FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: WHAT IS THE PROSTATE GLAND?

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. The adult prostate is about the size and shape of a walnut. Its primary function is to produce semen, the fluid that carries sperm. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.

Q: WHAT IS BPH?

BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is commonly known as enlarged prostate. BPH is a non-cancerous condition in which prostate cells grow, enlarging the gland and causing it to squeeze the urethra. A variety of symptoms may result, including difficult, frequent or urgent urination.

Q: HOW COMMON IS BPH?

It is very common. An estimated 50% of all men over the age of 50 suffer from BPH.

Q: WHEN SHOULD I SEEK TREATMENT FOR BPH?

If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH that are affecting your quality of life, such as losing sleep because you need to wake during the night to urinate, you are unable to urinate, you are unable to delay urination, have hesitancy, or a weak urine stream, check with your urologist to discuss if it is time to seek treatment for BPH.

Q: WHAT IS THE NEUFLO^™ SYSTEM?

The Neuflo System is being developed as a new minimally-invasive, office-based procedure that delivers targeted energy to treat symptomatic BPH, while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The treatment is intended to be delivered in a single 30-minute session in an urologist's office.

Q: WHAT IS DC ABLATION?

DC ablation creates an electrochemical cell in the prostate tissue surrounding the catheter electrodes. At the anode, hydrogen ions (H+) are produced, resulting in an acidic region (low pH). At the cathode, hydroxyl ions (OH-) are produced, resulting in an alkaline region (high pH). Cells within these abnormal pH regions are absorbed by the immune system, forming voids in the lobes of the prostate. The voids may relieve pressure on the urethra, relieving the symptoms of BPH.

For a more detailed description of DC ablation, click here.

Q: WHEN WILL THE NEUFLO SYSTEM BE AVAILABLE TO ME AS A PATIENT?

The Neuflo System is expected to undergo a clinical study in the United States throughout 2010. It is anticipated that the system will be available in 2011 pending FDA approval.