Endocare plans Nitinol urinary stent trials:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Endocare has applied for an IDE to begin human trials in the US with Horizon, a stenting device to give temporary relief of bladder obstruction in benign prostatic hyperplasia sufferers. The stent is made of the 'memory metal' Nitinol, so that the physician can insert it painlessly into a prosthetic urethra, where it expands and holds the duct open. Endocare expects it will relieve BPH-related acute urinary retention for up to 30 days. The company, of Irvine, California, is also developing a temperature-sensitive version intended for long-term use.