A novel method for hemodynamic analysis of penile erection

Measurement of blood flow velocity through the cavernosal arteries via penile color Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) is the most common objective method for the assessment of erectile function. However, in some clinical cases, this method needs to be augmented via the invasive intracavernosal pressure (ICP) measurement, which is arguably a more direct index for erectile function. The aim of this study is to develop a lumped parameter model (LPM) of the penile circulation mechanism integrated to a pulsatile, patient-specific, bi-ventricular circulation system to estimate ICP values non-invasively. PDUS data obtained from four random patients with erectile dysfunction are used to develop patient-specific LPMs. Cardiac output is estimated from the body surface area. Systemic pressure is obtained by a sphygmomanometer. Through the appropriate parameter set determined by optimization, patient-specific ICP values are predicted with only using PDUS data and validated by pre- and post-papaverine injection cavernosometry measurements. The developed model predicts the ICP with an average error value of 3 mmHg for both phases. Penile size change during erection is predicted with a similar to 15% error, according to the clinical size measurements. The developed mathematical model has the potential to be used as an effective non-invasive tool in erectile function evaluation, expanding the existing clinical decision parameters significantly.

Automated summary

Measurement of blood flow velocity through penile color Doppler ultrasound is commonly used for assessing erectile function, but invasive intracavernosal pressure measurement may be needed in some cases. This study developed a lumped parameter model of the penile circulation mechanism to estimate intracavernosal pressure values non-invasively. The model was validated using PDUS data and showed promising results for predicting intracavernosal pressure and changes in penile size during erection.