Optilume (Drug-Coated Balloon)
urology-surgery
Optilume (Drug-Coated Balloon) is available at 1 hospital across 1 city in the Voumed network.
1 hospital operates this technology across 1 country through the Voumed network; 1 of them holds JCI accreditation.
Optilume is a minimally invasive treatment for urethral stricture, a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. A stricture, usually caused by scar tissue, can make passing urine difficult and tends to come back after simple stretching procedures. Optilume combines two actions in one device: a balloon that gently widens the narrowed segment, and a medicine coating that is released into the wall of the urethra to discourage new scar tissue from forming. By tackling both the narrowing and the cause of recurrence, it aims to give longer-lasting relief than older methods, all through a single, no-incision procedure.
Key takeaways
- Optilume is a balloon catheter coated with paclitaxel, a drug that limits scarring, so one device both opens a narrowed urethra and works against the scar tissue that closes it again.
- It is aimed mainly at men whose urethral stricture has returned after dilation or internal cutting and who would rather avoid wider reconstructive surgery, though only certain stricture lengths and positions suit it.
- A thin catheter travels along the natural urinary passage to the narrowing, the balloon inflates to widen the segment and press the coating into the wall, then deflates and comes out, with the drug acting over the following weeks.
- Local anaesthesia or light sedation keeps discomfort limited during a short outpatient visit, a temporary catheter may stay in briefly, and mild burning on passing urine, urgency or a trace of blood can appear for a while before settling.
- No treatment can promise that a stricture will never return, so a urologist weighs the narrowing and the treatment history first, and follow-up checks that urine flow has improved and holds.
On this page
At a glance
- Type
- minimally invasive drug-coated balloon for the urethra
- Used for
- recurrent urethral stricture, mainly in men
- Key benefit
- widens the narrowing and helps prevent it from returning
- Anaesthesia
- local anaesthesia or light sedation, no incision
- Where it is used
- leading accredited urology centres abroad
What it is
Optilume is a balloon catheter system that carries a medication on its surface. The balloon is the part that physically opens up the narrowed section of the urethra, while the coating, a medicine called paclitaxel that limits scar formation, is the part that helps keep it open over time. Recurrent strictures are a common frustration because scar tissue often re-forms after the urethra is simply stretched or cut; Optilume is designed specifically to interrupt that cycle. The whole treatment is delivered through the natural urinary passage, so there is no external cut and no open surgery.
How it works
A thin catheter is gently passed along the urethra to the narrowed area, usually under local anaesthesia or light sedation. The balloon is positioned across the stricture and inflated, which widens the narrowed segment and presses the medicine coating against the urethral wall. As the balloon expands the tissue, the medication is transferred into the wall, where it works over the following weeks to reduce the formation of new scar tissue. The balloon is then deflated and removed. The procedure is typically completed in a single, short outpatient visit, and a catheter may be left in place briefly afterwards to support healing.
What it treats and who it helps
Optilume is used mainly for men with recurrent urethral stricture, particularly those whose narrowing has returned after previous treatments such as dilation or internal cutting. It can be an appealing option for people who want to avoid more extensive reconstructive surgery, or who prefer a quick, minimally invasive treatment with a short recovery. It is best suited to certain stricture lengths and locations, so a urologist evaluates the stricture and the patient's history to decide whether Optilume or another approach is the most appropriate choice.
Benefits and what to expect
The main benefits are a minimally invasive, no-incision treatment, a quick outpatient procedure and the dual action of widening the stricture while helping prevent it from returning. Recovery is generally fast, and most men resume normal activities soon afterwards. Mild burning when passing urine, urgency or a small amount of blood in the urine can occur for a short time and usually settle. A temporary catheter may be used for a brief period. The care team explains aftercare and arranges follow-up to check that urine flow has improved and remains durable.
Frequently asked questions
These answers are general guidance and may vary by provider. Confirm the details with the hospital you choose.
Is Optilume surgery?
No open or external surgery is involved. Optilume is delivered through the natural urinary passage using a balloon catheter, with no incision. It is typically performed under local anaesthesia or light sedation as a short outpatient procedure.
How is it different from simply stretching the urethra?
Simple stretching or cutting opens the narrowing but often allows scar tissue to re-form, so the stricture returns. Optilume both widens the area and releases a medicine that helps prevent new scarring, which aims to make the relief last longer.
Is the procedure painful?
It is usually performed under local anaesthesia or light sedation, so discomfort is limited. Afterwards, mild burning when passing urine or a little blood in the urine can occur for a short time and is easily managed.
How quickly will I recover?
Recovery is generally quick, and most men return to everyday activities soon after the procedure. A temporary catheter may be needed for a short while, and the team advises on aftercare and when to expect improvement.
Will the stricture come back?
Optilume is specifically designed to reduce the chance of recurrence by limiting new scar formation. While no treatment can guarantee a stricture will never return, this approach aims for longer-lasting relief than simple stretching alone.
Who is a suitable candidate?
It is mainly suited to men with recurrent strictures of certain lengths and locations. A urologist reviews the stricture and your treatment history to decide whether Optilume or a different method is the best option for you.
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