The shape of the pulse pressure wave in penile arteries can be recorded and its features analyzed.
Equipment:
(1) penile systolic pneumatic pressure cuff (3 cm in width)
(2) Doppler ultrasonic velocity detector
(3) pressure recorder
(4) finger pneumatic pressure cuff
The pneumatic pressure cuffs are applied to the proximal penis and to an index finger.
The waveform from the penis is compared to the waveform from the index finger.
Features of the volume waveform:
(1) upstroke
(2) amplitude of peak
(3) shape of systolic peak
(4) downstroke
|
Feature
|
Good Pattern
|
Fair Pattern
|
Poor Pattern
|
|
upstroke
|
brisk
|
some delay
|
definite delay
|
|
amplitude
|
similar to index finger
|
lower
|
minimal
|
|
peak shape
|
sharp
|
rounded
|
flat
|
|
downstroke
|
gradual compared to upstroke, with or without a dichrotic notch
|
|
|
A good pattern indicates a good arterial supply to the penis.
