Clinical Outcomes in BPH Care: Sustained Symptom Relief and Functional Preservation with iTind

iTind is a minimally invasive BPH treatment for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The temporary nitinol implant gently reshapes the prostatic urethra over 5–7 days, restoring natural urine flow without resection, ablation, or thermal energy. Multi-center, international studies confirm significant, sustained symptom relief and full preservation of sexual function*. iTind enables urologists to expand their minimally invasive treatment options and offer an outpatient alternative to BPH medications or traditional surgical interventions.

*To date, no patients have reported sexual dysfunction following the iTind Procedure.

  • Symptom relief: Sustained quality of life (QoL) improvements from 1 month (46.4%) to over 4 years (45.1%)1
  • Flow improvement: Qmax improvement of +111.7% at 1 year and sustained at +114,7% at 3 years1
  • Sexual function preserved: No impact on erectile or ejaculatory function*
  • Outpatient workflow: Performed in the office, under local anaesthesia3
  • Clinical evidence: Investigated in multi-center, international studies

iTind for Hospitals: Outpatient BPH Treatment for Resource Optimization

For hospitals and clinics, iTind creates a cost-efficient BPH treatment pathway4 that can be performed in an outpatient setting3. Its 10-minute procedure time and simple 5-minute removal7 reduce demand on ORs and staff resources, freeing capacity for other cases4. Low complication1 helps minimize readmissions and associated costs4, improving efficiency while maintaining excellent clinical outcomes.

  • Short procedure time: ~10-minute implantation & 5-minute removal7
  • Outpatient BPH treatment: No overnight stay needed2
  • Reduced OR demand: Frees surgical capacity for other procedures
  • Low complication rate: Strong safety profile1
  • Cost-efficient pathway: Supports lower total treatment costs4

Reasons to Choose iTind for BPH Treatment

iTind Clinical Impact iTind Economic Impact iTind Procedural Impact
Provides symptom relief without permanent implant Reduces recurring drug costs1 Rapid symptomatic relief1
Routinely catheter-free2 Opportunity for procedural reimbursement4 Performed in office and outpatient settings2
Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure Utilises existing endourology capital equipment No daily medication compliance burden for patients1

BPH Treatment Comparison

Feature iTind Drug Therapy Prostatic Urethral Implant/Clip (PUL) Water Vapor Thermal Therapy (WVTT) Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP)
Permanent Implant No No Yes No Yes
Routine Catheterization No No Yes Yes Yes
Dedicated Capital Equipment No No Yes Yes Yes
Long-Term Daily BPH Medication Burden No Yes No No No

iTind Mechanism of Action: Minimally Invasive BPH Treatment Explained

Step-by-step anatomical visualization of the iTind procedure demonstrating prostatic urethral reshaping and restoration of urine flow in patients suffering LUTS secondary to BPH. Outcome: rapid and durable relief from BPH symptoms1.

Scroll Latest Clinical Results of iTind: International Studies


The iTind Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Chughtai B, Elterman D, Shore N et al. Urology. 2021;153:270-276.
Objective
To compare treatment results with the iTind procedure vs. sham treatment in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Results

  • A total of 175 men (mean age 61.1 ±6.5 years) participated in the study (118 iTind procedure vs 57 sham).
  • At 3 months, 78.6% of the iTind procedure patients had a ≥3-point reduction in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), vs. 60% in the sham group (P= 0.029). After 3 months, the sham group was unblinded, and the study primarily focused on the iTind procedure group for long-term outcomes.
  • Ninety seven percent of the iTind procedure patients that responded to treatment at 3 months maintained their response at 12 months.
  • Mild adverse events (AEs) occurred in 38.1% of the iTind procedure patients and 17.5% of sham patients. No de novo ejaculatory or erectile dysfunction reported.

Conclusion
The iTind procedure provides significant, rapid, and durable improvement in LUTS due to BPH and preserves sexual function over a follow-up period of 12 months.

> Read full study
> Download study summary (PDF, 152 KB)

Temporary implantable nitinol device for benign prostatic hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms: over 48-month results
AmparoreD, De Cillis S, Schulman C et al. Minerva UrolNephrol. 2023;75(6):743-751.
Objective
To assess through over 48-month (50–79 months) outcomes of the iTind procedure in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, international study.

Results

  • A total of 81 men were enrolled; 41 patients remained past 48 months. Due to COVID-19, in-person visits were replaced with a single phone evaluation at 50–79 months post-operation. Data were grouped under a single timepoint “over 48 months”.
  • The iTind procedure significantly improved symptoms (intention-to-treat analysis), with Quality of Life (QoL) increasing by 45.1% (P< 0.0001) from baseline to over 48 months post-procedure.
  • No complications or additional medication needed from 48 to 79 months.
  • Surgical re-treatment rate was 4% beyond 48 months.

Conclusion
The iTind procedure provided significant and long-lasting symptom relief, as well as improved quality of life for up to and beyond 48 months, with no late-stage complications.

> Read full study
> Download study summary (PDF, 179 KB)

Urinary and sexual function after treatment with temporary implantable nitinol device (iTind) in men with LUTS: 6-month interim results of the MT-06-study
De Nunzio C, Cantiello F, Fiori C et al. World J Urol. 2021;39(6):2037-2042.
Objective
To evaluate functional outcome and preservation of urinary continence and sexual function in men treated with the iTind procedure for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Results

  • Seventy patients with a median age of 62.3 years and a mean prostate volume of 37.7 ml (15–80 ml) were enrolled.
  • Compared to baseline, all parameters showed significant improvements (P< 0.01):
    • IPSS decreased from 21.2 ±6.0 to 8.3 ±6.7.
    • QoL score improved from 4.1 ±1.0 to 2.0 ±1.4.
    • Qmaxincreased from 7.3 ±2.2 to 12.0 ±5.4.
  • All patients showed preserved sexual function and urinary continence according to ISI, SHIM and MSHQ-EjD questionnaires.
  • No intraoperative complications were observed; average post-operative VAS score was 3.2 ±2.6.

Conclusion
Treatment with the iTind procedure preserves urinary continence and sexual function, offers rapid recovery, and provides significant improvements in LUTS and urinary flow at 6-month follow-up.

> Read full study
> Download study summary (PDF, 157 KB)

Twenty-four months failure rate and functional outcomes comparison after implantable nitinol device (iTIND) and prostatic urethral lift (Urolift): real world multicenter study
Olivero A, De Cillis S, Amparore D et al. Urologia Journal. Published online December 27, 2025.
Objective
To compare two minimally invasive treatments for male lower urinary tract symptoms, iTind and UroLift, by evaluating their 2-year functional outcomes and rates of treatment failure.

Results

  • A total of 134 patients were included: (iTind 92 (68.7%), 42 (31.3%) UroLift). Baseline characteristics were overall comparable; however, UroLift patients were significantly younger (P= 0.006), had larger prostates (P< 0.001), and more frequent median lobe enlargement (P< 0.001).
  • At 24 months, both treatments showed similar improvements on uroflowmetry parameters and symptom scores, with a corresponding reduction in PVR volume.
  • Retreatment rates were comparable between groups (13.0% vs 11.9%, P= 0.8). UroLift was associated with a significantly higher rate of same-day discharge (71.4% vs 48.9%, P< 0.001).
  • There were no significant differences in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications between the two groups. Ejaculatory function was preserved in all patients.

Conclusion
At two years, iTind and UroLift demonstrated comparable failure rates and similar objective urinary outcomes. UroLift offered the advantage of reduced hospitalisation, whereas iTind achieved greater symptom relief. The clinical relevance of this difference requires further investigation.

> Read full study
> Download study summary (PDF, 206 KB)

First Multi-Center, Real-World Study on the Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device (iTIND) for the Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Related to Benign Prostatic Obstruction
Castellucci R, Secco S, Olivero A et al. Société Internationale d'Urologie Journal. 2025;6(4):54 (Open Access).
Objective
To evaluate the real-world outcomes at 12 months of the Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device (iTind) for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) in a retrospective, single-arm, multicenter study design.

Results

  • Study included 74 patients that underwent successful iTind device implantation under local anesthesia or conscious sedation, with same-day discharge. Median operative time was 10 min.
  • Median patient age was 52 years (IQR: 46-59) with median prostate volume of 30 mL (IQR: 26-38).
  • From baseline to 12 months, Qmax increased from 9.0 mL/s (IQR: 7.6-11.0) to 13.4 mL/s (IQR: 11.6-16.8, P= 0.126), and IPSS-QoL improved from 4 points (IQR: 4-5) to 2 points (IQR: 1-3, P< 0.001).
  • No intraoperative complications occurred; 6 patients experience non-serious postoperative complications. Surgical retreatment rate was 5.4% (4/74).
  • Sexual and ejaculatory functions were fully preserved.*

Conclusion
The iTind procedure is a safe and effective option that improves urinary symptoms and quality of life preserving sexual and ejaculatory functions. It serves as a cost-effective “bridge treatment” that allows men to defer more invasive surgery, preserve future options, and as a first-line, achieve rapid relief without long-term side effects.

> Read full study
> Download study summary (, 1 KB)

I-Tind for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: Mid-term outcomes from a multicenter cohort
Dimitri M, Calarco A, Filippi B et al. Urologia. 2025;0(0). Online ahead of print.
Objective
To assess the safety, efficacy, and functional outcomes of the iTind procedure over a 12-month period in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) unresponsive to alpha-blocker therapy, in a retrospective, single-arm, multicenter study design.

Results

  • Study included 120 patients that underwent successful iTind device implantation; all were discharged the same day. The mean patient age was 52.9 (±7.9) years, and the average prostate volume was 40.5 mL (±12.25).
  • From baseline to 12 months, Qmax increased from 7.6 ±2.6 to 15.7 ±7.1 mL/s (P< 0.001), and PVR decreased from 72.3 ±35.2 to 62.5 ±15.9 mL (P< 0.0001).
  • All implants were retrieved after 6.1 ±0.9 days; three cases of incomplete closure were reported, and one was linked to a fibrous adenoma.
  • Sexual and ejaculatory functions were fully preserved.*
  • Durability and patient selection need long-term study confirmation.

Conclusion
The study results confirm that temporary implantation of the iTind device is a safe and effective solution for alleviating BPH symptoms, with lasting benefits seen at 12 months. Additionally, sexual and ejaculatory functions were fully preserved.

> Read full study
> Download study summary (PDF, 192 KB)

One-Year Outcomes of a UK Center Delivering Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bladder Outflow Obstruction Using Local Anesthetic Without Sedation in the Office Setting
Khadhouri S, Turnbull M, Drummond L et al. Journal of Endourology. 2025;39(11):1189-1194.
Objective
To assess whether minimally invasive surgical therapies (MISTs) like iTind, Rezum, and UroLift can be effectively and safely performed for bladder outflow obstruction (BOO) using only local anesthesia, without sedation, in an outpatient clinic.

Results

  • A total of 81 procedures were completed: Rezum (46.9%), UroLift (27.2%), and iTind (25.9%). The median patient age was 68 years which was similar across groups (interquartile range 63 – 74).
  • During the procedure the mean patient pain visual analogue score (VAS) was 4.3 ± 2.8 out of 10 across all procedures, indicating good tolerability. The immediate complication rate was 11.1%, all below Clavien-Dindo grade III.
  • At 3-month follow-up the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) decreased to 11.3 ± 7.1 (44.1% reduction, P < 0.01); Quality of Life (QOL) improved to 2.4 ± 1.5 (47.8% reduction, P < 0.01); Maximum Urinary Flow Rate (Qmax) increased to 13.1 ± 5.5 mL/s (22.4% improvement, P < 0.01).

Conclusion
Performing MIST procedures for BOO under local anesthesia alone, without sedation, in an outpatient setting is both feasible and well-tolerated. The approach yields significant improvements in urinary symptoms and flow rates, with low complication rates. This model can reduce inpatient demand and optimize urological service delivery.

> Read full study
> Download study summary (PDF, 161 KB)

Trusted Voices: Healthcare Professionals Speak on iTind

Frequently Asked Questions for Urologists

Published clinical studies show the iTind procedure provides significant, rapid and durable improvement in urinary symptoms beyond 4 years, with sustained quality-of-life gains1. Patients typically experience rapid symptom relief within weeks without long-term complications1.

The iTind procedure offers patients an attractive alternative for relief of symptomatic BPH2. The iTind procedure risk profile is comparable to other minimally invasive treatments1,2,5,6, and avoids permanent implants. iTind preserves sexual function3* and continence2, and can be performed in an outpatient setting with general anesthetic not required2,3.

Across multicenter studies, the iTind procedure has proven to be an effective minimally invasive treatment with a strong safety profile1,2,3. The total cumulative surgical re-treatment rate from baseline through 4 years was 11%. 94% of patients did not need BPH medications 4 years after treatment with the iTind procedure, demonstrating long-term durability without the risk of long-term complications1.

Yes. iTind is designed for office-based or ambulatory environments, both implantation and removal can be done under local, IV or general anesthesia2. The iTind procedure has a short procedure time, with most patients discharged within a few hours and resuming normal activity rapidly3.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hospital Management and Procurement

Economic modeling and real-world data show that iTind can reduce direct procedure costs by 31–57%4 when compared with more invasive inpatient surgery. This cost reduction is largely driven by a significant reduction in the length of hospital stay, a reduction in OR time required and a substantial reduction in serious adverse events.4

Absolutely. iTind is a quick procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia outside of the operating room. In addition, patients typically leave hospital within a few hours of insertion of the iTind device and do not require beds on inpatient wards2. These two elements combined enable hospitals to utilize their limited operating room capacity for patients undergoing more complex, invasive surgeries, whilst ensuring that inpatient beds remain available for their recovery4.

iTind procedures are reimbursable in most European markets under ambulatory urology codes. Olympus provides full onboarding program, including clinical training, coding support, and economic documentation to streamline adoption.4

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Downloads

iTind | Clinical Benefits & Procedural Overview (PDF, 3.4 MB)

Technical summary of the nitinol device’s mechanism of action, procedural steps, and long-term clinical data regarding IPSS and Qmax improvements for BPH therapy.

iTind | Procedure Integration Guide (PDF, 12.3 MB)

Comprehensive clinical resource covering patient selection, step-by-step implantation and removal techniques, and professional training protocols for seamless practice integration.

References
1 Amparore D, De Cillis S, Schulman C, Kadner G, Fiori C, Porpiglia F. Temporary implantable nitinol device for benign prostatic hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms: over 48-month results. Minerva Urol Nephrol. 2023;75(6):743-751. doi:10.23736/S2724-6051.23.05322-3
2 Chughtai B, Elterman D, Shore N, et al. The iTind Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Urology. 2021;153:270-276. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2020.12.022
3 De Nunzio C, Cantiello F, Fiori C, et al. Urinary and sexual function after treatment with temporary implantable nitinol device (iTind) in men with LUTS: 6-month interim results of the MT-06-study. World J Urol. 2021;39(6):2037-2042. doi:10.1007/s00345-020-03418-2
4 Olympus data on file.
5 Roehrborn CG, Gange SN, Shore ND, et al. The prostatic urethral lift for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate enlargement due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: the L.I.F.T. Study. J Urol. 2013;190(6):2161-2167. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2013.05.116
6 McVary KT, Rogers T, Roehrborn CG. Rezūm Water Vapor Thermal Therapy for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: 4-Year Results From Randomized Controlled Study. Urology. 2019;126:171-179. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2018.12.041
7 Dimitri, M., Calarco, A., Filippi, B., Viscuso, P., Asero, V., Mantica, G., Ambrosini, F., Spena, G., Bucca, B., Schiavina, R., Piazza, P., Iacono, G., Tufano, A. and Leonardi, R., 2025. I-Tind for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: Mid-term outcomes from a multicenter cohort. Urologia, 92(4), pp.693–697. doi:10.1177/03915603251360530.
*Based on available studies to date, no patients have reported sexual dysfunction following the iTind procedure.