Key note speech at the 5th Innovation Shockwave Conference in London

Venn Healthcare Innovation 2023: Breakthrough Treatments with Shockwave and EMTT

Have you had a morning erection today?

Sometimes you need to start a conference with an unexpected question, and when I stood on stage at the Venn Healthcare Innovation 2023 shockwave conference in London, I took this approach. Just minutes into my keynote speech on urology, I posed this question to the audience. It brought a smile, but also some reflection. Because in men, morning erections are one of the most important indicators of vascular and neurological health, and thus also an important topic when talking about the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

The conference offered a unique opportunity to present the latest research and most effective methods in non-invasive treatments for ED and Peyronie’s disease. I had the pleasure of sharing my experiences with low-intensity focused shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) and electromagnetic transduction therapy (EMTT), two technologies that have proven to revolutionize the treatment of men’s health issues.

Groundbreaking Advances in the Treatment of Incontinence

In addition to treating ED, I also had the opportunity to present one of my latest breakthroughs in the non-invasive treatment of incontinence. It’s an area that rarely gets the attention it deserves, but affects millions of men around the world. Through EMTT and other regenerative therapies, we are now opening new doors to treatments that were previously limited to surgical procedures or ineffective solutions.

Valuable Networking and Knowledge Exchange

A conference isn’t just about presentations – it’s also an invaluable opportunity to learn from others and make new connections. The conversations during the breaks and social dinners were just as valuable as the official presentations. Particularly inspiring were my discussions with Ludger Gerdesmeyer, one of the pioneers of EMTT, where we delved into the latest advances and the potential for future applications of the technology.

I would like to say a big thank you to all the participants as well as to Jonny, Sarah, Jenny, James, Thomas and the rest of the team for making this event a fantastic experience. It was also a pleasure to meet Benoy, Helen and Stuart in person and discuss the future of these treatments.

What does the research say?

Research is increasingly supporting the effectiveness of shockwave treatments for ED. Here are some of the most notable studies:

• LI-ESWT is safe and effective in the treatment of ED in both patients who respond to PDE-5 inhibitors and those who do not (Vinarov, 2019).
• LIESWT can improve sexual and erectile function in patients with ED after radical prostatectomy (Hinati, 2023).
• The IIEF-5 score and EHS (erectile hardness scale) improved in patients who underwent LI-ESWT and the results were sustained after 12 months (Cocci, 2023).
• Higher energy intensity can yield better results (Porst, 2020).
• 57% of men with ED experienced a positive effect of a 5-session LI-ESWT treatment (Lund, 2013).

Treatment Considerations and Challenges

While LI-ESWT has proven to be an effective treatment for many patients, there are also important factors to consider:

• LI-ESWT is a valid but often temporary solution for men with cardiovascular risk factors or controlled hypertension (Sikic, 2022).
• Patient outcomes depend on lifestyle choices, comorbidities and any medication.
• Combination therapies can significantly increase the effectiveness of treatment.

A Holistic Approach to ED Treatment

One of the main conclusions from the conference was the need for a holistic approach to treating erectile dysfunction. Shockwave therapy alone can provide good results, but to ensure long-term success, treatment should be supplemented with a combination of the following:

• Individually tailored sessions based on ED severity
• PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g. sildenafil or tadalafil)
• Nutritional supplements that support blood flow and hormone balance
• Vacuum equipment for penile rehabilitation
• Pelvic floor training to strengthen the relevant muscles
• General exercise and weight loss to improve vascular function
• Reduce smoking and alcohol, as both negatively affect blood circulation
• A psychological approach and sexual health education
• EMTT as a complementary treatment for better regeneration and long lasting results

Motivation and the role of the client

One of the key takeaways from the conference was that the success of treatment depends largely on the patient’s own efforts. Tissue quality and motivation to work on lifestyle changes play a crucial role in how good and lasting the results will be. Treatment is not just a quick-fix solution, but a journey towards a healthier life.

The future of Shockwave and EMTT

With the rapid development of regenerative therapies such as shockwave and EMTT, we are only just beginning to see the potential of these technologies. The coming years are likely to bring even more improvements, new protocols and more precise treatment methods that can be individually tailored to each patient.

I look forward to continuing to contribute to this development and to more exciting discussions – not least in Liverpool, where I will soon be meeting with Gerard and Yves to discuss how we can take shockwave and EMTT to the next level.