UroLift — Prostatic Urethral Lift
UroLift mechanically retracts obstructing prostate tissue with permanent implants, without resecting or thermally ablating it. Each implant has a nitinol capsular tab, a stainless-steel urethral end-piece, and a connecting PET monofilament suture. The capsular tab is nitinol and the urethral end-piece is stainless steel.[1]
For selection and technique, see Prostatic Urethral Lift.
Device and Labeled Selection
The checked US UroLift 2 instructions indicate treatment in men 45 years or older, including lateral- and median-lobe hyperplasia, and contraindicate use when prostate volume exceeds 100 cc.[1] An obstructing median lobe is therefore not a labeled contraindication. The 2026 AUA guideline is narrower: clinicians should offer PUL for prostates of 30-80 cc without an obstructing median lobe .[2] It also directs counseling that the permanent tines may affect future procedures and prostate imaging .[1][2]
Other listed contraindications include UTI, urethral conditions preventing delivery-system insertion, incontinence due to an incompetent sphincter, and current gross hematuria. The IFU warns not to use the device in patients with known allergy to nickel, titanium, or stainless steel. The patient's anatomy and prior procedures are checked against the full instructions.[1]
The UroLift 2 handle is for one patient and is validated for up to eight implant-cartridge deployments; each cartridge is single use. Implant number depends on anatomy and the opening required. The instructions describe an average of four to six implants and a recommended maximum of ten per patient, which may require a second handle.[1]
Evidence and Reconstructive Relevance
The L.I.F.T. trial randomized 206 participants and showed greater symptom improvement than sham at three months, with longer follow-up of treated patients.[3] MedLift was a separate non-randomized cohort of 45 men with an obstructive median lobe, extended from L.I.F.T. under the same FDA investigational device exemption; it reported IPSS improvement of at least 13.5 points through 12 months.[4] In L.I.F.T., sexual function was stable through five years with no de novo sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction, and surgical retreatment reached 13.6% by five years.[5] In a TriNetX insurance-claims database analysis, the cumulative reprocedure rate after PUL was 5.1% at one year (14,343 men) and 16.1% at four years (710 men), versus 7.5% after TURP and 7.8% after PVP at four years.[6]
Misplaced, exposed or loose components can require removal and may lead to encrustation, stones, bleeding or persistent symptoms. Implants must be accounted for in later endoscopic procedures. The implanted components are MR Conditional, with model-specific field, gradient and RF limits, and MRI artifact can affect prostate assessment. The delivery system is not taken into an MRI environment.[1]
References
1. Teleflex/NeoTract. UroLift 2 System Instructions for Use, US. L00127-01 Rev E, June 2022; linked from current manufacturer IFU page, accessed September 12, 2026. Instructions for use.
2. Goueli R, et al. Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: AUA Guideline (2026) Part III: Procedural/Surgical Management. J Urol. 2026;216(2):161-170. doi:10.1097/JU.0000000000005099
3. Roehrborn CG, Gange SN, Shore ND, et al. The prostatic urethral lift for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate enlargement due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: the L.I.F.T. Study. J Urol. 2013;190(6):2161-2167. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2013.05.116
4. Rukstalis D, Grier D, Stroup SP, et al. Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) for obstructive median lobes: 12 month results of the MedLift Study. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2019;22(3):411-419. doi:10.1038/s41391-018-0118-x
5. Roehrborn CG, Barkin J, Gange SN, et al. "Five year results of the prospective randomized controlled prostatic urethral L.I.F.T. study." Can J Urol. 2017;24(3):8802-8813. PMID 28646935
6. Feiertag JH, Kane JA, Clark JY. "Incidence of surgical reintervention for benign prostatic hyperplasia following prostatic urethral lift, transurethral resection of the prostate, and photoselective vaporization of the prostate: a TriNetX analysis." Eur Urol Open Sci. 2024;59:63-70. doi:10.1016/j.euros.2023.11.009