| History |
| Radiofrequency energy has previously been used in the fields of neurosurgery and cardiology to precisely destroy tissue. In 1993, this technology was first applied to patients with enlarged prostates in Brussels, Belgium. In May of 1994, clinical trials were begun in the United States. On October 8, 1996, the TUNA system was cleared by the FDA for marketing in the United States for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). The TUNA system technology was acquired by Medtronics in 2002. After a series of improvements in the technology, Medtronics reintroduced TUNA in 2006 as Prostiva with a new generator platform that is very expandable for future modification. |
| Pictures |
| Comparison with Traditional Prostate
Surgery (TURP)
from data submitted to the FDA using the original TUNA system. Prostiva is now better and faster
|
| Operative Issues | TUNA | TURP |
|---|---|---|
| In-office / Out-patient | yes | no |
| Local Anesthesia | yes | no |
| Operative Time | 30-45 minutes | 45-60 minutes |
| Hospital Stay | 0-1 days | 2-7 days |
| Return to Normal Activity | immediate | 3 weeks |
| Adverse Events |
TUNA |
TURP |
| Retrograde Ejaculation | 0% | 31% |
| Erection Problems | 0% | 6% |
| Urinary Incontinence | 0% | 4% |
| Blood Transfusion | 0% | 2% |
| Bloody Urine | 25% | 100% |
| Urine Infection | 26% | 48% |
| Urethral Stricture | 1% | 8% |
