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Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy Reports on First Clinical Trials Using Shockwave Therapy to Treat ED

Ranjith Ramasamy, M.D., assistant professor of urology and director of reproductive urology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, spoke recently before members of the American Urological Association at its annual convention in San Francisco. His presentation was a summary of randomized clinical trials he conducted on the effects of shockwave therapy for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), a chronic condition that affects 30 million men in the U.S.

Ranjith Ramasamy, M.D.

A specialist in treating male infertility and sexual dysfunction disorders, Ramasamy’s initial findings show that shockwave therapy has the potential to effectively treat ED through the use of Renova-ED, an innovative low-intensity shockwave device that has improved erectile function in some cases. Current treatments attempt to improve ED without treating its underlying pathophysiology.

Ramasamy’s presentation focused on his findings regarding the safety and efficacy of this new type of treatment. Shockwave therapy for ED differs from ESWL (Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy) used on patients with kidney stones in a variety of ways, the most prominent of which is that the energy volume generated by Renova-ED is lower and focused on a more concentrated area. Shockwave therapy is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  to promote wound healing in specific areas such as a treating plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and epicondylitis of the elbow.

According to the urologist and micro-surgeon, shockwave therapy can increase blood flow to the penis and “recruit” or harvest stem cells that enable men suffering from ED to have better erections. The best candidates for this type of therapy are men who have not tried any therapy medications or those who have already tried Viagra or Cialis.

The FDA has yet to approve shockwave therapy for ED, and the Miller School is currently conducting the only clinical trial in the U.S. using this treatment.

More information about Ramasamy’s research is available here.

Tags: ED, erectile disfunction, Ranjith Ramasamy, Renova-I-A v[v, Shockwave therapy