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iTind — Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device

iTind (Olympus, acquired from Medi-Tate) is a temporary nitinol device deployed transurethrally and removed at ~ 5–7 days. Three nitinol struts exert radial pressure on the bladder neck and prostatic urethra at the 1, 5, and 7 o'clock positions, generating ischemic incisional necrosis along longitudinal lines that remodel into a wider channel after device removal.[1][2]

For procedural detail see iTind.

Device Components​

  • Pre-shaped nitinol frame with three longitudinal struts and an anchoring distal leaflet.
  • Folded delivery sheath for transurethral insertion under cystoscopic guidance.
  • Retrieval suture exiting the meatus throughout the indwell period for tethered removal in clinic.

Indications​

  • BPH-related LUTS, prostate volume < 75 mL (FDA-approved 2020).
  • Patients who prefer no permanent implant and want to preserve sexual function (anejaculation 0% in pivotal trials).
  • Office or outpatient placement under local + sedation.

Reconstructive Relevance​

  • Indwelling-device complications (5–7 day window): UTI, dysuria, hematuria, urgency, transient retention.
  • Long-term outcomes (MT-04 pivotal 3-yr): IPSS reduction ~ 9 points; Qmax improvement ~ 4 mL/s; retreatment rate ~ 11% at 3 yr.[3]
  • Unique among MIST BPH options in leaving no permanent implant — useful when subsequent TURP / HoLEP may be needed.
  • Cross-links: UroLift, Rezūm, Aquablation, Optilume BPH DCB.

References​

1. Porpiglia F, Fiori C, Bertolo R, et al. "Temporary implantable nitinol device (TIND): a novel, minimally invasive treatment for relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): feasibility, safety and functional results at 1 year of follow-up." BJU Int. 2015;116(2):278–87. doi:10.1111/bju.12982

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;153:270–6. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2020.12.022

3. Porpiglia F, Fiori C, Amparore D, et al. "Three-year follow-up of temporary implantable nitinol device implantation for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction." BJU Int. 2018;122(1):106–12. doi:10.1111/bju.14141