Postby LastHope » Sun Dec 22, 2024 12:53 pm
Some interesting Q and A so far from his YouTube comments:
Question 1:
Can't find the question but it seems to be related to the classic girth complaints with malleables and the reason behind it...
Dr. Hakky:
The manufacturers make them skinnier for easier insertion as they only come in 13 mm diameter which is less than the inflatable 18 mm Boston Scientific and 23 mm Coloplast.
Question 2:
About how much will one downsize with a malleable to offset erosion? I often hear a centimeter at best. How do you determine whether to downsize by either 1 or 2 cm. I'm assuming diabetic would be 2cms?
Dr. Hakky:
I usually downsize 1-2 cm. As a rule, most surgeons will aim for this size drop. I determine using tissue elasticity and is patient diabetic or on steroids. Yes, diabetics would be better with 2 cm off.
Question 3:
Thank you for this informative demo! How would you rank these 3 malleable implants in terms of axial rigidity?
Dr. Hakky:
Subjectively - from most rigid to least
Rigicon
Boston Scientific
Coloplast
For flexibility - from hardest to easiest to bend.
Boston Scientific
Rigicon
Coloplast
For consealability - from easiest to hardest
Coloplast
Rigicon
Tactra
I plan on doing an axial loading test for data in the future.
Question 4:
Thanks a lot for your videos. After three 3-piece failures in just 4 years (two AMS CX for defective pumps and a Titan Touch for tubing rupture), I'm currently on my fourth 3-piece, again Titan Touch because in my country the classic pump is not available. Since I'm just 34 years old, I'm definitely considering a malleable for my next revision but my biggest fear is not being able to ride bicycles anymore with a malleable (I'm a semi-pro cyclist on both road and mountain bike and I ride about 10/15 hours per week). Do you think it will be possible to still ride with this type of implant?
Dr. Hakky:
Yes, you can ride a bike but you will need to get a malleable that you can conceal or bend, so Rigicon or Coloplast.
Q5:
Some YouTube videos seem to indicate that the Coloplast Genesis, with its silver core, has weaker axial rigidity, lower durability, and higher fracture rates compared to the Boston Scientific Tactra, which has an advanced Nitinol alloy core. What has been your experience in this regard?
A:
Thank you for the message. While the silver core is weaker I have not seen that many fractures as both devices are quite durable. The nitinol coil has too much memory and in this the winner is Rigicon. Outside the us, they have a 14 mm diameter device.
Q6:
How do you handle post-op questions for overseas or out-of-state patients?
A:
We do virtual visits weeks 2 and 4, infection rates are under 0.25 percent.
Q7:
Does Rigicon Rigi 10 have any Bioflex antibiotics coating or not?
A:
Rigicon Rigi10 has hydrophilic coating like Coloplast Genesis, so it's surgeon dependent.
Q8:
There are complaints from folks having the Rigicon Rigi10 in public forums, saying it is a real pain to bend downwards once implanted. The same gripe is present with the Boston Scientific Tactra after implantation into the body. From an overall perspective, maybe the Coloplast Genesis is the best bet. Since Genesis is the softest of the 3 malleables from the POV of axial rigidity, do patients complain about its axial rigidity? Thank you.
A:
Yes, I get complaints. The 9.5 and 11mm ones can be a little soft, but workable. No complaints from the 13mm Genesis.
Q
How many years does it typically take before they need replacing because its rigidity has diminished due to wear and tear?
A:
Usually the semirigid devices last 15year plus!! Usually then loose their bendyness for lack of a better word at 15years in my experience and seeing them thru my career.
Last edited by
LastHope on Tue Feb 18, 2025 11:02 am, edited 4 times in total.