Treatment of erectile dysfunction using remote ischemic conditioning
The invention contemplates use of remote ischemic conditioning in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
1. A method for treating erectile dysfunction comprising
performing remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) on a subject that has experienced or is experiencing erectile dysfunction, to treat erectile dysfunction,
wherein RIC comprises two cycles, each cycle comprises a one minute of blood flow occlusion period followed by a reperfusion period, and wherein a second or subsequent cycle begins upon conclusion of the reperfusion period of a previous cycle.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the RIC is chronic RIC.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the RIC is acute RIC.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein RIC is performed on a daily basis.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein RIC is performed more than once a day.
6. The method of claim 3 , wherein RIC is performed within 24 hours, within 12 hours, within 6 hours, within 4 hours, within 2 hours, within 1 hour, or within 30 minutes prior to intercourse or other activity requiring an erect penis.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein RIC comprises 3, 4, or 5 cycles.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein each cycle comprises a 5 minute blood occlusion period and a 5 minute reperfusion period.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein RIC is performed repeatedly at the same site.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein RIC is performed repeatedly on an upper limb.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein RIC is performed repeatedly on a lower limb.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject is receiving a second therapy to treat erectile dysfunction.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the second therapy is administered at less than a maximum tolerable dose.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the second therapy is administered at greater than a maximum tolerable dose.