We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Adjustable Transobturator Effectively Treats Male Incontinence

By Daniel Beris
Posted on 07 Dec 2016
Print article
Image: The ATOMS device with the scrotal port (Photo courtesy of AMI).
Image: The ATOMS device with the scrotal port (Photo courtesy of AMI).
An innovative implantable system with no mechanical parts provides an effective treatment for mild to severe male stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

The adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) is a long-term, adjustable implant designed to treat male SUI, generally following invasive treatment of the prostate gland. The implant is based on a suburethral substitute sphincter cushion that provides a gentle, evenly distributed pressure on the bulbospongiosus muscle in order to reduce the risk of urethral erosion. There is no specific point of maximum compression on the urethra, and patients can urinate freely, without having to activate a mechanical component.

The cushion is located in the middle of a mesh fixation tape, with integrated mesh arms that are drawn back around to the middle of the implant and over the inferior pubic ramus to secure the system in place, providing 4-point-fixation that eliminates the need for fasteners or screws. The macroporous mesh integrates into the bone, leading to an extra firm hold. Tissue ingrowth and revascularization of the surrounding tissue reduce the risk of an infection spreading in the pelvis operatively or post-operatively.

Following placement, the substitute sphincter cushion is filled via a scrotal port-catheter connection; the patient-specific adjustments require no further surgical intervention, and can be made at any time to counteract either continuing incontinence or urinary retention. From then on, the ATOMS cushion exerts gentle compression pressure on the bulbospongiosus muscle, and thus indirectly of the urethra, increasing urethral resistance. Involuntary loss of urine is thus reduced or ideally avoided. The ATOMS device is a product of the Agency for Medical Innovations (AMI; Feldkirch, Austria).

“The ATOMS device is safe and shows high treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction in the largest cohort study to date,” said Alexander Friedl, MD, of Hospital Göttlicher Heiland (Vienna, Austria), who led a recent international study of the device. “The latest generation, with its pre-attached silicone-covered scrotal port, is superior to its predecessors. Significantly better results were achieved with primary implantation and in those without a history of radiotherapy.”

In men, SUI usually results from a procedure to remove an enlarged prostate that causes difficulty in urinating. The resulting surgical damage to the urinary sphincter leads to incontinence, or creates functional problems. When the strength of the sphincter muscle is compromised, urine may leak through the urethra. Under pressure to the bladder, such as with a golf swing or a sneeze, leakage may be slight. However, depending on the severity of damage, the impaired sphincter could allow a steady stream of urine.

Related Links:
Agency for Medical Innovations
Hospital Göttlicher Heiland
Gold Member
12-Channel ECG
CM1200B
Gold Member
POC Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile Prime Plus
Silver Member
Wireless Mobile ECG Recorder
NR-1207-3/NR-1207-E
New
Vein Illuminator
VSI

Print article

Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed an advanced shear-thinning hydrogel for aneurysm repair (Photo courtesy of TIBI)

New Hydrogel Features Enhanced Capabilities for Treating Aneurysms and Halting Progression

Aneurysms can develop in blood vessels in different body areas, often as a result of atherosclerosis, infections, inflammatory diseases, and other risk factors. These conditions lead to chronic inflammation,... Read more

Patient Care

view channel
Image: The newly-launched solution can transform operating room scheduling and boost utilization rates (Photo courtesy of Fujitsu)

Surgical Capacity Optimization Solution Helps Hospitals Boost OR Utilization

An innovative solution has the capability to transform surgical capacity utilization by targeting the root cause of surgical block time inefficiencies. Fujitsu Limited’s (Tokyo, Japan) Surgical Capacity... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.