Enhanced external counterpulsation as a new treatment modality for patients with erectile dysfunction

Urol Int. 1998;61(3):168-71. doi: 10.1159/000030315.

Abstract

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive treatment modality which can increase arterial blood flow in peripheral and coronary arterial disease. Several studies have demonstrated an increase in the flow of the internal iliacal artery and in carotid and renal perfusion during EECP treatment. We investigated the effect of EECP in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Thirteen patients were treated with EECP for 20 days, 1 h per day. Patients reported a significant improvement of penile rigidity after completion of the EECP treatment and a significant improvement of penile peak systolic flow was measured by Doppler sonography. No adverse effects were observed. In conclusion, EECP seems to be an effective treatment modality in patients with ED.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Counterpulsation / methods*
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / blood*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / diagnosis
  • Erectile Dysfunction / therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymphokines / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Penile Erection / physiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Substances

  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Lymphokines
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors