FrankTalk.org

A bit more then a year ago I had my first implant at age 34. So far so happy and amazed! While I'm trying not to overuse it, to make the implant last as long as possible, I've come across some posts suggesting that I can only expect the implant to last about 5 years on average. This has got me a bit worried.

Given my life expectancy, I'm looking at potentially going through 8 additional surgeries over my lifetime. That's a total of 9 surgeries! Not only does each surgery carry its own risks, but I'm also concerned about whether my body can handle that many procedures over time.

Does anyone know if implant manufacturers actively working on increasing the longevity of their products?

It would be reassuring to know if there are developments in the pipeline that might reduce the number of replacement surgeries needed in the long run.

As far as your body goes. My dr implanted a 101 year old man. But he was in really good health. So there is that to think about.

I heard rumors that the new titan that should be coming out has it's tubing made with the same material as the cylinders.
Tubing is the weak point for the titan, so it potentially could drastically increase the durability.
But then again, how can they charge you for new devices if they make it too durable?
I would happily pay the equivalent of 8 implants for one that lasts a lifetime, but i doubt they have enough incentive to do it.

From what i heard though, the durability with the new one should definetly be better, so we can be hopeful

SwissTalk wrote:A bit more then a year ago I had my first implant at age 34. So far so happy and amazed! While I'm trying not to overuse it, to make the implant last as long as possible, I've come across some posts suggesting that I can only expect the implant to last about 5 years on average. This has got me a bit worried.

Given my life expectancy, I'm looking at potentially going through 8 additional surgeries over my lifetime. That's a total of 9 surgeries! Not only does each surgery carry its own risks, but I'm also concerned about whether my body can handle that many procedures over time.

Does anyone know if implant manufacturers actively working on increasing the longevity of their products?

It would be reassuring to know if there are developments in the pipeline that might reduce the number of replacement surgeries needed in the long run.

indeed wrote:I heard rumors that the new titan that should be coming out has it's tubing made with the same material as the cylinders.
Tubing is the weak point for the titan, so it potentially could drastically increase the durability.
But then again, how can they charge you for new devices if they make it too durable?
I would happily pay the equivalent of 8 implants for one that lasts a lifetime, but i doubt they have enough incentive to do it.

From what i heard though, the durability with the new one should definetly be better, so we can be hopeful

SwissTalk wrote:A bit more then a year ago I had my first implant at age 34. So far so happy and amazed! While I'm trying not to overuse it, to make the implant last as long as possible, I've come across some posts suggesting that I can only expect the implant to last about 5 years on average. This has got me a bit worried.

Given my life expectancy, I'm looking at potentially going through 8 additional surgeries over my lifetime. That's a total of 9 surgeries! Not only does each surgery carry its own risks, but I'm also concerned about whether my body can handle that many procedures over time.

Does anyone know if implant manufacturers actively working on increasing the longevity of their products?

It would be reassuring to know if there are developments in the pipeline that might reduce the number of replacement surgeries needed in the long run.

Where did you hear that Coloplast is going to make the tubing of the same material as the cylinders?
The tubing has been the weak point of the Titan for some time now. Why only, all of a sudden, have they decided to do this?

They last longer than you have been led to believe.

My urologist & staff told me to plan on a life span of 10 years for the device. Looking at the most recent data and scholarly papers, 77% of implants are still chugging along fine after 10. At 20 years, 53% are functional.

The median life of the implants installed in the late 90s/early 2000s and since appears to be about 22 years.

So if mine last 22 years will I still want another at age 85? You’re damned right.

Well I haven't read about this improved Titan outside Franktalk, where the news came from patients of some surgeons working in Coloplast's Centers of Excellence. I think they're believeable source so let's just hope it turns into reality ASAP.
But I've seen some AMS guy talking about their new implant on reddit and it seems they're working on bluetooth controlled device. I hope this one comes with improvements in terms of durability too.
We can't forget that along with devices we'll see improvement in the surgery field, I'm talking new infection protocols (like 'Carrion Cast'), reconstructive operations etc.

indeed wrote:I heard rumors that the new titan that should be coming out has it's tubing made with the same material as the cylinders.

Great! New and improved Titan with 5 dog ears instead of only 2!

I'm kidding.

new implant on reddit and it seems they're working on bluetooth controlled device.

I can’t hardly wait for the day Dr. Clavell has to fix me up with a revision surgery ‘cause my Bluetooth wouldn’t pair right!

Always something new coming down the pipeline .. this sort of surgery and devices have only been really on the market since the mid 70's so they have made progress.

Subcutaneous pairing is nice, less invasive

Need clinical trials with positive results and above all, approval from the FDA Lords is required. It’s definitely going to be a long shot!