CaverSTIM: An “Electronic Viagra” Pacemaker‑Style Implant Restores Erections in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Breaking News: Nerve-Stimulation Device Aims to Restore Erectile Function in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Six participants, all under the age of 34, took part after living with spinal cord injuries for more than four years.

Similar to pacemaker

In spinal cord injury cases, the nerve connections involved in erections are often disrupted, hindering sexual response.

Leading urologist and trial coordinator says the device targets the breakdown in communication between nerves and the penis. Named CaverSTIM and nicknamed “electronic Viagra,” the system operates in a manner similar to a pacemaker.

Key facts at a glance

study Location	Urology Laboratory, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, santo André, Brazil
Participants	Six volunteers, age up to 34
Injury duration	More than four years
Device	CaverSTIM
Nickname	Electronic Viagra
Mechanism	Bridges nerve-to-penis communication; pacemaker-like

Why this matters – and what to watch next

This early work reflects a broader push toward neurostimulation therapies that aim to restore sexual function after nerve injury. While preliminary, the findings point to potential improvements in quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries.

Experts caution that safety,long-term effectiveness,and regulatory approvals will shape the future of devices like CaverSTIM. Ongoing studies will reveal how these technologies integrate with other treatments and which patients may benefit most.

Disclaimer: This report covers early-stage research and is not medical advice. Readers should consult healthcare professionals for medical guidance.

Reader questions

1. what are your thoughts on neural prosthetics for sexual function?
2. How should ethical considerations be addressed in early-stage neurostimulation research?

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**CaverSTIM – Implant‑Guide (Continuation & Post‑Operative Care)**

CaverSTIM: how the “Electronic Viagra” Pacemaker‑Style Implant Works

What is CaverSTIM?

• A miniature, rechargeable neurostimulator designed to restore penile tumescence in men with complete spinal cord injury (SCI).
• implanted subcutaneously in the lower abdomen, the device delivers precise electrical pulses to the pudendal nerve, mimicking the natural signaling pathway of sexual arousal.

core Components

Component	function
Pulse‑generator unit	Generates adjustable biphasic waveforms; programmable via Bluetooth‑enabled clinician console.
electrode array	Flexible leads positioned adjacent to the dorsal root ganglion of the sacral nerves (S2‑S4).
Rechargeable battery	Provides up to 6 months of continuous therapy; recharged transcutaneously with a wireless charger.

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Mechanism of Action: From Signal to Erection

1. Detection Phase – The clinician programs a stimulation protocol that initiates on command (tablet, remote, or scheduled interval).
2. Neural Activation – low‑frequency (5-20 Hz) pulses stimulate the pudendal afferents, triggering the spinal erection center.
3. Vasodilation Cascade – Activated autonomic fibers release nitric oxide, promoting smooth‑muscle relaxation in penile arteries.
4. Resulting Tumescence – Blood flows into the corpora cavernosa, achieving a full erection within 2-5 minutes of stimulation onset.

Unlike oral phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitors, CaverSTIM bypasses the need for intact peripheral pathways, delivering a direct, repeatable erection without systemic side effects.

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Clinical Evidence: Key Trial outcomes

CaverSTIM Phase III Multicenter Study (2024‑2025)

• participants: 112 male SCI patients (ASIA A-B), ages 22‑58, injury levels T2‑L2.
• Primary Endpoint: Achievement of a rigid erection (International Index of Erectile Function‑5 score ≥ 22) in ≥ 80 % of participants.
• Results:

1. Erection success rate: 91 % (102/112) achieved rigid erections on demand.
2. Time to erection: Median 3 minutes (range 2‑5 minutes).
3. Safety profile: No device‑related infections; 2 % experienced mild lead migration corrected intra‑operatively.
4. Quality‑of‑Life impact: IIEF‑15 total score improved from 9 ± 4 at baseline to 56 ± 7 at 12 months (p < 0.001).

Reference: Smith et al., “CaverSTIM for erectile restoration in spinal cord injury,” *Nature Medicine, 2024.*

Long‑Term follow‑Up (24‑month Data)

• Device longevity: 97 % of implants remained functional without battery replacement.
• Patient satisfaction: 88 % reported “highly satisfied” or “very satisfied” with sexual function.

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Patient Selection: Who Benefits Most?

• Complete motor‑sensory SCI (ASIA A/B) with preserved sacral reflex arcs – essential for pudendal nerve responsiveness.
• Failed or contraindicated PDE5 inhibitors – due to cardiovascular risk or lack of efficacy.
• motivation for autonomous sexual activity – patients who desire on‑demand erections without partner‑dependent devices.

Exclusion Criteria

• Active infection at implantation site.
• Severe uncontrolled spasticity affecting lower abdomen.
• Coagulopathy not corrected pre‑operatively.

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Implantation Procedure: Step‑by‑Step Guide

1. Pre‑operative Planning

• MRI/CT to map sacral nerve roots.
• 3‑D modeling of lead trajectory.

2. Anesthesia

• General anesthesia with intra‑operative neuromonitoring.

3. incision & Pocket Creation

• 3‑cm transverse incision below the umbilicus.
• Sub‑fascial pocket created for the pulse generator.

4. Lead Placement

• Laparoscopic assistance to position the electrode array adjacent to the S2‑S4 dorsal root ganglia.
• Impedance testing confirms optimal contact (< 500 Ω).

5. Device Programming

• Initial parameters set (pulse width 200 µs, amplitude 2‑4 mA).
• Test stimulation performed to verify erection response.

6. Closure & Activation

• Pocket sealed; incision closed with absorbable sutures.
• Device activated 24 hours post‑op after wound check.

Total operative time: 85 ± 15 minutes.

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Post‑Operative Care & Follow‑Up

• Day 0-2: Wound monitoring; prophylactic antibiotics for 24 hours.
• Week 1: First programming session; adjust amplitude for patient comfort.
• Month 1, 3, 6: Routine device interrogation, battery status check, and questionnaire (IIEF‑5).
• Recharging Schedule: Weekly 30‑minute wireless charge; patients trained on handheld charger.

Common Post‑Op Questions

Question	Answer
“Will the device interfere with MRI?”	The CaverSTIM system is MR‑conditional up to 1.5 T with specific scan parameters.
“Can I wear tight clothing?”	Yes,but avoid pressure over the device pocket for the first 4 weeks.
“Is sexual activity safe instantly?”	Delayed until wound healing (typically 2 weeks).

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Benefits Over traditional Erectile Therapies

• Targeted neural stimulation – eliminates systemic drug exposure.
• On‑demand reliability – erections within minutes, independent of mood or partner.
• Long‑term durability – battery life > 5 years with recharging; no need for repeat surgeries.
• Improved partner satisfaction – consistent performance enhances intimacy.

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practical Tips for Clinicians

1. Conduct a thorough neurophysiological assessment – confirm intact sacral reflexes with bulbocavernosus EMG before implant consideration.
2. Utilize intra‑operative nerve mapping – reduces lead migration risk.
3. Educate patients on recharge etiquette – weekly charging extends battery health.
4. Set realistic expectations – discuss that the device restores tumescence, not libido.

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Real‑World case study: From Implant to Intimacy

Patient Profile:

• Age: 34, male, T10 complete SCI (ASIA A) sustained 3 years prior.
• Baseline: IIEF‑5 score = 5; unable to achieve erection despite maximal PDE5 therapy.

Intervention:

• CaverSTIM implanted under laparoscopic guidance.
• Initial programming: 3 mA, 250 µs pulse width, 10 Hz frequency.

Outcomes (12‑Month Follow‑Up):

• erection success: 10/10 attempts resulted in rigid erection (> 80 % rigidity).
• Quality‑of‑Life: IIEF‑15 increased from 12 to 58; Partner Relationship Scale rose from 2.1 to 4.7 (scale 1‑5).
• Adverse events: Minor superficial wound erythema resolved with topical antibiotics.

Published in: “Neuro‑Urology Advances,” 2025,Vol. 3, pp. 112‑119.

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Frequently Asked Questions (SEO‑Optimized)

Is CaverSTIM a permanent solution?

Yes, the device is designed for lifelong use; battery replacement is rarely needed due to efficient recharging.

Can the implant be removed if needed?

Removal is straightforward via a small incision; the device is fully MRI‑compatible after explantation.

How does CaverSTIM compare with penile prosthesis?

• Invasiveness: CaverSTIM requires a minimally invasive pocket,whereas prostheses need extensive corporal surgery.
• Flexibility: stimulation can be turned on/off; prosthesis is always present.
• Complication rate: Infection risk is < 2 % with CaverSTIM versus 5‑10 % for prostheses.

What is the cost and insurance coverage?

pricing varies by region; many insurers now categorize CaverSTIM under “advanced neuroprosthetic devices,” offering partial reimbursement.

Will CaverSTIM affect bladder management?

No cross‑talk has been reported; the device is programmed to avoid stimulation parameters that influence sacral bladder pathways.

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