What You Need to Know
Raritan Bay Medical Center announced today that it is the first hospital in the HMH network to offer patients the Optilume® BPH Catheter System for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Typically administered as an outpatient procedure, Optilume BPH is a new, safe and effective minimally-invasive procedure that provides patients with immediate improvement in urinary symptoms and quality of life.
As men age, it’s common to encounter prostate enlargement, leading to a condition known as BPH. In fact, BPH affects 70% of men 60-69 years of age and 80% of those 70 years of age or older. The prostate surrounds the tube responsible for transporting urine and semen, known as the urethra. With BPH, as the prostate grows larger, it exerts pressure on the urethra, potentially causing interruptions in the natural flow of urine.
The FDA-approved Optilume BPH Catheter System revolutionizes the treatment paradigm by providing symptom relief for men experiencing BPH induced lower urinary tract symptoms, including frequent trips to the bathroom, day and night; weak, slow or intermittent flow; urgent need to pee; and inability to fully empty bladder.
Optilume BPH is a drug-coated balloon that is inserted into the urethra via a telescopic camera, to the prostate. Once in the prostate, the balloon expands creating an opening, and releases the safe and proven drug paclitaxel, into the open prostate. When the drug coating is fully released, the balloon is deflated and removed.
The purpose of the drug is to keep the Highlights of the Optilume BPH Catheter System include:
- Clinical studies show Optilume BPH is safe and effective
- Symptom relief
- Minimal catheter time post-procedure
- No impact on sexual function
- Quick recovery
- In-office/outpatient procedure
- No cutting, heating, burning, lasering, steaming, or implantation