What's New in TIND?

CONTEXT

There is growing interest in minimally invasive (MI) treatment options for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Among these options, the temporary implantable nitinol device (TIND; Medi-Tate, Or Akiva, Israel) is a novel instrument used to alleviate symptoms by creating incisions in the prostate via mechanical stress.

OBJECTIVE

To review recent data for TIND as an MI procedure to improve LUTS.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Medline, PubMed, the Cochrane Database, and Embase were screened for clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and review articles on the use of TIND in patients with male LUTS.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

There are currently two studies available, one being a follow-up of the first pilot study. Both 12-mo and 36-mo results suggest at least medium-term effects of TIND in terms of symptom improvement (International Prostate Symptom Score, IPSS) and maximum urinary flow (Q). IPSS was improved by 41% after 12mo (p<0.001) and worsened only insignificantly after 36mo compared to baseline values. Q increased by 4.4ml/s after 12mo (p<0.001) and did not decrease significantly after 36mo. Postoperative complications were mild and included urinary tract infection and urinary retention.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary data suggest that TIND is a safe and effective MI technique for patients with male LUTS. Symptom relief and increase in urinary flow after 36mo are promising. However, long-term results are needed.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Various treatment options for male patients suffering from urinary voiding symptoms are emerging. TIND, a temporary implantable nitinol device, appears to be a safe option that improves symptoms without affecting sexuality.