The Potential Sensor: Design and development of a novel patient-friendly instrument for non-invasive erectile dysfunction diagnostics

This study introduces The Potential Sensor, a proof-of-principle system designed for nocturnal erection detection. The article introduces a novel approach to non-invasive ED diagnostics, which aims to optimize patient comfort and consequently system validity through avoidance of applying pressure-based measurements. A literature review on erection physiology and applicable sensor technologies showed evaluated concepts for measuring penile erection, including temperature, circumference, movement, blood oxygenation, and arterial pulse as suitable for application in a patient-friendly diagnostic system. This guided the development of system requirements for a device designed to quantify both erection duration and erection quality through simultaneous assessment of multiple physiological principles. The proposed system integrates four commercially available sensor types (thermistors, stretch sensors, accelerometers, and pulse oximeters) and connects these to a microprocessor that transmits data via Bluetooth. Initial testing of the sensor components confirmed precision and accuracy of the device, demonstrating readiness for future feasibility and clinical validation studies. The Potential Sensor offers a unique diagnostic approach, which presents as a promising alternative to traditional nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity tests, by enhancing patient comfort. This novel approach has the potential not only to reintroduce non-invasive diagnostics in clinical practice, but also to improve the understanding of physiological mechanisms underlying erectile dysfunction.