iTIND for BPH: Technique and procedural outcomes: A narrative review of current literature

In the last few years, new technologies have been developed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in order to offer valid surgical alternatives to transurethral resection of the prostate with lower complications and hospitalization while maintaining satisfactory functional results. Among these new approaches, transurethral implantation of first- and second-generation temporary implantable nitinol device (TIND and iTIND, respectively) (Medi-Tate(®); Medi-Tate Ltd., Or Akiva, Israel) has been proposed. The aim of this work is to describe the surgical technique and to perform a systematic review of the available literature on follow-up of functional outcomes. A systematic research of the available literature on this topic was performed via Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases in April 2021. Current evidence regarding the implantation of iTIND to treat BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) is still limited. Seven studies have been found. Only one randomized controlled trial has been published reporting short-term follow-up of implantation of iTIND versus sham procedure. All the studies reported that both procedures are safe, effective, and well-tolerated. Moreover, such treatment seems to not affect patient’s sexual and ejaculatory functions. In conclusions, current clinical evidence suggests that temporary implantation of iTIND is a valid option for the minimally invasive surgical treatment of BPH-related LUTS. Further studies are required in order to confirm the functional results, especially over a long-term follow-up.