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Abstract

The present invention is a method for treating obstructive prostatism in which a urethral catheter having a remotely fixed annular balloon is inserted into the urethra and urged therethrough until it is adjacent to the prostate gland. The annular balloon is inflated until the prostate has been forced back from around the urethra. A distally fixed Foley-type balloon may additionally be used to position the annular balloon with respect to the prostate. In the preferred embodiment, the distance between the bladder neck and the bottom of the prostate gland is first determined in order that the attending physician may use an annular balloon of the appropriate length, so as to optimize the effectiveness of the treatment. In order to measure this distance, a calibrated catheter is inserted through the urethra up into the bladder and then anchored at one end to the bladder neck by means of a balloon located at the distal end. A cystoscope may be used to read the markings on the calibrated catheter relative to the prostatic urethra, thereby providing an accurate means for determining the length of the annular balloon to be inserted for dilation. The length of the annular dilating balloon chosen is determined by the length of the prostate gland as measured from the calibrations. The cystoscope may also be used as the means by which both the calibrating catheter and the dilating annular balloon are inserted into the urethra. Multichannel or multi lumen cystoscopes are available for use in this process.

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First Claim