Zephyr and Rigicon penile prostheses are new on the urological market. These brands may offer benefits for patients with erectile dysfunction but still lack robust clinical studies.
A penile prosthesis is a device created for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, with the aim of providing sufficient rigidity for sexual intercourse. Over time, this type of penile implant has been modified and refined, becoming progressively safer and more effective and leading to the models we know today.
Despite the fact that there are good penile implant options on the market, the field continues to evolve. Manufacturers seek to offer solutions that adapt to more complex cases, with greater durability and lower failure rates reported in available studies, aiming to improve the patient experience while maintaining safety and efficacy criteria.
A penile prosthesis is a device designed to treat penile dysfunction by enabling adequate rigidity of the penis. Over the years, these penile implants have been updated and improved, becoming increasingly safe and effective.
“Against this background, two newcomers have emerged: Zephyr and Rigicon penile prostheses, international brands used by urologists in Türkiye, such as Dr. Ege and Dr. Ahmet.
Get to know these new Zephyr and Rigicon penile prostheses and find out whether they may be an appropriate option in your case.
Zephyr and Rigicon penile prostheses
Zephyr Surgical Implants (ZSI) is a Swiss brand that began marketing penile prostheses in 2012.
The brand offers models of malleable penile prostheses and inflatable prostheses for men with erectile dysfunction, as well as versions designed for phalloplasty and for trans men.
A 2018 study published in the Central European Journal of Urology evaluated the safety, functional efficacy and patient satisfaction of the Zephyr inflatable model compared with brands already established on the market.
Although the sample size was limited, the model was considered reliable, with performance similar to inflatable prostheses from consolidated brands, with satisfactory satisfaction rates and complication rates within the expected range.
A second complementary study, published in 2020 in Research and Reports in Urology, sought to assess the surgical safety and mechanical efficacy of the same prosthesis, as well as its impact on quality of life and sexual satisfaction of patients and their partners.
Once again, the authors reported that the Zephyr inflatable penile prosthesis appeared safe and effective in that series, with high satisfaction scores and a significant improvement in sexual quality of life among patients with severe erectile dysfunction.
Rigicon, in turn, is a U.S. company focused on prostheses for pelvic urology, which includes penile implants. The company is owned by a Turkish urologist who uses his experience to improve the products.
It is still a company with a relatively small portfolio of products, with modern inflatable penile prostheses and also malleable models for men with erectile dysfunction, and offers a lifetime warranty – something increasingly rare in urology.
A 2025 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, which evaluated 58 patients who received the brand’s inflatable prosthesis, reported high patient satisfaction and low rates of complications and surgical revisions, with safety and efficacy comparable to traditional inflatable prostheses and good rigidity and mechanical performance.
Comparison between Zephyr and Rigicon penile prostheses and traditional implants
Although studies point to advantages and disadvantages of penile prostheses such as Zephyr and Rigicon, traditional brands have a long history and a large volume of data. This gives them a perception of greater safety in clinical practice.
For newer brands, it is very important to invest in clinical studies that address current limitations, such as small sample sizes, lack of control groups and relatively short follow-up periods to assess long-term durability.
How to choose a modern penile prosthesis?
Modern penile prosthesis brands must be reliable. To achieve this, they need to meet technical and individual criteria.
- Registration with Anvisa: the brand and model must be officially registered with Anvisa. This ensures that the product has undergone quality, safety and efficacy testing and offers legal support and technical assistance in case of problems.
- Importer/distributor in Brazil: the presence of an authorized importer or distributor in Brazil is important to facilitate access to replacement parts, technical support and possible exchanges under warranty.
- Surgeon’s experience: it is essential that the physician is familiar and experienced with a given brand and model. Even a high-standard penile prosthesis may present complications if it is not implanted by a trained professional with a proven track record using that specific brand.
- Patient characteristics and individual needs: factors such as age, autonomy and expectations regarding aesthetics or function influence the choice between malleable or inflatable models and between different manufacturers of Zephyr and Rigicon penile prostheses and traditional implants.
Clear up your questions about penile prostheses with Dr. Paulo Egydio
Dr. Paulo Egydio has been working for over 25 years in the field of male sexual health, with consolidated experience in penile prosthesis surgery.
Dr. Paulo Egydio keeps up to date with the development of new-generation penile prostheses. He follows advances in the field to evaluate, in light of scientific evidence, which treatment options may be most appropriate for each case and to clarify questions during the consultation.
Contact us and receive, within 24 hours, by e-mail, important guidance on how to manage erectile dysfunction, penile curvature and other conditions that may negatively impact sexual quality of life.
