With his recent designation as an AMS 700 Penile Implant Center of Excellence surgeon, Dr. Kapadia is now a COE-designated doctor for both major inflatable implantable penile prostheses on the market. As such, there might be no better time to compare the two devices to see which is better for any given patient.
Hint: Each penile implant device has pros and cons and may suit different anatomies. Both devices have size and rigidity options depending on the patient’s needs. As such, Dr. Kapadia chooses the best device for his patients without regard to loyalty to one device maker or the other.
That said, let’s dig deeper into the differences between the two.
The Feel
The AMS 700 penile implant comprises a three-ply layered design incorporating soft and natural-feeling silicone. This makes the implant feel natural. Patients and their partners tend not to notice the implant once it has healed and they’ve gotten used to it. On the flip side, this softer implant makes it slightly more prone to breakage with heavy usage and over the long term, though this is exceedingly rare.
On the other hand, the Coloplast Titan uses a more robust fabric known as Bioflex. Stronger than silicone, it has the advantage of retaining higher pressures. With that said, however, the implant does suffer from the potential for dog-earing as it begins to fold when the penis is flaccid. Most patients and their partners will not notice the implant when the penis is erect but may when it is not.
Rigidity
While both device makers tout the rigidity of their devices, we have found that the implants, no matter how filled, make less of a difference in the rigidity of an erection than the penis’s tissue layer, known as the tunica albuginea and the blood vessels or tunica media. While there are some differences in the rigidity of the device, we don’t believe that it makes a significant difference to most patients.
Length and Girth Options
Both penile implant options come in various sizes, lengths, and girths to suit most men’s penises. Remember that when we size a penile implant, we do so considering the man’s natural anatomy and do not seek to increase length or girth, though rarely, this is a welcome secondary effect of the implant. The Titan implant is suitable for larger penises. For the average man, however, there are suitable options in both implant ranges.
Infection Risk
Both devices have a low postoperative infection rate, but they achieve these results differently. The AMS 700 penile implant comes pre-coated with an antibiotic layer from the factory. This antibiotic layer is known as InhibiZone and works very well in most patients. On the other hand, the Coloplast Titan uses a hydrophilic outer coating that allows Dr. Kapadia to choose the antibiotic and dip the implant therein. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for patients with a rare allergy to InhibiZone.
Inflating the Implant
Both implants use a manual inflation pump hidden with the scrotum to allow patients to create an erection on demand with between 10 and 15 pumps. While the primary mechanism is the same, most patients find the Coloplast Titans pump to be more pronounced and softer, making it easier to inflate. This can be particularly useful for patients who have arthritic fingers or strength issues in the hand. For most patients, however, getting used to the inflation system is quick and easy, and soon after implantation, it becomes second nature.
The Release Valve
Regarding the release valve, the opposite of the above tends to be true, with most patients preferring the valve of the AMS 700, which is easier to find and vibrates as water passes through it. This means that patients are sure, even in the dark, that they are draining the implant. The Coloplast Titan’s release valve is somewhat less sophisticated, but again, patients get used to it quickly.
The Water Reservoir
Ideally, the water reservoir that supplies the liquid to create the erection is implanted deep within the pelvis. Doing so keeps it well hidden and comfortable. Both companies have a more traditionally bulbous reservoir when this is possible. Both companies also have a thinner form version of the reservoir for patients for whom we cannot implant the reservoir within the pelvis. Both lower-profile reservoirs work well, but when push comes to shove, the AMS 700 reservoir may be a slightly lower profile and, therefore, may be more comfortable in a wide range of patients.
Durability
The longevity and durability of any implanted medical device will depend on a few factors. Both manufacturers are highly regarded for their quality, and therefore, we expect very few manufacturer defects that would require explanation. Factors such as vigorous sexual activity and frequent usage may reduce the life of the implant. However, most patients with an average sex life and exercising proper care can expect the implant to last for 15 years or longer.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, the two primary penile implant devices are very similar in how they’re implanted, used, and function. Ensuring that you take care of the implant will keep it working well for as long as possible, and as a patient of Dr. Kapadia, you know you will always have his support should you have any questions or concerns about your implant.