Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men, significantly impacting quality of life. Although pharmacological therapies, especially alpha-blockers, are the standard first-line treatment, their long-term adherence is limited by side effects and insufficient symptom control. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the surgical gold standard but is associated with notable morbidity, prompting interest in minimally invasive alternatives. The temporary implantable nitinol device (I-Tind) offers a tissue-sparing approach designed to remodel the prostatic urethra and relieve LUTS without compromising sexual function. This multicenter prospective study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and functional outcomes of I-Tind in 120 patients with symptomatic BPH unresponsive to alpha-blockers, treated between 2019 and 2023. Follow-up assessments were done at 3, 6, and 12 months. The study showed significant improvements in urinary flow and symptom scores. Mean Qmax improved from 7.6 to 15.7 mL/s, and mean IPSS decreased from 21.5 to 9.7 at 12 month-follow-up (p < 0.001). Quality of life measures also improved, and sexual and ejaculatory functions were fully preserved. The procedure was well-tolerated, with all implants successfully retrieved after a mean of 6 days and a low complication rate. I-Tind appears to be a safe and effective minimally invasive option for selected BPH patients, combining symptom relief with preservation of quality of life. Further randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings and better define its role in the BPH treatment algorithm.
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