Looking at a drug-free implantable device to provide relief for urinary and sexual functions

This study investigated the short-term functional changes and complications for the drug-free nitinol implantable device (iTind) for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

The study showed that iTind is a low-risk device that can help maintain and even improve urinary and sexual function in these patients.

BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland. It is a very common condition among men worldwide. The symptoms include impacted sexual and urinary function. Symptoms like increased urge and frequency to urinate are summarized as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). BPH compromises the patients’ quality of life (QOL). 

The standard treatment involves drugs and a surgery called TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate). TURP removes the prostate (partially) through the urinary tube (urethra) and bears high risks for the patients.

iTind is a drug-free device that is implanted in the prostate in a minimal-invasive surgery. The shape of the device expands the urethra and reliefs pressure from the prostate. This aims to relieve the symptoms of BPH. However, the safety and effectiveness of this device have not yet been evaluated.

In this study, 70 men with an average prostate volume of 37.68 ml participated. iTind was surgically implanted and removed after 5-7 days. The authors collected data on pain and complications related to the surgery. The changes in QOL, urinary, and sexual function were measured with 3 different patient-questionnaires. The data was taken after 1,3 and 6 months.

No complications were recorded during surgery and only mild complications after surgery. Of these, 75% resolved within 7 days. These complications were blood in the urine, pain during urination, or frequent urination.

After 6 months, all of the patients showed intact or improved sexual and urinary function. Especially the urinary symptoms improved compared to the start point of the study.

The authors recommend iTind as a low-risk treatment with a quick recovery and significant improvements in the patients’ symptoms.

Questionnaires are a subjective measure of function and QOL. Additionally, the study had a low number of patients which limits the strength of the data.

Ask your doctor about the possibility to include iTind in your treatment.