractory erectile dysfunction (ED), the use of VED has resurged and is becoming the first line therapy in the treatment of ED following radical prostatectomy (RP). Currently, the combination therapy of VED with PDE5I and that of VED with intracavernous injection are advocated for post-RP ED. Hereby, we review the role of VED in penile rehabilitation, its underlying mechanisms, and the combination therapies for it.

Effect on sexual function of a vacuum erection device post-prostatectomy.

Engel JD. et al., Can J Urol. 2011 Jun;18(3):5721-5.

Treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) subsequent to bilateral nerve sparing robotic prostatectomy (BNSRP) with tadalafil plus a vacuum erection device (VED) may improve return of sexual function. Men with prostate cancer who had BNSRP were randomized to receive tadalafil, 20 mg three times weekly, or tadalafil plus a VED, 10 minutes unbanded per day for at least 5 days weekly. Treatments started 1 month after surgery; clinic visits were at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Patients were requested to attempt intercourse at least twice before each visit. At every visit patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire and a penile hardness scale (1-4) and were questioned as to their ability to have vaginal penetration and intercourse to orgasm. Thirteen men started the combination regimen, and there were no dropouts; 10 patients started the tadalafil treatment, and three men dropped out. The mean IIEF-5 at months 6, 9 and 12 were significantly higher for the combination group, while the penile hardness scores were significantly greater for the combination group at 6 and 9 months. After 12 months 92% of combination patients responded yes to the vaginal penetration question versus 57% of the tadalafil group; corresponding figures were 92% and 29%, respectively, for intercourse to orgasm. Compliance to the VED was superior to that of tadalafil. Men with ED subsequent to BNSRP had a more rapid and complete return of sexual function when treated with tadalafil plus VED versus tadalafil alone.