Introduction Animal models have contributed, to a great extent, to our understanding and advancement in the field of sexual medicine. Many current medical and surgical therapies in sexual medicine are the direct result of the development of such animal models. Over the past 15–20 years, rodents have become the premier models for such studies. In particular, the rat model provided the most valuable and reproducible investigations that significantly contributed to our knowledge of male sexual dysfunction as well as in the development of various treatment modalities. In addition, such in vivo animal models helped us develop the latest biotechnological tools that allowed numerous investigations at the cellular and molecular levels. Aim Review the most common laboratory techniques that employ rat model for the evaluation of male erectile function and erectile tissue end-organ analyses. Methods Review of peer-reviewed literature. Main Outcome Measures Pathophysiology and laboratory research outcome correlation. Results The review suggests that rat is a versatile model in sexual medicine research. Conclusions This versatile model should help in the further development of research tools, characterize additional signaling target molecules and pathways, and help in our understanding of male sexual dysfunction.

Of the submucosal injection fluids currently available in the West, Eleview and 6% HES are the best-performing solutions for ESD in a porcine model.

No abstract

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a well-established, minimally invasive treatment for superficial neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The universal adoption of ESD has been limited by its slow learning curve, long procedure times, and high risk of complications. One technical challenge is the lack of a second hand that can provide traction, as in conventional surgery. Reliable tissue retraction that exposes the submucosal plane of dissection would allow for safer and more efficient dissection. Magnetic anchor guided endoscopic submucosal dissection (MAG-ESD) has potential benefits compared to other current traction methods. MAG-ESD offers dynamic tissue retraction independent of the endoscope mimicking a surgeon’s “second hand”. Two types of magnets can be used: electromagnets and permanent magnets. In this article we review the MAG-ESD technology, published work and studies of magnets in ESD. We also review the use of magnetic anchor guidance systems in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and the idea of magnetic non-contact retraction using surface ferromagentization. We discuss the current limitations, the future potential of MAG-ESD and the developments needed for adoption of this technology.