Optilume BPH catheter system

[madman]

The Optilume BPH Catheter System is a non-surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in aging men. It involves balloon dilation and localized transfer of paclitaxel to maintain patency. The procedure is performed using rigid cystoscopy in an office setting, without general anesthesia. Prospective data show promising functional and sexual outcomes. The article provides information about Optilume BPH, historical studies, and the deployment technique.




Key Takeaways:

• The Optilume BPH catheter system is effective for treating various prostate glands without general anesthesia.
• It bridges the gap between conservative medical therapy and more invasive surgical procedures.
• The technology is deployable using standard cystoscopes in a urology office.
• Promising results from prospective studies and randomized controlled trials support its use.
• A standardized technique can lead to successful outcomes and be easily reproducible.
• Practitioners are advised to take time, gain experience, and confidence, and refine their technique with the new technology.

 

[madman]

Figure 1. Optilume, drug coating can be seen as whitish layer in mid portion of balloon.

 

[madman]

Figure 2. Balloon protector has been pulled off balloon prior to use.

 

[madman]

Figure 3. Fluoroscopic images during Optilume procedure. A) A wire has been placed through the urethral stricture and into the bladder, the flexible cystoscope has been advanced just distal to stricture and the Optilume balloon begins to be filled with contrast. Note radio-opaque markers on proximal and distal balloon seen over the guidewire. B) The partially-inflated Optilume balloon shows a narrowing, approximately 1.5cm long,
indicating proper placement proximally and distally on the bulbar urethral stricture. C) Optilume is fully inflated over guidewire and alongside flexible scope. Inflation is complete to recommended pressure. Inflated balloon spans area of previously seen stricture and no "waisting" can be seen.

 

[madman]

Figure 4. A) Direct visualization of inflated Optilume. B) Post-treatment deflation of balloon with visible coating adherent to urothelium.

 

[madman]

Figure 5. Diagram of recommended overlap of drug-coated balloon working length and stricture.