Patent ID: 7097622
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A non-invasive, quantitative somatosensory method for evaluating erectile dysfunction comprising: applying a variable temperature probe at an acclimation temperature to a glans penis of a male patient; starting at the acclimation temperature, raising the temperature of the variable temperature probe in 1° C. increments until the patient can correctly identify which temperature was warmer than the previous temperature at least two consecutive times, and noting such temperature as a first thermal threshold temperature; starting at the acclimation temperature, lowering the temperature of the variable temperature probe in 1° C. increments until the patient can correctly identify which temperature was cooler than the previous temperature at least two consecutive times, and noting such temperature as a second thermal threshold temperature; and applying a series of filaments to the glans penis of the male patient in ascending intensity until the patient can identify a sensation of light pressure and noting such intensity as a sensitivity threshold.