Million+ Patients Helped

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Zenflow

Nick Damiano

Co-Founder & CEO

Biodesign Innovation Fellow 2013-14

Shreya Mehta

Co-Founder & CTO

Biodesign Innovation Fellow 2013-14

"Every single time we observed patient care in the urology clinics at Stanford, we saw men struggling with symptoms or side effects related to benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]. In the US, roughly half of all males over 60 years old suffer from BPH; and by the age of 80, up to 90 percent are affected. The problem occurs when the prostate gland, which sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, becomes enlarged and obstructs the flow of urine. It’s considered a normal part of aging, but it causes a myriad of urinary problems that negatively impact quality of life, including increased urinary frequency (which is especially disruptive at night), urgency, and straining.

For years, the main treatment options for BPH were drugs, which are often either ineffective or cause unfavorable side effects, or a relatively invasive surgical procedure known as TURP [transurethral resection of the prostate]. As we learned more about TURP, what struck us was that although it solved one problem, it created so many others that patient complaints and concerns spanned the entire cycle of care. Men would delay or forego getting surgery after learning how painful it was to have a rigid scope inserted through the urethra to visualize and perform the procedure. They dreaded the extended catheterization that was so often required during recovery, as well the discomfort that could persist for weeks. And perhaps most importantly, they feared life-altering complications, such as incontinence, impotence, and other forms of sexual dysfunction.

We identified many other important unmet healthcare needs during our clinical immersion, but we just couldn’t stop thinking about the huge population of men living with symptomatic BPH who need a better solution. Ever since, we’ve been working to develop a less invasive alternative to TURP. Our approach can be performed in an office setting, uses a thin, flexible scope that’s less painful and traumatic for men seeking treatment, and has significantly fewer long-term complications. We’ve treated 11 patients so far in clinical studies with positive results, and we can’t wait to get the technology to more patients who can benefit from it."

BPH

 

“We just couldn’t stop thinking about the huge population of men living with symptomatic BPH who need a better solution.”

Zenflow develops minimally-invasive devices to treat obstructive urinary symptoms in patients with BPH. The company keeps the patient at the center of everything it does, constantly innovating to improve safety and effectiveness.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: All references to specific products, companies, or services, including links to external sites, are for educational purposes only and do not constitute or imply an endorsement by the Byers Center for Biodesign or Stanford University.

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