Optilume® Balloon Dilation
A breakthrough, drug-coated balloon therapy for long-lasting relief from Urethral Strictures and BPH.
What is Optilume?
Historically, urethral strictures (scar tissue blocking the urinary channel) were treated by simply cutting the scar. Unfortunately, this often caused the scar tissue to grow back even worse, trapping patients in a cycle of repeated surgeries.
The Optilume Drug Coated Balloon is a revolutionary new technology. It simultaneously expands the urinary channel and delivers a specialized anti-proliferative drug (Paclitaxel) directly into the tissue, stopping the scar from growing back. It is now also used successfully for enlarged prostates (BPH).
How The Procedure Works
1. Endoscopic Access
Performed as a brief outpatient procedure, a tiny camera is passed through the urethra to precisely locate the narrowing (stricture) or prostate blockage.
2. Balloon Placement
The uninflated Optilume balloon is carefully positioned exactly across the narrowed area of the urethra.
3. Dilation & Micro-Fissuring
The balloon is inflated to stretch the tissue. This creates microscopic cracks (fissures) in the dense scar tissue, opening the pathway.
4. Drug Delivery
While inflated, the balloon releases Paclitaxel deep into the fissures. This drug prevents cell division, halting the scar from regenerating.
Why Choose Dr. Athar Hameed?
As an early adopter of advanced endourological technologies, Dr. Athar Hameed utilizes Optilume to break the frustrating cycle of stricture recurrence. This rapid, minimally invasive procedure offers durable, long-term results without the need for major reconstructive open surgery.