iTind (temporary implantable nitinol device)

How iTind works

Under light anaesthesia, the folded device is passed through a cystoscope and released at the bladder neck. Over the next 5-7 days, the device gradually opens and applies pressure at three points in the bladder neck and prostatic urethra. This creates small ischaemic channels that remodel the tissue. On day 5-7 the device is removed through a small retrieval catheter in the rooms, without further anaesthetic.

Who iTind suits

• Men with a small-to-medium prostate.
• Men without a significant median lobe.
• Men who particularly want to preserve antegrade ejaculation.
• Men who prefer a device-led procedure without laser or electrosurgery.

iTind vs HoLEP

• Mechanism. iTind reshapes the channel with a temporary implant; HoLEP removes the obstructing tissue.
• Size range. iTind is best suited to smaller glands.
• Ejaculation. Usually preserved with iTind; usually not with HoLEP.¹⁵
• Symptom relief. HoLEP produces a larger improvement in flow rate and IPSS, particularly in larger glands.
• Durability. iTind has follow-up out to several years with retreatment rates generally below 10% in published series; HoLEP has 10-year data with retreatment rates around 5%.⁸