Temporary implantable nitinol device (i-TIND) for the relief of lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a temporary implant for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study found that the temporary implantable nitinol device (iTind) implantation is effective in treating BPH related symptoms.

People diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (non-cancerous overgrowth of the prostate; BPH) often experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). These include dribbling of urine, incomplete emptying of the bladder and nocturia (getting up to urinate during the night). One treatment option is a temporary implantable nitinol device (iTind). This is a procedure that relieves LUTS by creating channels in the prostatic urethra (the narrow tube that conducts urine and semen) through which urine can flow. The safety and effectiveness of the iTind are still under investigation. 

81 patients with LUTS caused by BPH were included in this study. All patients received the iTind implantation in an outpatient procedure. Patients were followed up for a year. 

At the 6-month visit, 85.2% of patients reported an improvement in urinary symptoms. At 1 year, 88.9% of patients reported improvements in LUTS. There was a more than 60% decrease in LUTS a year after having the procedure.

There were few mild side-effects that occurred in the first month after the procedure. These included pain at the implant site (9.9%), bloody urine (12.3%) or painful urination (7.4%). During follow up, 2 patients went on medical therapy for BPH and 2 others needed prostate surgery. No patients reported side-effects such as sexual or ejaculatory dysfunction. 

This study found that the iTind implantation is effective and safe in providing relief of BPH related symptoms.

12.3% of patients were lost to follow up. This is a high number for a study. Larger, comparative studies are needed.