Optilume

Urinary symptoms like a weak stream, frequent urges, or a feeling that your bladder never quite empties can be frustrating. One common urologic condition that can cause these symptoms is urethral strictures.

Optilume is a minimally invasive treatment that’s designed to target the source of these problems. They can provide longer-lasting relief for conditions that affect your comfort, work, and sleep.

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra caused by scar tissue. The narrowing makes it harder for urine to pass, which can cause similar symptoms to BPH. This can happen due to:

• Injury
• Inflammation
• Previous urological surgery
• The use of urinary catheters

Symptoms of a urethral stricture include:

• Slowed or reduced urine stream
• Burning or stinging during urination
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder

Without treatment, urethral strictures can lead to complications. This includes frequent infections and potential damage to the bladder or kidneys over time.

Optilume is a drug-coated balloon (DCB) designed for minimally invasive treatment of narrowed segments in the urethra.

It is a unique treatment that combines two key elements:

Balloon dilation

A small balloon gently expands the narrowed part of the urethra, helping restore urine flow. This mechanical expansion helps break up scar tissue and restore a more normal urine flow. It’s a controlled and targeted way to relieve the blockage without major surgery.

Drug delivery

The balloon is coated with paclitaxel, a medication that helps stop certain cells from multiplying too quickly. In the case of Optilume, it’s used to prevent the overgrowth of scar tissue inside the urethra after it’s been widened. This drug has been used safely for many years in other parts of the body, including in heart stents. Paclitaxel, when applied directly to the urethral wall, slows healing. This helps lower the chance of stricture returning while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. Because the drug stays in the area where it’s needed and isn’t absorbed in high amounts throughout your system, it has very few systemic side effects.

This approach not only relieves blockage but also helps reduce the chances of the problem recurring, providing longer-lasting results than traditional dilation alone.

Optilume is usually done as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia and light sedation, so you’ll stay comfortable and relaxed.

A thin balloon catheter is inserted into the urethra and guided to the area causing the blockage. Cystoscopy and sometimes fluoroscopy are used for positioning.

Once in place, the balloon is inflated for 3 to 10 minutes to widen the narrowed section gently.

The medication on the balloon surface is delivered directly to the tissue, reducing scarring.

After the balloon is deflated and removed, you’ll recover briefly before heading home the same day.

Most men return to normal activities within a few days. You may experience mild discomfort or urinary urgency at first, but this usually goes away quickly.

Improvement happens within weeks of the procedure. It’s important to attend your scheduled follow-ups even if you’re feeling better.

Your urologist will schedule follow-up visits to check your healing and make sure the treatment is working as expected. These check-ins help track your:

• Urinary flow
• Symptoms
• Comfort

Your doctor will also monitor for any signs of recurring stricture.

This treatment may be a good fit if you want to avoid more invasive surgery or long-term medication use but still need relief from urinary symptoms. Optilume offers several potential benefits:

• Minimally invasive, so no major surgery is needed
• Recovery is fast
• Urinary flow and comfort are restored
• It targets the source of symptoms to help reduce recurrence
• Designed to preserve erectile and ejaculatory function

1. Who might benefit from Optilume?

Men with urinary symptoms from a narrowed urethra who want a minimally invasive option may be good candidates. Your urologist will evaluate your symptoms and general health to determine if Optilume is right for you.

2. How is Optilume different from other procedures?

Unlike traditional surgery, Optilume uses a drug-coated balloon to gently treat the affected area and reduce scarring. This dual-action method aims to provide longer-term results.

3. Are there risks or side effects?

Like any procedure, there may be some mild side effects such as temporary discomfort or slight bleeding. Serious complications are uncommon. Your doctor will discuss any risks with you before the procedure.