By Omar MOULAY, MD
Penile compression clamps (PCCs).
They are urethral compression devices designed to minimize male urinary leakage while maintaining blood flow to the penis.
PCCs are known to be an effective palliative modality for male urinary incontinence. Used to control stress incontinence or dribbling of urine, they offer an alternative to surgical approaches.
Designed to be worn daily, they are more secure and less likely to leak than pads, allowing men the opportunity to participate in all types of vigorous activities.
They are also a good money saver in the long run, compared to the constant use of disposable pads and guards.
At this point, you’re certainly asking yourself: seems great….is it safe?
That is a very good question, for which, Manufacturers are working constantly, engineering the best safety-versus-efficacy designs.
There is no correlation between price and patient satisfaction. The most frequent issue seems to be described by users as bad design or material related discomfort (device caught in underwear or pinches the skin, heavy or uncomfortable material).
There is a theoretical potential for deformation-inflicted tissue damage due to elevated tissue stress, leading to a risk of low penile blood flow, skin irritation, pressure ulcers (PU) and Urethral diverticulum.
While higher risk of Urinary Tract Infection is present with obstruction by any mechanism and at any level of the urinary tract.
An inflammatory response can be noted as early as 10min of compression, and tissue and blood flow compromise can be measured throughout the compression time.
Fortunately, some simple user guidelines can help lower the risk to a viable minimum.
Cuff-type and knurl-type PCCs pose the highest potential tissue damage with a critical tissue pressure, regularly exceeding 10 kPa (75 mmHg), while the normal mean pressure at the capillary level may be next to 25-30 mmHg.
The soft and contoured PCCs produced the lowest values of these mechanical parameters. Constructed of soft contact material (Foam, sponge, rubber) and can be adjusted to fit comfortably.
Pressure of compression needs to be adjusted for best personal comfort, and adapted to patient anatomy.
When applied for less than 1 hour, these PCDs did not cause sustained irritation and skin health measures recovered 40 mins after PCD removal. Longer periods are often recommended by manufacturers but have yet to be tested.
Compression is usually put mid-shaft, then opened, to allow urine to flow, and repositioned each urination, or each 1-2 hours, never more than 2 hours.
Vigilance is required for any tingeing, redness or soreness.
The device itself needs to be regularly washed or cleaned, then checked for cracks and texture defects, to be changed generally each 2 to 6 months.
Most designs are available for all ages and sizes, and are meant to be effective, for an all day use, on both circumcised or uncircumcised men.
Some manufacturers don’t recommend using the clamp while sleeping
Special care needs to be taken if used with non-autonomous and unconscious persons.
Professional advice should be seeked at all times, before starting, for first use, and for regular checkups.
Some of the most popular designs are shown next:
Bard Cunningham Clamp
Bard Cunningham Incontinence Clamp is a hinged, stainless steel frame supporting two foam rubber pads and a locking device.
The lower inverted "V" pad presses against the urethra to the underside of the penis.
It is reusable, washable, and adjustable, thanks to a five settings ratchet locking clamping mechanism.
Suitable for use with males of all ages, it is available in 3 sizes : juvenile (1-1/2"), regular (2") and large (3").
Caution:
- Contains latex which may cause allergic reactions.
- Do not use it at night while you are sleeping.
- Change after 3 months of regular use, or earlier if necessary
Cleaning Tips:
- Wash in a sink with mild soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Sponge needs to be squeezed out of water
- Air dry at room temperature.
- Do not use bleach, detergent, or hot water on your clamp.
Many Users keep three serviceable urine clamps on-hand at any given time. They rotate between two of the clamps daily and keep one as a spare. Rotating the clamp daily allows the foam pads to reposition fully before each use.
Pacey Cuff Ultra
With its Premium quality design, it promises comfortable usage without restricted blood flow, thanks to its circular shape that wraps around the penis, plus a very soft and thin, yet strong, neoprene fabric Sleeve.
A few key points:
- It is reusable, and durable (lasting at least 6 months)
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The Pacey Cuff Ultra is available in 4 Sizes : S / M / L / XL
- The Cuff Power Sleeves are available in 3 sizes : Size 1 (Small) - 2 (Medium) - 3 (Large)
- Every Pacey Cuff Ultra includes one free Power Sleeve.
- Extra Sleeves are available in packs of 3 same-size.
WIESNER Incontinence Clamp
The Original, ergonomic design is very easy to sanitize. Comes along with multi size guides, for better customization results.
Disclaimer :
This blog is for general education and does not intend to replace your professional advisor
Please don’t buy from unprofessional sellers
Please share your intended use with your Doctor, Pharmacist or Health Supplier
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