Optilume Drug-Coated Balloon: What to Know
About this video
Optilume is a balloon coated with paclitaxel, used to treat certain urethral strictures. Dr. Alex Vanni explains how it works, what to do after treatment, clinical trial and real-world results from TURNS, approved and off-label use, who it works best for, and how it compares with urethroplasty.
Key points
- Optilume is a balloon coated with paclitaxel that opens the stricture and releases medication
- About 78% success in the clinical trial; about 66% at 1 year in real-world TURNS results
- FDA approved for anterior urethral strictures; use in the posterior urethra is off-label
- Use a condom during sex for 1 month and contraception for 6 months after treatment
- Results are less favorable after several prior procedures or with longer or complex strictures
- For a 3 cm bulbar stricture, urethroplasty success at the Lahey Clinic is 93–97% at 5 years
Chapters
- Introduction
- How Optilume Works
- Results in Everyday Practice
- Who It Works Best For
- Comparing Options
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Talk with Dr. Vanni
Dr. Alex J. Vanni is a fellowship-trained reconstructive urologic surgeon at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts, caring for patients from Boston and across New England.
New patients: (781) 744-8762 · Established patients with clinical questions: (781) 744-8420
This video is for general patient education and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Every patient is different; please talk with your care team about your situation. Watch on YouTube.