In a major medical breakthrough, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, successfully treated a 30-year-old man suffering from bladder neck obstruction using the revolutionary iTind device. Dr. Aakil Khan, Urologist at KIMS, performed the minimally invasive procedure, marking the first of its kind in Mumbai and only the second or third in Maharashtra.
The patient, a resident of Mumbra, had been experiencing significant urinary difficulties. Traditional surgical options posed risks to sexual function, but the iTind implant provided an effective and safer alternative—with no need for incisions, a catheter, or overnight hospitalization.
How the iTind Device Works
The iTind (Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device) procedure involves inserting a slender, three-strut nitinol implant into the prostatic urethra and bladder neck via the urethra. Performed under sedation, the device is positioned precisely using a cystoscope.
Once deployed, the iTind expands gently and applies controlled radial pressure to the obstructing tissue over 5 to 7 days. This pressure reshapes the tissue naturally—without cutting, heating, or ablating—creating new channels for improved urine flow while preserving ejaculation.
Safe Removal and Immediate Relief
After the tissue has been remodeled, the device is removed during a short follow-up visit using a retrieval catheter or a cystoscopic grasper. This step, typically done under local anesthesia or light sedation, takes just a few minutes. Patients are usually able to urinate spontaneously with immediate symptom relief.
A Condition Rare in Young Adults
Although prostate enlargement more commonly causes bladder neck obstruction in older men, congenital anatomical variations affect about 5–10% of younger individuals as well. In this patient’s case, alpha-blockers failed to provide relief. Doctors considered traditional endoscopic bladder neck incisions but avoided them due to the risk of retrograde ejaculation—a common side effect of surgeries like TURP.
Instead, the iTind implant offered a cutting-edge, non-invasive solution that maintained the patient’s sexual function while resolving the obstruction.
Minimally Invasive, Maximum Benefit
This novel approach eliminated the need for incisions, reduced the risk of bleeding or infection, and preserved erectile function. The patient was discharged the same day, pain-free and fully mobile.
“I was nervous about undergoing surgery, especially with risks to personal health,” the patient shared. “But this treatment felt effortless. I walked out the same day with no pain and no complications.”
A Breakthrough for Indian Urology
Dr. Aakil Khan said, “This procedure marks a landmark moment for Mumbai. Doctors across India have performed only around 30 iTind procedures so far, mainly in Delhi and Pune. It’s a breakthrough, especially for younger patients seeking relief without compromising their quality of life.”
Part of a New Era in Urology
As per the press release, the iTind procedure belongs to a new category of Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MIST), which also includes options like UroLift. These innovations are reshaping urological care by offering quick recovery, minimal side effects, and lifestyle-friendly alternatives to traditional surgeries.
Looking Ahead
As awareness and clinical adoption grow, urologists are increasingly using advanced tools like iTind to transform the management of conditions like bladder neck obstruction—delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care across all age groups.