Vasculogenic impotence: diagnosis and objective evaluation using quantitative segmental pulse volume recorder.

Pulse volume recordings were obtained in 60 normal subjects and 74 patients with a history of impotence using a technique that is simple, reliable, inexpensive, reproducible and capable of standardisation. It measures the contributions of all vessels in the penis. The components of the electronic package are described. The pulse volume amplitudes, pulse contours and other measurements in normal subjects are defined. The results give a reliable index of penile blood flow. Pulse volume recordings were also found to correlate with the severity of pelvic angiographic patterns of occlusive disease. Further investigation is necessary to determine the precision with which the method can detect penile blood flow in patients with early vascular disease.