[New microwave transurethral hyperthermia for benign prostatic hyperplasia--clinical evaluation]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Devices
• Biomedical Engineering

Context:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition causing obstructive urinary symptoms.
• Current hyperthermia treatments for BPH vary in efficiency and uniformity.
• Transurethral heating offers potential for targeted and effective prostate treatment.

Purpose:

• To develop and evaluate a novel, miniaturized transurethral hyperthermia apparatus for BPH treatment.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of this new device in patients with symptomatic BPH.

Summary:

• A transurethral hyperthermia device operating at 2,450 MHz with a cooling system was developed.
• Thirty BPH patients received 3-6 sessions (60 min each) with temperatures maintained at 39°C (urethral) and 43°C (prostate).
• The treatment achieved a 76.7% efficacy rate (23/30 patients) with no severe complications.

Impact:

• The developed apparatus is miniaturized, enabling bedside use.
• This technology presents a safe and effective therapeutic option for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• The study demonstrates the feasibility of transurethral hyperthermia for improving BPH symptoms.