Recent Advancements in Prostate Catheters and Stents for Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Purpose of review: The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is rising, however, current treatment options present severe complications and limit patient's quality of life. Accordingly, advancements in prostatic catheter and stent designs for use in treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in BPH patients have largely expanded in the past five years and we aim to provide an exhaustive summary of recent outcomes.

Recent findings: The dual dilation and paxlitaxel eluting Optilume BPH Catheter System enhances promise in catheter-based treatments, providing the longest sustained increase in max urinary flow rate and decrease in post-void residual volume compared to alternative MISTs. Additionally, use of iTiND, along with recent advancements in temporary (EXIME, Prodeon Urocross) and permanent (Zenflow Spring, Butterfly, and ClearRing) stent designs, have demonstrated rapid, lasting, and low-cost LUTS relief with sustained sexual function. Minimally invasive solutions that offer in-office treatment, rapid symptom relief, shorter recovery times, and preservation of sexual function hold great promise in improving outcomes in managing BPH patients with LUTS.