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Cavernosal Duplex Scan

A cavernosal duplex scan uses sound waves to see how well the blood flows through the arteries to the penis. Proper arterial blood flow is needed for erections to occur. This test helps find out if changes in blood flow are the cause of erectile dysfunction.

Two sets of blood flow images are obtained: when the penis is flaccid (not erect) and erect (after prostaglandin is injected).

A nurse conducts the exam and is assisted by a technologist (tech). The test is done in the Vascular Lab. Most often your stay in lab is about an hour, but may last up to two hours.

Before the Test
No smoking on the day of your test. There are no other preparations for this test.

Day of the Test

Arriving at the Hospital
Check in at the Vascular Lab reception desk (Galter Pavilion, 251 East Huron St., 8th floor) 10 minutes before your test time. Parking is available.

Be sure to bring:

  • Written doctor's order for the test
  • Insurance card
  • Medicare card (Medicare patients only)
  • Check or credit card (if your insurance does not cover this test)

For their own safety, children under the age of 16 may not visit the testing area. They may stay in the waiting room with a responsible adult.

During the Test

  • You will be given a sheet and asked to remove all clothing below the waist.
  • The nurse will assist you in lying on a bed. A warm, clear gel will be applied to the penis.
  • Then the nurse will move a small hand-held device (transducer) against the skin on the shaft of the penis. The transducer transmits sound waves to a monitor where images of arteries and blood flow are seen by the tech and saved for later review.
  • Next the nurse will inject prostaglandin into the penis. A very tiny needle, finer than a strand of hair, is used. This medicine causes the blood vessels in the penis to enlarge and usually results in an erection after about 10 to 20 minutes. Once the penis is erect, the scan will be repeated.
  • Most patients have little discomfort with this test. If the injection causes a rigid erection, some pain in the penis may occur. These erections usually go away within one to two hours, as does the pain.

After the Test
The nurse will monitor the erection. Once the erection becomes less firm, you will be free to leave. If the erection persists for more than an hour, medicine will be given to allow the penis to return to a relaxed state. You may resume your normal diet and activities.

Most often, test results are sent to your doctor within two to three business days.

Contact
If you have questions about this test, please contact the Center for Urology staff at (312)-926-4666.

 

Review Date: 12/03

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