EXPERIENCE WITH THE MEMOTHERM(TM) PROSTATIC STENT

Objective To evaluate the Memotherm(TM) (Angiomed) permanently implant able prostatic stent. Patients and methods Forty-eight men (mean age 7 0.3 years, range 57-86) with symptoms and urodynamics suggestive of bl adder outflow obstruction had a Memotherm(TM) stent inserted into the prostatic urethra. Subjective and objective follow-up was performed at 1, 3 and 6 months. Results All but one patient was eventually able to void. Ten stents have been removed and three patients are awaiting st ent removal. Subjective benefits bore no correlation with the maximum urinary now rate and the findings on cystoscopy, Only 15 of the 48 pat ients had a satisfactory result. Conclusion Permanently implanted pros tatic stents should be considered experimental and only marketed after intensive investigation. As a result of this study, the Memotherm(TM) stent is to undergo significant modifications.