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Rezum therapy uses steam to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
It is convective radiofrequency water vapor thermal therapy.
The system generates vapor by application of radiofrequency energy to create heat via electromagnetic induction in the handle of the delivery device and incorporates a standard endoscopic cystoscopy lens to visualize the positioning of the treatment needle into the obstructing BPH tissue.
A minimally invasive treatment for lower urinary tract symptomatology utilizing the unique properties of convective energy transfer as described by the laws of thermodynamics.
A minimally invasive procedure that uses a hand-held device that passes through the urethra to reach the prostate.
It is a transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) method that provides radiofrequency generated thermal energy in the form of water vapor.
Convection is the movement of a heated gas or liquid within a defined space.
Steam fills a defined space between the cells and transfers energy onto the exterior of cell membranes.
Conduction is the transfer of heat through a nonmoving material from the area of higher temperature to lower temperature.
The energy transported by the water damages the prostate cells, which in turn causes them to die.
Over time, the body absorbs the treated tissue.
In men who underwent therapy showed a sustained 51 percent reduction in symptom severity from baseline at 24 months.
In another study there was significant improvement in BPH symptoms as soon as one month after treatment, and the benefits remained consistent over the two years of the study.
The study reported appreciable reduction in prostate volumes, maintenance of sexual function, and no new cases of erectile dysfunction.
The process injects water vapor into the transition zone of the prostate at approximately 103°C.
The vapor disperses through the tissue interstices.
Convectively delivers thermal energy, while staying contained within the transition zone.
Water when heated to steam oexpands approximately 1,700 times its liquid volume and carries up to 540 calories of energy per gram.
When steam phase shifts or condenses from vapor to liquid upon contact with tissue, the stored thermal energy is released.
The tissue treated with vapor in 9-second treatments reach between 70°C and 80°C,2 consistent with the temperature range which cell death occurs instantaneously.
A polyether ether ketone needle is deployed under direct visualization into the obstructive regions of the transition zone and the steam is delivered into the tissue from vapor emitter holes spaced 120 degrees circumferentially around the tip of the needle.
Each injection of steam is for approximately 9 seconds.
9-second treatments of transurethral convective heating with water vapor can rapidly ablate human prostate tissue in the transition zone.
A significant ablation of prostatic tissue is possible with convective steam treatments of approximately 9 seconds per injection.