Urinary and sexual function after treatment with temporary implantable nitinol device (iTind) in men with LUTS: 6-month interim results of the MT-06-study

Purpose: To evaluate the functional outcomes as they relate to the preservation of urinary continence and sexual function after treatment with the temporarily implanted nitinol device (iTind; Medi-Tate Ltd, Israel); a novel minimally invasive treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods: Men with symptomatic BPH (IPSS ≥ 10, Q_max < 12 ml/s, and prostate volume (PV) < 120 ml) were invited to participate in this single-arm, prospective multicenter study (MT06). Patients were not washed out of BPH medications before the procedure. The iTind was implanted through a 22F rigid cystoscope under intravenous sedation and was removed 5-7 days later through a 22F Foley catheter under local anesthesia. Post-operative VAS and complications (Clavien Dindo-Grading System) were recorded. Preservation of urinary continence and erectile and ejaculatory function were assessed according to ISI, MSHQ-EjD and SHIM questionnaires. Post-operative IPSS, QoL, Q_max and PVR were also assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively.

Results: This interim report includes data out to 6 months on the first 70 patients enrolled in the study. The median age was 62.31 years, and the mean prostate volume was 37.68 ml (15-80 ml). Baseline and follow-up data are reported in Table 1. No intraoperative complications were observed, the average post-operative VAS score was 3.24 ± 2.56. On average patients returned to daily life after 4.3 days following the retrieval procedure. Sexual function and urinary continence were preserved in all subjects according to the ISI, SHIM and MSHQ-EjD questionnaires and significant improvements (p < 0.0001) from baseline levels were recorded in IPSS, QoL and peak flow.

Conclusion: iTind is a well-tolerated, minimally invasive treatment for BPH-related LUTS which preserves sexual function and urinary continence, offers a rapid recovery and return to daily life, and a significant improvement of symptoms and urinary flow at 6-month follow-up.