Infla10® Pulse™Also Known As
AUS pump, control pump, urinary sphincter pump, AMS 800 pump, manual control pump, sphincter control mechanism
Definition
A scrotal pump is the manually operated component of an Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) that is surgically placed in the scrotum of male patients.1 This device functions as the control mechanism for the AUS system, which is designed to treat stress urinary incontinence.2 The pump allows patients to manually control the flow of urine by moving fluid between the components of the AUS system.3 When squeezed, the scrotal pump transfers fluid from the urethral cuff to the pressure balloon, causing the cuff to deflate and allowing urine to flow through the urethra.4 After approximately 3 minutes, the fluid automatically returns to the cuff, closing it and preventing further urine leakage.5
Clinical Context
The scrotal pump is a critical component of the Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) system, which is primarily indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence in men.1 This condition commonly occurs following radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, or other urologic surgeries that may compromise the natural urinary sphincter mechanism.2
Patient selection criteria for AUS implantation include:
- Persistent moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence (typically >6 months post-procedure)3
- Failed conservative management (pelvic floor exercises, behavioral therapy)4
- Adequate manual dexterity to operate the pump5
- Absence of urethral stricture or bladder dysfunction4
The surgical procedure for AUS implantation involves placing three components: the urethral cuff around the bulbar urethra, the pressure-regulating balloon in the retropubic space, and the control pump in the scrotum.2 The scrotal placement allows for easy access and manipulation by the patient.3 The procedure can be performed through a perineal approach, a transverse scrotal approach, or a combined approach depending on surgeon preference and patient anatomy.5
Postoperatively, the device remains deactivated for approximately 6-8 weeks to allow for healing.1 Once activated, patients must be educated on proper pump operation, including the squeezing technique and the waiting period before urination can occur.4 Expected outcomes include significant improvement in continence, with success rates of 79-90% reported in various studies.3 However, patients should be counseled about potential complications including mechanical failure, urethral erosion, and infection, which may necessitate revision or removal of the device.2