Treatment of erectile dysfunction with vacuum constriction device

: The vacuum constriction device (VCD) is a noninvasive mechanical device which may produce an erection by creating a vacuum of up to 250 mm Hg and with a rubber ring to maintain this state by constricting the base of the penis. We tested the VCD on 150 men who presented with organic and psychogenic impotence in our outpatient clinic between the years 1986 and 1992. Of the 150 men, 113 (75%) achieved an adequate erection with the VCD. However, only 72 patients agreed to buy the device and use it regularly. During follow-up of from 3 months to 5 1/2 years (mean 25 months), 65 men were using the VCD regularly and reported satisfying intercourse at least once every 2 weeks. Complications were minimal and consisted of mild numbness of the penis in 7 patients, mild cyanosis in 17, and 10 cases of painless ecchymoses and petechiae which disappeared without any treatment. From our experience, the VCD appears to be a safe, inexpensive, and easy method for impotent men to engage in sexual intercourse without, of course, eliminating other therapeutic options, including surgery.