OptiPROM
OptiPROM
Optimal removal of prostate tissue after minimally invasive enucleation
Due to demographic changes, more and more male patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are being treated every year. In 2019, 85,000 patients underwent this procedure. Enucleation (detachment/removal) using a laser is a very gentle method. This procedure is complemented by transurethral morcellation (shredding through the urethra) of the prostate tissue. It requires constant attention from the doctor, as there is a risk of damaging the bladder wall or leaving unmorcellated tissue behind. Depending on the nature of the tissue, only low removal rates are achieved and the tissue may "jump away". In addition, poor visibility conditions, such as a limited range of vision, a limited viewing window or an unsteady image, make the process more difficult or disrupt it.
The aim of the planned project is to increase patient safety during morcellation and to shorten operating times by optimizing procedures and instruments.
The use of a "recovery system" (bag or gripper system) is intended to enable controlled morcellation in a safe environment. The retrieval system allows the tissue to be captured and held while at the same time protecting the bladder wall. Additional sensor technology is designed to stop the morcellator automatically as soon as there is no longer any contact with the tissue. In this case, haptic feedback (e.g. through vibration) is given to the surgeon. In addition, an improved visual representation (possibly in 3D) is being sought in order to give the surgeon a better overview of the position and size of the enucleated tissue to be morcellated.
All of the targeted measures and improvements will help patient safety (e.g. by shortening anaesthesia times) on the one hand and the healthcare system on the other, as space and staff can be used more efficiently.