Press Release
21.05.2008
Urologists in the US are excited about the fastest minimally invasive laser treatment for BPH with the high-power EVOLVE™ diode laser, the most effective and cost-efficient treatment for prostate enlargement.
At the 2008 annual meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) in Orlando, Florida, biolitec AG presents an account of how the Evolve™ 150 urology laser is currently being used for out-patient treatment of BPH – Doctors report that they are very satisfied with the results – In the US, biolitec is market leader in out-patient treatment of benign prostate enlargement.
Orlando/Florida, USA – May 21, 2008– www.biolitec.com – At this year’s annual meeting of the American Urological Association in Orlando, Florida, four leading urologists are currently presenting to an audience of their peers the very successful results of using the Evolve™ high-power diode laser from biolitec AG to treat patients with prostate enlargement (benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH). The patients were treated with the advanced minimally invasive LIFE™ laser therapy. In some cases, the treatment took less than ten minutes to administer on an out-patient basis, eliminating the need for costly overnight stays in hospital.
biolitec proudly presents the successful launch of the new 150-watt Evolve™ diode laser in conjunction with the patented Fusion™ side-fire fiber at this year’s annual AUA meeting. Thanks to shorter treatment times and easier vaporization and coagulation (tissue can be removed without causing bleeding), this laser technology enables faster recoveries and reduces the risk of post-operative complications. The innovative treatment is also in keeping with the current general sway towards minimally invasive therapies.
The new 150-watt high-power laser has been shipping to a wide range of US reference centers since January 1 this year. Due to the high level of demand from urologists, biolitec expects US market penetration of the Evolve™ laser system to surge beyond its current level of 20 percent. Moreover, this safe laser therapy enables out-patient applications, which opens up a whole new market with considerable potential.
The laser’s high power cuts the treatment time required to remove prostate tissue that is obstructing urinary flow. Out-patient treatment under local anesthetic is simple and fast.
In the US, one in two men over the age of 60 and most men over 80 suffer from benign enlargement of the prostate gland – figures which mirror the situation in Germany. LIFE™ laser therapy is available at urology practices and in highly-reputed clinics in the US. To date, more than 600 US doctors have used LIFE™ laser therapy, including approximately 200 urologists in their own practices. Since January 1 this year, statutory health insurance providers in Germany have been reimbursing the cost of laser vaporization for treating BPH, although, to date, this applies only to in-patient treatment. Urologists all over Germany are already offering this treatment on an out-patient basis.
Experts attending the AUA meeting from May 17 to 22 will be presented with the latest empirical case studies of the new laser system. The speakers are as follows: Dr. Mark Swierzewski from Tampa Bay, Florida; Dr. James Ulchaker from the Cleveland Clinic; Dr. David S. Turk from Southwest Urology in Cleveland (who recently received the AUA’s Thirlby Award 2007 for presenting his latest successes with the treatment) and Prof. Dr. Ali Erol from Duzce University in Istanbul, Turkey.
About biolitec
biolitec is the only supplier for photodynamic therapy worldwide that offers all relevant core competencies – photosensitizers, lasers and optical fibers. Besides minimally invasive laser treatments and the oncology business, biolitec has successfully developed competencies in the field of aesthetics. biolitec is listed in the Prime Standard under ISIN DE0005213409. For more information about LIFETM laser therapy, visit www.biolitec.com.