The Butterfly: A Novel Minimally Invasive Transurethral Retraction Device for Benign Hypertrophy of the Prostate

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The Butterfly Prostatic Retraction device is a novel transurethral implant designed to dilate the prostatic urethra and treat lower urinary tract symptoms. We assessed its safety, efficacy and impact on urinary flow, ejaculation, and quality of life. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> We included 64 men, treated for benign prostate hyperplasia for at least 1 year. All patients had Qmax≤ 13 mL/s and IPSS >12. Insertion of the device was performed via cystoscopy. Follow-up visits were performed at 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and included uroflowmetry, IPSS, QoL, and sexual function questionnaires. Cystoscopy was performed on 3 and 12 months. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Patients age was 50–83 years. 28 patients completed a 1-year follow-up with an intact device. Mean Qmax improved by 2 mL/s (25%), IPSS median drop was 10 points (40%), and QoL score was 1.5 points (38%). Sexually active patients reported antegrade ejaculation. On cystoscopy, gradual coverage of the devices with urethral mucosa was observed. In 1 patient, the device was repositioned. In 19 patients, the device was removed. 12 patients returned to alpha-blocker therapy and 7 patients underwent TURP. One patient developed a bulbar urethral stricture. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We demonstrated feasibility and good tolerability of the Butterfly device.

A Natural Gradient Biological-Enabled Multimodal Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Driving Safety Monitoring

“…Nature serves as a constant source of inspiration for mankind, offering a multitude of optimized forms and performances. A minimal surface with zero average curvature is a remarkable type of structure widely existing in nature. – Among these, triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs) are composed of infinite, non-self-intersecting, periodic surface structures in three main directions, including Schwarz Primitive (P), Schwarz Diamond (D), Schwarz Hexagonal (H), Schwarz cross layers of parallels, and Neovius (N). – Remarkably, similar TPMSs also exist widely in biological structures such as butterfly wing scales, crustacean shells, sea urchin bone plates, shells, and weevil exoskeletons. , Different from other artificially designed porous structures, TPMS is an excellent model for the gradient design, functional gradient, and free energy of natural structures. Recently, there has been increasing attention toward biomimetic inhalation sensors based on the TPMS biological mechanism.…”

“…4−7 Remarkably, similar TPMSs also exist widely in biological structures such as butterfly wing scales, crustacean shells, sea urchin bone plates, shells, and weevil exoskeletons. 8,9 Different from other artificially designed porous structures, TPMS is an excellent model for the gradient design, functional gradient, and free energy of natural structures. Recently, there has been increasing attention toward biomimetic inhalation sensors based on the TPMS biological mechanism.…”

The Butterfly: A Novel Minimally Invasive Transurethral Retraction Device for Benign Hypertrophy of the Prostate

“…Dear Editor, We read with interest the recently published feasibility study of Katz et al [1] reporting the use of a novel prostatic retraction device named "The Butterfly." The general principle of minimally invasive surgical treatments is to yield a superior improvement in urinary symptoms than is possible with medical treatments while still preserving sexual function and maintaining a lower morbidity profile compared to surgeries such as transurethral resection of the prostate [2].…”