Pump not working

[ck1701]

I have had my AMS implant for two years. It got easier and softer to pump as time went by.
Now I can't get an erection. The "bulb" feels hard and doesn't "pop" open. I can hear
the noise that it would make when deflating. My opinion is that somehow the release valve is
stuck open which does not allow the in plant to remain inflated.

Anyone with similar experience

[ViaSwiss]

I've read a # of posts here with similar issues. The best response is always to contact your rep, they have some tricks that help.

One that I have read is that if you hold the release valve really hard and try to pump really hard at the same time, sometimes it pops it back open. Keep us updated.

[ck1701]

I have kept from trying to hold the release valve and pumping. I know it will not inflate if you do this.
I remember reading somewhere to avoid that, don't know the exact reason why.
Will attempt to contact Boston Scientific.

[rjdoan]

I was reading some info on the internet and you might check to see if your pump is on the recall list.
Yes, there is an AMS pump recall list:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfRES/res.cfm?id=184038#:~:text=The%20recalling%20firm%20has%20observed,order%20to%20achieve%20cylinder%20inflation.

It is titled: Class 2 Device Recall AMS 700 Inflatable Penile Prosthesis
It looks as if it affects most of the models out there.

[Waynetho]

The recall mentioned previously mentions only during activation of the implant. After two years this event has long passed.

You could try to do a pump reset (squeeze the ends of the long rectangular block over the pump bulb). The deflate valve will not be pressed when pressing the two opposing ends of the block as the deflate valve is on the long side, not the ends.

This is a method listed in the AMS documentation for resetting the pump in some situations. I believe it also mentioned the previous suggestion (or someone here mentioned the Patient Liaison told them to) of pumping while pressing the deflate button, to reset it.

[newbie443]

Yes the published AMS information for the 700 implant is to never press the deflate button and squeeze the bulb at the same time. This is in the user DVD. But there are times this can be done to reset the pump. The AMS rep I contacted ask me questions about my problem before instructing me to do so. So this is not something any of us should do before contacting an AMS rep and being instructed to do this. It would seem there are times and conditions when this should not be done. And the reason this is advised not to do in the AMS publications.

I hope this helps for others to understand this. That doing this without contacting an AMS rep first is taking a risk.

Good luck with this.

[ck1701]

For others that might experience this issue, this is the reply I got from Boston Scientific.


Always start the process by first pushing in on the deflate button – this will reset the poppet valve; after you have pushed in the button, then try to activate by giving the pump a good hard fast vigorous squeeze – you should hear or feel a pop
Also, always pull down on the pump when you are attempting to inflate to straighten out any folds or kinks in the cylinders or tubing
Burping the pump – push the deflate button in and while holding it in, squeeze the pump at the same time; this a one or two time trick only – it will either work or it won’t and you may feel a burp or “squish” of fluid or air. If the pump goes flat and stays flat, simply push the deflate button again and the pump will refill. After this maneuver return to step 1. If you still don’t have success, then:
Anti-Stiction – push the deflate button and simultaneously and firmly squeeze the shaft of the penis and hold for 30 seconds. Then return to step 1. You may try this maneuver numerous times.
The Reboot: push inward on the sides of the deflation block (as if you are trying to squeeze the rectangle into a square) .
Push on the back side of the pump (opposite of the deflation button); you can identify the spot by feeling for the ridged circle. By pushing inwards on this spot, the poppet valve can be manually displaced if stuck to the back wall. Do not “crush” the deflate button when depressing it; if you push too hard it can cause the valve to get stuck to the back wall. After this maneuver return to step 1.
Patients also tell me they sometimes have better (or less painful success) if they try these maneuvers after a warm bath or shower (or even while in the tub.)

[newbie443]

Did you get your pump working and if so what fixed it for you?

[Trchd1]

I had something like that happened to me I had a pump installed in 2020 and within six months the pump would not pump anything past 12 squeezes so it was only getting about half erect after Consulting with the reps from AMS they had me go through several methods to correct the pump,all failing
They then told me to see Dr Knoll in Nashville in December he confirmed that the pump was defective and actually told me that it would be a recall surgery and that AMS will pay for everything out of pocketand pay for the new pump
I'm still waiting on a surgery date

[ck1701]

UPDATE:
Background: Initially (when first implanted May 2019) it was hard to get activated. After a couple of visits to the Doctor, we got it going. After the first 3 month, it got easier to pump and get activated. Fast forward and in Dec 2020 (18 months), I started having problems getting it to "pop" once again. The implant has been unusable since Jan 2021 (19 months). It has now been 2 years to the month.
Contacted the BSC and received instructions to try. After being unable to reset the implant as instructed by Boston Scientific, I was asked to see one of their Doctors.
I finally got in to see the Doctor (2 month wait). The implant is defective. It is leaking air. The solution is a full replacement.
The Doctor mentioned the implants are guaranteed for 10 years. I Contacted Boston Scientific to see how to proceed, I was sent a 2018 revised warranty on the product which states:

"BSC will, consistent with these policy terms and conditions, either, i) replace, or ii) issue the Institution a credit invoice for any applicable warranty credit for a BSC Penile Prosthesis, or components thereof (hereafter referred to as “Device”) explanted within the first year because of mechanical, surgical, or medical problems. If BSC issues a credit under this warranty, the credit value shall be either i) the price of the original Device, or ii) current market value of the replacement Device, whichever is lower. No credit will be issued or recompense offered for any medical expenses beyond the price of the original Device or the current market value of the replacement Device".

According to their warranty, I am out of luck!