Transdermal Rigidity Assessment Via Ischemia (and Temperature) of the Penis (TRIP) Versus the Rigiscan: A New Sensor-driven Device to Measure Rigidity of the Penis

Background of the study: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent or recurrent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to perform sexual activity. ED has an effect on physical and psychosocial well-being. The current diagnostic test, the Rigiscan to measure night time erections, has a lot of disadvantages.

When an erection occurs and there is no inflow and outflow in the corpora cavernosa it is expected that the saturation will drop. As known with low flow priapism. From a study from Solnick, the mean skin temperature in younger male (19-33 years old) increases from 33,8°C to 36.2°C during arousal. A penile oximeter and temperature sensor was developed, to measure saturation and temperature of the penis during the night. The TRIP-Patch (Transdermal Rigidity assessment via Ischemia of the Penis) is expected to continuously measure saturation levels in the corpora cavernosa by real time monitoring with a photodiodes and LEDs and the sensor has a temperature logger.

Objective of the study: see above Study design: Observational study Study population: Healthy volunteers are asked to participate after informed consent. Age between 18 and 40 years. Both sensors and the Rigiscan will be placed at the same time, when 10 patients have night time erections with the Rigiscan, the study is complete.