Prolieve® for BPH

The Prolieve® System is an in-office technology, a medical device that both heats the prostate and dilates the prostatic urethra. The purpose of the Prolieve System is to treat the symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH) in men who would benefit from drug or surgical therapy. The treatment was designed with patients' needs and comfort in mind.

Although individual results may vary, in a clinical trial, 74 percent (68 of 92 patients) of Prolieve patients one year later experienced an improvement of 30 percent or more of their AUA Symptom Score, a measure of BPH symptoms based on questions published by the American Urological Association.

What to expect during a Prolieve treatment

• The physician inserts a catheter into the urethra.
• A special antenna inside the catheter transmits microwave energy to provide heat to the prostate.
• The heat reduces the prostate's enlarged tissue.
• A small balloon that is also part of the catheter inflates within the section of the urethra close to the prostate.
• During the entire 45-minute procedure, water circulates inside the catheter through the urethra.

As a safeguard, the Prolieve System's computer monitors the temperature surrounding the treatment area by means of a rectal temperature monitor. If the temperature at the monitor reaches 42ºC (about 107º F), the system shuts off automatically.

The Prolieve System is FDA approved. The System's design and operating protocol were investigated in clinical studies of other men suffering from BPH. The results showed the Prolieve System is safe and effective.

You should be able to go home right after the Prolieve System Treatment. However, it is a good idea to have someone drive you home after the procedure. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities shortly after the treatment.