AquaTherm™

The AquaTherm™ System uses water-induced thermotherapy (WIT) to destroy obstructive prostatic tissue and reopen the urethra. WIT can be performed in ambulatory surgery, outpatient surgery, or a physician's office. It takes only 45 minutes and does not require general anesthesia.

A catheter made up of four contiguous sections - the urinary drainage lumen, the positioning balloon, the treatment balloon, and the insulated shaft - is attached to a computer console that heats water to 60° C (140° F). Throughout the procedure, the computer console precisely maintains the water temperature at 60° C, and urine is allowed to pass by means of the urinary drainage lumen.

The urologist inserts the catheter through the urethra and into the bladder. Once the urinary drainage lumen and the positioning balloon reach the bladder, the positioning balloon inflates and secures the catheter. The treatment balloon, resting in the prostatic urethra (located directly below the bladder), inflates and fills with water. Temperature-controlled water circulates through the insulated shaft into the treatment balloon. The catheter conducts heat through the insulated shaft to the prostate gland, raises the temperature of the gland, and destroys the obstructive tissue. Destroyed tissue is either sloughed off or absorbed by the body over time. After 45 minutes of treatment, the catheter is removed.

Following the procedure, a urethral catheter remains in place for approximately 4 to 17 days, or until normal urinary flow is restored. Temporary hematuria, or blood in the urine, is usually present after the procedure, and treatable urinary tract infection or urinary urgency also may occur.
.
http://www.urologychannel.com/prostate/bph/treatment_therm.shtml#laser
.
.