For many elderly men with BPH, fear of surgery leads them to delay treatment. The iTind (Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device) has emerged as a compelling minimally invasive alternative that treats BPH without resecting prostate tissue.
Made from nitinol (a shape-memory alloy), the device is inserted in a folded state and gradually expands to mechanically widen the prostatic urethra and bladder neck. After 5–7 days, it is removed — leaving no permanent implant. The procedure requires no general anesthesia, takes under 20 minutes, and allows same-day discharge. Sexual and ejaculatory function are fully preserved.
Clinical data supports its efficacy: IPSS scores dropped from an average of 22.5 to 11.3, urinary flow rate nearly doubled from 7.3 to 15.2 ml/s, and the 3-year re-treatment rate was just 4%. However, pre-procedural evaluation including transrectal ultrasound, uroflowmetry, PSA, and cystoscopy is mandatory. Dr. Ryu Gyeong-ho of Goldman Urology Gangnam noted: 'iTind can be a genuine alternative for elderly patients, but careful patient selection is essential.'