Optilume for BPH
No heating. No burning. No lasering. No steaming. No implantation. Just relief.
Optilume is a minimally invasive surgical therapy for BPH that combines mechanical dilation with localized drug delivery. A specially designed double-lobe balloon, coated with medication (paclitaxel), is used to gently expand the prostatic urethra by separating the enlarged lobes of the prostate. The medication helps prevent tissue regrowth and re-fusion of the lobes, keeping the channel open as you heal.
BPH & Treatment Options
As the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra and cause frustrating urinary symptoms – like frequent urination, weak stream, urgency, and waking up at night to urinate (nocturia). Left untreated, these symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life.
Medications may offer temporary relief but often come with side effects. More invasive surgical procedures, such as TURP, are effective but involve longer recovery times, hospital stays, and higher risks of complications.
Optilume provides a minimally invasive, long-lasting solution. It combines mechanical dilation with drug delivery to open the urethra, reduce inflammation, and lower the chance of symptoms coming back.
The UIC Difference
UIC was among the first clinics in Canada to offer Optilume for BPH and urethral strictures, bringing this minimally invasive treatment with long-lasting results to men.
Why choose us?
- One of the first clinics in Canada to introduce Optilume to treat BPH and urethral strictures
- Experienced urologists specializing in the minimally invasive treatment of BPH
- Simple, highly effective outpatient procedure with comprehensive follow-up
The Process
1. Consultation & Evaluation
Your symptoms and medical history will be assessed by one of our specialists to determine if Optilume is the right treatment for you.
2. The Procedure
The treatment is performed under anesthesia, with options including local, regional, intravenous (IV), or inhalational methods – your care team will help determine the best fit for you. A drug-coated balloon is inserted into the urethra and gently inflated to widen the passageway and restore better urinary flow by relieving pressure caused by an enlarged prostate.
3. Recovery & Follow-Up
All patients are discharged the same day and experience immediate symptom relief, with follow-up appointments scheduled to track progress.
BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is a common condition where the prostate enlarges and presses against the urethra, leading to urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak stream, and urgency.
Optilume is designed for men with mild to moderate BPH symptoms who prefer a minimally invasive treatment instead of traditional, invasive procedures. It’s an ideal option for those seeking long-term relief without taking daily medication, undergoing surgery, receiving implants, or experiencing a lengthy recovery.
Optilume is designed for men with lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), particularly those with obstruction in the prostatic urethra. It’s best suited for patients with smaller prostates and no median lobe obstruction.
If you have a larger prostate or anatomical features that make Optilume less effective, other options – such as Rezum – may be recommended instead. During your consultation, our specialists will review your imaging and symptoms to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
Most patients only need one treatment. The drug-coated balloon widens the urethra and helps prevent scar tissue formation, with symptom relief lasting 3-5 years in clinical studies.
Optilume is a low-risk procedure that does not interfere with bladder control or continence.
Optilume is performed under local anesthesia, with or without IV sedation, and takes about 10-15 minutes. Some men experience mild discomfort during balloon inflation, but overall, pain is minimal and resolves quickly.
In some instances, a temporary catheter will be placed for several days.
¹ Kaplan SA, Pichardo M, Rijo E, Espino G, Rodriguez Lay R, Estrella R. Long-term outcomes after treatment with Optilume BPH: Four-year results from the EVEREST study. Can Urol Assoc J. 2024 Jun 17;18(11):E319–E325. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.8737. PMID: 38976898; PMCID: PMC11534392.
² Kaplan SA. MP27-08 INTERIM 5-YEAR OUTCOMES AFTER TREATMENT WITH A NOVEL MINIMALLY INVASIVE DRUG/DEVICE PRODUCT. Journal of Urology [Internet]. 2024 May 1 [cited 2025 Mar 28];211(5S):e426.