View Larger Image A group photo in front of urology clinic with Brian Langford, M.D., holding large scissors, about to cut a ribbon in front of them all.
Brian Langford, M.D., with scissors, prepares to cut a ribbon to christen the UAMS Urology Clinic in the Premier Medical Plaza an AMS Center of Excellence. He is joined by other urologists, clinic staff and Boston Scientific representatives as they surround the official proclamation. Image by Bryan Clifton

UAMS Becomes First Center of Excellence in Arkansas for Inflatable Penile Prosthesis

By Linda Satter

| LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has been designated the state’s only Center of Excellence for implantation of the AMS 700 Inflatable Penile Prosthesis, a long-term treatment option for patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

ED is a common condition that is believed to affect more than half of men between 40 and 70 years old. It has a number of physical or psychological causes, resulting in the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. This can limit intimacy and affect self-esteem and relationships.

“Being designated as an AMS 700 Center of Excellence confirms that UAMS Urology has a skilled team of experts that provide high-quality care for our ED patients,” said Timothy Langford, M.D., chair of the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Urology.

Brian Langford, M.D., and his father, Timothy Langford, chair of the UAMS Department of Urology, show off a plaque announcing the Center of Excellence desgination.

Brian Langford, M.D., holds the Center of Excellence designation outside the UAMS Urology Clinic. Timothy Langford, M.D., department chairman, stands beside his son.Bryan Clifton

Boston Scientific, manufacturer of the AMS 700, bestowed the Center of Excellence designation on the UAMS Urology Center at 10915 N. Rodney Parham Road during a recent ceremony. The designation recognizes the experience and ability of urologist Brian Langford, M.D., to implant the device.

Langford has performed hundreds of the outpatient procedures, which he said are intended to restore function, allowing patients to be intimate and regain their quality of life.

He said a significant cause of ED is prostate cancer treatment but other causes include diabetes and hypertension.

“This designation recognizes the achievement of Center of Excellence program requirements, including experience with implanting the prosthesis and commitment to continuously educating patients and the community about erectile dysfunction and available treatment options,” Boston Scientific announced.

Langford said the procedure itself usually takes an hour to an hour and a half to perform, although the patient needs to be at the Urology Clinic for about three hours, including preoperative procedures and recovery time.

He said he implants the device into the penis through two small incisions while the patient is sedated. The implant has an antibiotic coating and is entirely concealed within the body. The patient activates it by squeezing and releasing the pump, located in the scrotum.

Langford said the patient returns to his office four to six weeks after the procedure to learn how to use the device. By that time, he said, most patients are able to resume sexual activity.

“The AMS 700 is a unique solution that allows patients to be spontaneous again and is reliable with no medication side effects or ongoing costs,” he said.

In one study evaluating the device, 95% of patients and 90% of partners reported satisfaction with sexual intercourse, according to Boston Scientific.

To contact the UAMS Urology Clinic in the Premier Medical Plaza in Little Rock, call 501-686-6324.

UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and eight institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute, Institute for Digital Health & Innovation and the Institute for Community Health Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS’ clinical enterprise. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 3,485 students, 915 medical residents and fellows, and seven dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 11,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube or Instagram.

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