FAQ
The iTind is a 5-day treatment to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate.
The iTind is inserted into the prostatic urethra in a folded configuration. Over the next 5 to 7 days it expands to gently create new channels for urine to flow. After 5 to 7 days the device is completely removed. There is no permanent implant, heat treatments or tissue ablation. No prostate tissue is removed and there is no impact on sexual function.
Together with your urologist you will review your symptoms, routine and lifestyle needs. The iTind procedure is an ideal alternative to prescription drugs or major surgery, and for sexually active men who want a minimally-invasive treatment and to preserve a high quality of life.
Your doctor will insert the iTind device into the prostatic urethra in the hospital or clinic. Typically, no catheter is required and you can usually return home within a few short hours. After five to seven days at home, you will return to your doctor’s office and the iTind device will be completely removed. There may some slight discomfort during the 5 to 7 days, but symptom relief should be quite rapid. After the device is removed you can return to your daily routine.
Most patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort while the iTind is in place, however patient experience is variable. The most common side effects experienced are the feeling of pressure in the area of the perineum, an increased frequency and urgency to urinate, and slight burning upon urination. However, any side effects experienced typically subside once the iTind is removed.
After insertion of the iTind device, you may be kept for several hours for observation. Upon returning home you may resume most normal activities depending on your personal level of comfort.
Most patients start to experience symptom relief right after the removal. Symptoms typically continue to improve over the following 6 to 12 weeks.
In clinical studies there have been no indications of long-term adverse side effects. Since the iTind device is completely removed after it has done its job to create the new channels, there is no risk of device migration, allergic reactions, or internal damage to the prostate or urethra. Moreover, there are no obstacles in maintaining a regular prostate screening program, including physical exams or any type of imaging, such as MRI, if needed.
The positioning ensures that no damage is caused to sperm ducts or sphincters, avoiding risks of sexual dysfunction. Sexual function was preserved among patients treated in our clinical studies. This is an important advantage over other BPH therapies.
The treatment is intended to be permanent. Durability has been proven out to three years in terms of symptom improvement, urinary flow and quality of life. The iTind treatment does not preclude retreatment or other BPH treatments, should they be needed or desired in the future.
Previous prostate surgery, obstructive median lobe. Consult with your doctor to determine whether the iTind is right for you.
Clinical data demonstrates three years durability of the TIND prototype and powerful efficacy at 12 months of the second-generation iTind. Both studies demonstrated preservation of sexual function and urinary continence and a very high safety profile.
You can read more about the clinical data here.
The iTind treatment is available in the UK, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Greece, Austria and Canada. US FDA approval is expected in 2019.
Medi-Tate develops and manufactures iTind for the treatment of BPH. The company is based in Israel. Read more about our company. Medi-Tate Ltd. is now part of the Olympus Group. Visit olympusamerica.com