New Urology Products & Services

FDA approves first beta-3 adrenergic agonist for treatment of OAB

Northbrook, IL-Astellas Pharma US, Inc. announced that the FDA has approved mirabegron (Myrbetriq) extended-release tablets for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency. The first once-daily oral beta-3 adrenergic agonist, it relaxes the detrusor smooth muscle during the storage phase of the urinary bladder fill-void cycle, increasing bladder capacity. Starting dose is 25 mg but may be increased to 50 mg based on efficacy and tolerability. Mirabegron will be available in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to Astellas.

For more information, visit http://www.myrbetriq.com.

Cincinnati-Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. has received FDA 510(k) clearance for the HARMONIC ACE+ Shears with Adaptive Tissue Technology, an ultrasonic surgical device that performs multiple jobs, including dissection, sealing, transection, and otomy creation. The Adaptive Tissue Technology allows the shears to respond to varying tissue conditions by regulating energy delivery and providing surgeons with audible feedback, allowing for 23% less thermal spread while delivering 21% shorter transection times compared to the current HARMONIC ACE. The shears also feature a tapered, coated blade for multi-functionality with precise grasping and dissection.

Twin-balloon, zero-tip urinary catheter reduces bladder trauma

Tequesta, FL-Poiesis Medical has launched a twin-balloon, zero-tip urinary catheter called Duette designed to address the risks associated with urinary catheterization and to help eliminate bladder trauma caused by traditional Foley catheters. By utilizing a second balloon that subsumes its tip, the Duette cushions the bladder wall during drainage and protects the bladder's mucosal lining, its natural bacterial defense. The Duette offers patients a non-traumatic alternative for catheterization, Poiesis says.

Web site offers providers free CAUTI prevention educational materials

Bothell, WA-Verathon Inc. has announced a new Web site offering free educational materials on catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention. Designed for health care providers, materials include a bundle poster and animated checklist, instructional videos with urinary expert Diane Newman, DNP, CRNP, an interactive timeline with facts and figures, and downloadable information for reducing CAUTI-the most common health care-associated infection.

For more information, visit http://www.verathon.com/products/bladderscan/cauti-zero.