Midtown Urology is currently offering the following BPH research studies. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact our office.
Rivermark RAPID-III (Flostent)
You’ve heard of a cardiac stent? Well, Rivermark is taking that idea and bringing it to urology. Through their innovative Flostent, we are able to stent open the prostate blockage that causes bothersome urinary symptoms in men. This procedure is significantly less invasive than available treatments, with the stent being placed through a standard, flexible office scope. If the stent ever needs to be removed, that can be done easily. We think this procedure appeals to the patient who is looking for a treatment that is in-office, doesn’t require general anesthesia, allows quick return to activity, doesn’t involve a permanent implant, has no post-procedure catheter, and is “reversible.”
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Olympus MT-08 (iTind vs. Urolift)
This study compares two of the least invasive FDA-approved treatments for male urinary symptoms. iTind is a temporary tissue expander that is placed in the prostate for one week and gradually opens the prostate channel. Urolift involves placing a series of “staple”-like implants into the walls of the prostate to prop it open. Both procedures are performed in-office and typically do not require a catheter. We think this study could appeal to patients who may be interested in clinical trials but prefer procedures that are already FDA-approved. Additionally, since our clinical trials involve little or no out-of-pocket cost, this trial may also appeal to patients who are interested in iTind or Urolift but would otherwise face a high cost to receive either treatment under their insurance plan.
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Laborie PEAK (Optilume)
Optilume is an exciting new treatment for male urinary symptoms that utilizes balloon dilation of the prostate channel. While this procedure is in the operating room and does require an overnight catheter, it provides the effectiveness of more invasive surgical procedures while preserving ejaculatory function. We think that this trial would appeal to men who are looking to have operating room-level results without the side effects or tissue removal. Also, even though Optilume is now available outside of clinical trials, insurance coverage is limited and many patients are forced to pay the full cost out-of-pocket. This trial gives patients access to the Optilume procedure at no cost.
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Procept PRCT001 (Aquablation)
Aquablation is an FDA-approved procedure that involves removing prostate tissue in the operating room via robotically-controlled water jets. In this study, we are determining if this technology can be applied to treat prostate cancer. The perfect candidates for this study are certain men who have both prostate cancer as well as bothersome urinary symptoms.
Rocamed Echolaser TPLA
We are excited to be the first urology practice in Texas to offer Echolaser transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) to treat urinary symptoms. This is a minimally-invasive therapy that involves placing two needles through the skin, then applying laser energy that reduces the size of the prostate. This treatment provides many of the advantages of prostate artery embolization (PAE), but can be done in-office and under the guidance of a urologist rather than a radiologist. We think that this procedure will appeal to patients who do not want a procedure that goes through the urethra (urinary tube).