Importance

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Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer program products for obtaining a sample in vivo and/or treating a subject include positioning an elongated transurethral catheter in the prostatic urethra of a subject, the catheter having a bladder anchoring balloon, at least one biosample entry port disposed axially away from the bladder anchoring balloon, and an axially extending biosample flow channel in fluid communication with the biosample entry port held internally in the catheter. The anchoring balloon is inflated to position the catheter so that the fluid entry port is proximate the prostatic urethra of the subject and prostatic fluid is suctioned from the prostatic urethra into the biosample entry port and into the biosample flow channel. The catheter can include a thermal treatment balloon and/or dilatation balloon and the suctioned sample can be obtained concurrently with, during, or proximate in time to the applied treatment. The catheter can be configured to allow urine to drain therethrough during the treatment/collection of the sample while keeping the urine isolated from the collected prostatic fluid sample.

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First Claim