Device for minimally invasive treatment of enlarged prostate gains CMS reimbursement

UroLift--courtesy of NeoTract

Minimally invasive surgery to reduce the incidence of erectile dysfunction and other nasty side effects of procedures to treat an enlarged prostate is now more accessible due to Medicare reimbursement, NeoTract, maker of the UroLift System, announced today.

"The establishment of CMS reimbursement for UroLift is a major milestone for NeoTract and the clinical community, and comes on the heels of positive coverage decisions from Aetna and Coventry earlier this year," NeoTract CEO Dave Amerson said in a statement. "We are excited about the opportunity this presents for millions of men in the U.S. who are suffering from the symptoms of enlarged prostate, which often greatly impacts quality of life."

According to the release, the two new CPT codes are:

  • 52441 Cystourethroscopy, with insertion of permanent adjustable transprostatic implant; single implant
  • 52442 Each additional permanent adjustable transprostatic implant (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

NeoTract says the device is the only transprostatic implant system that does not involve the cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue. It is performed as an outpatient procedure.

An illustration of UroLift implants securing the new position of the prostate to create a larger opening in the urethra.--Courtesy of NeoTract

During the surgery, the device is delivered endoscopically into the urethra, to the area blocked by the enlarged prostate, according to a company video. The obstructing prostate tissue on both sides of the passage is moved out way to create a larger urinary opening in the urethra. Using a 19-gage needle, 4 to 5 implants are deployed to hold the prostate in the new position.

An enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and cause sleep and urinary problems. NeoTract says it affects 37 million men in the U.S, including 90% of men over 70. The side effects of medication to treat the condition can be overwhelming and include sexual dysfunction, dizziness and headaches, according to the release. Similarly, invasive surgery can result in permanent urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm).

The UroLift System received de novo approval from the FDA in September 2013. De novo approval is for low- to moderate-risk devices that do not have a substantially equivalent predicate device. Due to the product's novelty, the company pulled in $32.4 million in VC financing in the first half of 2012, making it one of the most heavily backed companies of the year.

- read the release

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