Abstract
The Rezūm System™ is based on phase-change convective heat transfer with water vapor (steam) to ablate tissue. This is distinctly different than conductive heat transfer used by earlier devices such as radiofrequency or microwave systems. A summary of the early work is presented as well as a discussion of the important principles that make phase-change convective heating particularly useful in the prostate. Preliminary work suggests clinical promise for treating men with BPH and has led to a large scale trial to assess safety and efficacy of the procedure.
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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance
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Dixon CM, Cedano ER, Mynderse LA, Larson TR. Transurethral convective water vapor as a treatment for lower urinary tract symptomatology due to benign prostatic hyperplasia using the Rezūm® system: evaluation of acute ablative capabilities in the human prostate. Res Rep Urol. 2015;7:1–6. This reference provides compelling evidence that vapor can effectively ablate BPH.
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Conflict of Interest
Christopher Dixon MD I am a paid for time and expenses.
Michael Hoey is the founder and Chief Technology Officer of NxThera Inc.
Thayne Larson MD is a paid consultant but I do not know his financial arrangement with NxThera.
All of the studies referenced have been performed with Ethics Committee Approvals in the respective countries. Only the physician authors have particicpated in direct patient care with the local treating physicians.
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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.
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This article is part of the Topical Collection on BPH-Related Voiding Dysfunction
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Dixon, C., Larson, T. & Hoey, M. The Rezūm System: Minimally Invasive Treatment for BPH Using Water Vapor (Steam): Why Consider It?. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 10, 156–159 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-015-0300-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-015-0300-0