Therapeutic Lighted Catheter for Treatment and Prevention of Urethral Stricture Disease, Bladder Neck Stenosis and Anastomotic Contractures

Background:

Urethral strictures cause around 1,000,000 emergency room visits in the US and nearly as many visits to urologist clinics. Treatments include urethral dilations (mechanical stretching) and endoscopic incision of the scar, followed by a temporary (up to seven days) catheter placement. These treatments are considered minimally-invasive, but have a poor success rate (under 40%) due to scar recurrence or progression in response to mechanical injury by the treatment itself. In addition, some centers offer open reconstructive techniques called urethroplasties. These use local flaps, distant grafts, and/or complete resection of the affected scar tissue. These treatments are more effective (up to 90%). However, they are significantly more invasive, require specialized surgical training to perform, and catheter stays of up to 28 days to avoid breaking the suture lines of the repair.

Technology Overview:

The subject technology is a therapeutic lighted catheter (red and near-infrared) for treatment and prevention of urethral strictures and bladder neck contractures. This offers the minimal-invasiveness of endoscopic, eliminates the need for special training (any urologist can dilate and place the catheter), reduces the time of in-dwelling urethral catheter, and increases the effectiveness of the endoscopic treatment by preventing/reducing scar formation. Preliminary animal experiments with this technology has confirmed the efficacy of this treatment with promising initial results, including in terms of radiographic and endoscopic improvement and resolution of strictures.

Advantages:

•    Minimally-invasive.
•    Eliminates the need for special training.
•    Reduces the time the catheter must remain in place.
•    Prevents/reduces scar formation.

Applications:

The primary application for this technology is treatment and prevention of urethral stricture disease, bladder neck stenosis, and anastomotic contractures.

Intellectual Property Summary:

US Patent application filed on 1/10/23. Application Serial # 18/095,121.

Stage of Development:

TRL 3 - Experimental proof of concept

Licensing Status:

This technology is available for licensing.

Licensing Potential:

This technology would be of interest to anyone involved in the treatment of urethral strictures and related diseases, including:
•    Manufacturers of medical devices.
•    Hospitals.
•    Universities.
•    Medical research laboratories.