In a first, Lausanne, Switzerland-based medical device company Comphya announced on Monday the successful implantation of a high-tech, battery-powered device to restore erectile function.
The company has developed CaverSTIM, the first implantable device to address erectile dysfunction in patients who do not respond to oral medications.
This group includes patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries and those who have undergone prostate removal surgery, also known as post-prostatectomy patients.
The successful transplant took place at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMHin Melbourne, Australia.
Dr Phil Dundee, Consulting Urologist at the RMH and Clinical Director at the Australian Prostate Centre (APC),, conducted the successful operation on August 3.
“It’s truly exciting to be part of such innovation particularly when we know this treatment has the potential to be life-changing for millions of patients worldwide,” says Dr. Dundee.
The first-in-human clinical safety trial for the ground-breaking treatment is a collaboration between the APC, the RMH and Comphya SA.
What does Comphya solve?
Currently, patients dealing with erectile dysfunction often resort to intrapenile injections or penile implants as the only available treatment options. However, these methods are known to be painful, problematic, and outdated.
Here’s where Comphya’s patented solution offers a unique and superior treatment for erectile dysfunction.
The Swiss company’s primary objective is to restore physiological sexual function and enhance the quality of life for a significant portion of the male population in dire need of such solutions.
What do you need to know about CaverSTIM?
CaverSTIM is a ‘neurostimulation’ system composed of an implantable pulse generator (IPG). The device contains a rechargeable battery and electronics responsible for generating an electrostimulation signal.
The device is implanted within the pelvic cavity where it activates and restores the nerves that play a crucial role in penile erection.
The IPG, once surgically inserted in the lower abdomen, is remotely operated by external controllers.
The clinician controller allows medical professionals to adjust and customise the system’s parameters to suit each patient’s unique needs.
The patient controller puts the power in the hands of the patient, allowing them to activate the device and trigger a penile erection.
“As we initiate this clinical trial, we celebrate the culmination of our team’s steadfast dedication and hard work in developing our unique CaverSTIM system,” says Rodrigo Fraga-Silva, CEO and Co-founder of Comphya SA.
