Penile flow index and its role in classification of erectile dysfunction: a preliminary report

A method is described to confirm vascular disorders in sexual impotence by a simple noninvasive screening technique. Doppler ultrasound signals are registered from superficial dorsal penile arteries and arteria radialis. The penile flow index (PFI) is determined by dividing the mean values of both measurements. An insufficient vascular support of the penis is assumed if the amplitude of the dorsal penile arteries is less than one third of that of the a. radialis. Identical Doppler signals are registered in superficial dorsal and deep cavernosal arteries.