Placement of the urethral stent made of shape memory alloy in management of benign prostatic hypertrophy for debilitated patients.

Abstract

A new urethral stent made of shape memory alloy was placed to relieve prostatic obstruction in 17 patients in whom other approaches were contraindicated. All patients were unable to tolerate intervention with sedation and positioning. Placement of the shape memory alloy stent mounted on a 16F Foley catheter is similar to insertion of a urethral catheter except for the heat-sensitive expansion. Each device was easily implanted with the patient on a flat examination table. There was no migration or incrustation of the shape memory alloy stent during the indwelling period. Clinical results demonstrate that the shape memory alloy urethral stent might be the only choice for management of prostatic obstruction in debilitated patients.