*Metallic device grows when heated to help men with severe erectile dysfunction
*Men with chronic gum disease likely to suffer impotence, study warns
Scientists have created a heat-activated metal penis to help men with erectile dysfunction.

Developed by experts at the University of Wisconsin in United States (U.S.), the remote-controlled device lengthens to eight inches when heated to 42 degree Celsius.
The coil then warms the implant, making it expand and fully erect.

The device is made using nitinol, a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, which can change shape in different temperatures.
According to The Sun UK, the prototype device is to be tested on animals and could be available to men within a few years.

Asif Muneer from the British Association of Urological Surgeons, told The Sun the device had potential to benefit thousands of men suffering with erectile dysfunction.
“There are fewer components than with existing inflatable implants and that reduces the chances of infection,” he said.

Some patients are not suitable for existing treatments because they have already had major abdominal surgery, say for prostate or bladder cancer, and have a lot of scarring.
“With this technique, that’s not a problem.”
Dr. Brian Le, from the University of Wisconsin, was among the team who developed the device.

He said: “We demonstrated that an Ni-Ti-based prosthesis can produce the mechanical forces necessary for producing a simulated erection without the need for a pump or reservoir, comparable with existing prostheses.”

This is not the first bionic penis to be developed by scientists.
Mohammad Abad, 44, from Edinburgh was fitted with the £70,000 replacement in 2012 after losing his penis and testicle when he was run over by a car at age six.

Four years ago, Mohammed had the life-changing surgery to create his penis, which was constructed using skin from his forearm rolled up like a “sausage roll”.

It was only made fully functional in July 2015 after a special operation, and he now he has an implant that allows him to have erections at the touch of a button.

Meanwhile, according to a new review of existing studies erectile dysfunction is more common in men with gum disease.

The authors write in the International Journal of Impotence Research, that chronic bacterial infection of the gums, or periodontitis, is common and a major cause of tooth loss for adults.

The condition has been tied to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and general inflammation, which in turn have been tied stroke and hardening of the arteries.
Stroke and hardening of the arteries are also associated with erectile dysfunction (ED).

“In our opinion, the actual biological mechanism of ED in periodontitis patients remains poorly understood,” said senior author Dr. Zhigang Zhao of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University in China.

“It might still be too early to suggest that men with ED should have their teeth checked; and that men with chronic periodontitis should worry about their sexual function,” Zhao said.
“However, it might be beneficial to inform patients with chronic periodontitis about its association with ED.”

The reviewers analyzed data from five studies published between 2009 and 2014, including one randomized controlled trial.
In total, the studies covered 213,000 participants aged 20 to 80.

Each study found erectile dysfunction was more common among men being treated for chronic periodontitis, particularly for those younger than 40 and older than 59.

After accounting for diabetes, which can influence both gum disease and sexual function, erectile dysfunction was 2.28 times more common for men with periodontitis than for men without it, according to the report in the International Journal of Impotence Research.

“Since chronic periodontitis had been linked with several chronic disorders, it is sensible to recommend daily inter-dental cleaning to reduce dental plaque and gingival inflammation,” Zhao said.
“Chronic periodontitis treatment can control or eliminate inflammation and may reduce the risk of ED.”

One study in 2013 found that treating periodontitis improves erectile dysfunction symptoms.

Furthermore, clinicians should be aware of the potential role played by periodontitis disease in the development of erectile dysfunction,” Zhao said.

http://m.guardian.ng/features/eight-inches-remote-control-bionic-penis-created/