A world first implantation of a high-tech, battery-powered device to restore erectile function took place at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) leading a global trial. CaverSTIM is the first implantable 'neurostimulator' for erectile dysfunction treatment, designed for patients that are non-responders to oral drugs, including spinal cord-injured patients and post-prostatectomy patients.
Consulting urologist at the RMH and Clinical Director of the Australian Prostate Centre (APC), Mr Phil Dundee conducted the first successful operation on 3 August 2023. The first-in-human clinical safety trial for the ground-breaking treatment is a collaboration between the APC, the RMH and Swiss MedTech company Comphya SA.
CaverSTIM is a 'neurostimulation' system composed of an implantable pulse generator (IPG), containing rechargeable battery and electronics for the generation of an electrostimulation signal, implanted in the pelvic cavity to activate and restore the nerves responsible for penile erection. Once surgically inserted in the lower abdomen, the IPG is remotely operated by external controllers. The clinical controller allows the medical expert to adjust and tailor the system parameters to best fit each patient, and the patient controller allows the patient to activate the device and evoke a penile erection.
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