Boston Scientific Penile Prosthesis: The AMS 700 Family Explained
A detailed look at the AMS 700 family of inflatable implants, their models, and which patients each one suits, from Dr. Tuncay Tas.
Table of Contents
What Is the Boston Scientific Penile Prosthesis?
Boston Scientific, a leading medical device company, manufactures the AMS 700. Specifically, it is a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis. Surgeons implant it to treat erectile dysfunction that has not responded well to medication or vacuum devices. As a result, it restores a natural-feeling, on-demand erection whenever the patient chooses to activate it.
Boston Scientific offers several AMS 700 variations, in addition, each addressing different anatomical needs. For a direct comparison against Coloplast Titan, our other primary implant brand, therefore, see our AMS 700 vs. Coloplast Titan guide.
Boston Scientific has manufactured penile implants for decades, and the AMS 700 platform reflects years of iterative refinement based on real-world surgical outcomes and patient feedback. This long history matters, since a device with an established track record offers surgeons and patients more confidence than a newer, less-proven alternative on the market.
The Three Components
- Cylinders: Two flexible, silicone-based tubes implanted in the penis. They inflate with fluid to create an erection and deflate to restore flaccidity.
- Pump: A small device in the scrotum, connected to the cylinders. Squeezing it manually transfers fluid from the reservoir, creating the pressure needed for rigidity.
- Reservoir: Implanted in the lower abdomen, this holds the fluid used throughout the inflation and deflation cycle.
This three-piece design distinguishes AMS 700 from simpler, semi-rigid alternatives. While it involves more components and a somewhat more complex surgical placement, it also delivers a more natural-feeling erection and a fully flaccid resting state, which many patients consider well worth the added surgical complexity.
The AMS 700 Model Lineup
| Model | Key Feature | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| AMS 700 CX | Controlled expansion cylinders | Standard cases, customizable fit |
| AMS 700 CXR | Smaller cylinder profile | Scarring or sclerotic corpora |
| AMS 700 LGX | Expands up to 25% in length | Patients wanting extra length gain |
| AMS 700 GLX | Lockout Valve prevents auto-deflation | Patients prioritizing reliability |
Each variation shares the same core three-piece design. In every case, however, the differences come down to cylinder engineering, aimed at fitting different anatomies and priorities.
Understanding this shared foundation helps put the model choice in perspective. You do not choose between fundamentally different devices, but rather between engineering variations on a proven platform, each optimized for a specific clinical situation or patient priority rather than representing a completely separate technology.
LGX: The Length and Girth Option
The AMS 700 LGX stands apart within the entire implant market. Specifically, its cylinders expand up to 25% in length, and up to roughly 20mm in girth. This offers more expansion capability than most competing devices.
For patients specifically seeking additional length, therefore, LGX represents the most capable option in the AMS 700 lineup. Dr. Tas discusses whether this specific expansion matters for your goals during consultation.
It is worth noting that maximum expansion capability does not automatically mean every patient should choose LGX. The right model depends on your baseline anatomy and specific goals, since a patient satisfied with standard expansion may not need the added engineering complexity that comes with the LGX design.
CXR: Built for Complex Anatomy
Some patients have narrower or scarred corpora, often from prior surgery, Peyronie's disease, or fibrosis. The AMS 700 CXR uses a smaller cylinder profile specifically engineered for these cases.
This narrower profile matters because scarred or contracted tissue leaves less internal space to work with during implantation. A standard-profile cylinder may simply not fit safely in these circumstances, which historically meant some patients had few good options. CXR specifically addresses this gap in the treatment landscape, opening the door to implant surgery for men other clinics may have turned away.
It still delivers the same girth expansion benefits as the standard lineup, while accommodating anatomy that would otherwise complicate implant placement. This makes CXR a valuable option for patients who might not qualify for a standard-profile device.
Dr. Tas evaluates corpora anatomy carefully during pre-operative planning, often using imaging to confirm which model will fit safely and effectively. This assessment happens well before the day of surgery, so there are no surprises once you are already in the operating room.
Choosing the Right Boston Scientific Penile Prosthesis
Model selection depends on your specific anatomy, prior surgical history, and personal priorities, whether that means maximum length gain, reliability, or simply the standard, well-proven option. No single model suits every patient.
Cost varies somewhat between models, since the more specialized LGX and CXR variants typically carry a modest premium over the standard CX. Dr. Tas provides a clear, itemized quote once he confirms which model genuinely fits your case, avoiding any pricing surprises later in the treatment process.
Dr. Tas assesses your case individually and recommends a specific AMS 700 variation, or discusses Coloplast Titan as an alternative, based entirely on what fits you.
Boston Scientific Penile Prosthesis Durability and Reliability
Published outcome studies report high mechanical reliability for the AMS 700 platform over many years of typical use, with most devices continuing to function well beyond a decade. Mechanical wear remains possible on any implanted device, as with any long-term mechanical component, but revision rates stay relatively low across published cohorts.
Boston Scientific has also continued refining the underlying materials and mechanism across successive generations of the AMS 700 platform, which means devices placed today generally benefit from improvements not present in earlier versions studied in older, longer-term outcome data.
Regular follow-up appointments allow Dr. Tas to confirm the device functions as expected, catching any early signs of wear well before they could become an urgent issue requiring emergency correction. For international patients, remote follow-up is available between in-person visits, so distance never becomes a barrier to proper long-term monitoring.
Recovery and Learning to Use the Device
Surgery typically takes one to two hours under general anesthesia, followed by a one-night hospital stay. Most patients then continue recovery at a hotel, with full internal healing taking around four to six weeks before Dr. Tas clears you for sexual activity.
Beyond physical healing, patients also need a short period to learn the pump mechanism. Most men become comfortable operating it within a few practice attempts, and Dr. Tas walks you through this process during a follow-up visit before you rely on it for the first time.
For international patients, we recommend planning a total trip of roughly seven to ten days, covering pre-operative consultation, surgery, the initial hospital stay, and enough recovery time before flying home to confirm healing is progressing normally without complication of any kind.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Tas
Board-Certified Urologist & Male Sexual Health Specialist, based in Istanbul. Dr. Tas offers the full AMS 700 lineup and selects the specific Boston Scientific penile prosthesis model that fits each patient's anatomy and goals, explaining his reasoning clearly throughout the consultation process. He also stocks common sizes locally, which shortens the wait for international patients who need to schedule surgery around a fixed travel window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AMS 700 CX and LGX?
What does the Lockout Valve on the GLX do?
Who needs the CXR model specifically?
Is AMS 700 better than Coloplast Titan?
How much length can LGX actually add?
How long does recovery take?
Is it hard to learn how to use the pump?
Who decides which AMS 700 model I need?
Send Us a Message
Ready to Discuss a Boston Scientific Penile Prosthesis?
Book a confidential consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Tas in Istanbul.
