Doctors at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) have pioneered an advanced solution for individuals struggling with urinary difficulties. A 38-year-old man from West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, suffering from severe urinary issues, has become the latest beneficiary of a groundbreaking treatment using the iTIND device (Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device), which offers a minimally invasive approach to treating Primary Bladder Neck Obstruction (PBNO).
PBNO is a condition that affects 33-45% of men under 55 who experience difficulty in urinating. Symptoms include frequent urges, incomplete bladder emptying, and a persistent feeling of bladder fullness. It is commonly seen in individuals with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). For this particular patient, the condition severely affected his daily life, causing distressing symptoms that prevented him from attending social functions or using public transport.
In response, the medical team at AINU chose the innovative iTIND device, which is only available at select medical centers in India. The procedure has already been successfully performed on eight patients at AINU, and the results have been promising. Dr. Madduri Vijay Kumar Sarma, Consultant Urologist at AINU, elaborated on the treatment process, stating, “The iTIND device is placed at the bladder neck within the urinary tract and remains in place for seven days. During this period, it creates three small channels at the bladder neck, ensuring smooth urine flow. After removal, these channels remain open, allowing normal urination without discomfort.”
The key benefit of the iTIND device is its non-invasive nature. Unlike traditional urological surgeries that may involve tissue removal and carry risks of sexual dysfunction, the iTIND procedure preserves normal sexual function, making it a more appealing option for patients. “This is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require any tissue removal. The device is removed after a week, and patients can resume normal urination without the risk of sexual side effects,” Dr. Sarma added.
The symptoms of PBNO can be both physically and emotionally distressing, with patients frequently feeling the urge to urinate every hour but finding it difficult to do so. This can lead to social embarrassment, with many individuals avoiding medical help due to shame or the stigma associated with urinary problems. Prolonged urine retention can also cause kidney damage if left untreated.
However, in this case, the patient’s condition was diagnosed promptly, and the iTIND device was implanted, resolving his symptoms entirely. The procedure, which is performed on an outpatient basis, is both safe and effective. Patients can go home on the same day, with only local anesthesia required, making it ideal for those with heart or respiratory conditions. Additionally, the procedure leaves no scars or stitches.
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“The iTIND device works by effectively opening up the prostate and bladder neck, creating a natural urinary channel in just 5 to 7 days,” Dr. Vijay Kumar Sarma explained. “Unlike conventional treatments that may involve partial removal of the prostate, which can result in loss of ejaculation, this method is completely non-invasive and preserves sexual function.”
AINU’s commitment to providing cutting-edge medical care has positioned it as a leader in the field of urology and nephrology. With over 500 beds across seven hospitals in four cities, the institute is known for its expertise in a range of urological and nephrological services, including kidney transplants, dialysis, uro-oncology, and robotic surgery. It has treated over a lakh patients and continues to set new standards in patient care.
About Asian Institute of Nephrology & Urology: Asian Institute of Nephrology & Urology (AINU) is India’s largest single-specialty hospital network for urology and nephrology, recently acquired by Asia Healthcare Holdings. Known for its clinical expertise, AINU is a pioneer of robotic urology surgery in India and offers advanced services in areas such as reconstructive urology, pediatric urology, and andrology. With over 500 beds across its network, the institute has treated over one lakh patients and holds multiple accreditations, including NABH, DNB (Urology & Nephrology), and FNB (Minimal Invasive Urology).
