The ARTUS device: the first feasibility study in human cadavers

INTRODUCTION: The aim was to perform a feasibility study of the new artificial sphincter device ARTUS in human cadavers. ARTUS is a new electro-mechanical device, which may prevent urethral damage due to a new working principle which is to perform only sequential pressure on successive parts of the urethra.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The implantation of the ARTUS device was performed in six cadavers (3 males, 3 females) with different body mass indices. Subsequently the basic operation data (operation time, cuff size, length of wires, complication) were assessed.

RESULTS: The implantation of the ARTUS device is performed easily by the same technique which is commonly used for the AMS 800 implantation. The mean operation time was 20 minutes. The mean cuff size was 4.5 cm in male and 6 cm in female cadavers. The average length of the wires was 12 cm. The necessary subcutaneous pouch had to be bigger than the space used for the tubes of the AMS 800 device. The study is limited by its preclinical setting.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that this new artificial urinary sphincter device can be easily implanted. The technical and surgical approaches are similar to those which are applied in the case of the AMS 800 device. Therefore experienced surgeons will be able to adapt their technique easily.