When The Implant Expires

[Vagabond127]

Thinking way too far ahead BUT I'm wondering if anyone has had to deal with an implant breaking down. How long did the implant last? Did you have to find a new surgeon? Was the new implant bigger, smaller or the same? Did manufacurer and insurance pay for it. Was the recovery easier the second time? Was the new one more advanced than the first one? All feedback is greatly appreciated.

[KMeister]

Thinking way too far ahead BUT I'm wondering if anyone has had to deal with an implant breaking down. How long did the implant last? Did you have to find a new surgeon? Was the new implant bigger, smaller or the same? Did manufacurer and insurance pay for it. Was the recovery easier the second time? Was the new one more advanced than the first one? All feedback is greatly appreciated.

The implant itself has a lifetime warranty. If it breaks down mechanically you get a new one at no cost for the implant itself. You do have to pay for the doctors, the operation facility, etc. I had the same surgeon do my revision and my insurance paid for everything minus my deductibles. Recovery was definitely easier the second time around. I switched from a Coloplast to an AMS. I like the AMS better because it's much more comfortable when flaccid.

KMeister

[Vagabond127]

KMeister thank you for your VERY helpfull info. I'm new to all of this and am loading myself up with tons of information.

[David_R]

Read below for the details of my implant history. My insurance (Medicare and supplemental) paid for everything in 2014 (if I had done it before I went on Medicare and supplemental, I would have had a deductible/copay for the services but not for the implant itself, which is why I waited till I went on Medicare before having the second one put in).

[bselfsc]

10 years ago I had a AMS Ambicor (2 chamber) install at same time I had an AMS artificial sphincter install... doctor went with Ambicor since sphincter had reservoir to be installed... penile implant functioned correctly about 4 years......this pass December for #1 problem had sling added to help incontinence..and a Titan 3 chamber, since he had to cut on me.......

doctor had no difficulty removing and replacing..implant and after 4 months only discomfort is size of bulb pump.. but am sure it will wear in... Titian gave me greater length & girth... and of course rigidity and very active life...am so so happy I had it done

[linebackerJ]

I have been bionic since I was almost 18.

First implant was in 1988 and failed in 1999

Second one lasted till 2007 and replaced in 2007

Third one lasted till late 2015 and was replaced last month. Revision was done on the most recent implant yesterday but there was no need to change it just get it back into place.

As for upgrades I only know the last 2. I went from a 18 cm AMS 700CX with 1cm rear tip extenders to a 18cm AMS700 LGX with 3cm RTE's.

I am Canadian so this has not cost me anything.