RigiScan® Plus
The RigiScan® Plus rigidity assessment system is an ambulatory diagnostic tool used to measure the frequency, rigidity and duration of both nocturnal and provocative erections.
Testing may be conducted In a stand-alone ambulatory mode or in a real-time monitoring mode when connected to computer. This device provides a graphical and tabular display of base and tip penile rigidity and tumescence data for the physician's interpretation.
It is a non-threatening, non-invasive, cost-effective method for a physician to differentiate between organic and psychological erectile dysfunction and support the treatment program of choice.
Principles of Operation
The RigiScan® Plus Monitor is an ambulatory data logging unit that measures and records penile rigidity and tumescence.
It is linked by cable to an IBM-compatible computer, which downloads and processes the data, stores it for review, and prints it on command. The ambulatory monitor uses tip and base penile loops that adjust by tightening slightly at discrete time intervals to measure and record penile rigidity and tumescence.
Each loop contains a cable that moves freely inside a conduit. Each loop takes a measurement every 15 seconds. The loop gently tightens with a linear force of 4 ounces (114g) and then immediately releases and the tissue rebounds to its unloaded state.
The RigiScan® Plus Monitor then takes a tumescence measurement. After the tumescence measurement is taken, it is compared to the previous samples. When a 6 mm increase in tumescence is detected, representing possible erectile activity, the RigiScan® Plus Monitor takes a second measurement every 30 seconds.
After tumescence is measured, the loops tighten a second time around the circumference of the penis with a linear force of 10 ounces (283.5g).
The RigiScan® Plus Monitor takes a measurement when this force is applied to record a cross sectional response to radial compression. This is how rigidity is measured.