Diane K. Newman, DNP ANP-BC FAAN FAUNA BCB-PMD, presents “Interview of Emmanuel Chartier-Kastler on UroActive for Stress Urinary Incontinence.”
How to cite: Newman, Diane K. “Interview of Emmanuel Chartier-Kastler on UroActive for Stress Urinary Incontinence.” February 19, 2025. Accessed Apr 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/interview-of-emmanuel-chartier-kastler-on-uroactive-for-stress-urinary-incontinence/
Interview of Emmanuel Chartier-Kastler on UroActive for Stress Urinary Incontinence – Summary
Emmanuel Chartier-Kastler, MD, PhD, Head of Department of Urology, Pitie-Salpêtrière; Sorbonne University, Paris, France, discusses UroActiveⓇ, a novel implantable device developed by the company UroMems for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In this 9-minute presentation, Dr. Chartier-Kastler shares early outcomes from a pilot study evaluating this device in women.
Dr. Chartier-Kastler shares a case of a 60-year-old woman with severe SUI due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Having previously undergone failed synthetic sling surgeries, she remained a good candidate for an artificial urinary sphincter due to the absence of urethral trauma or voiding dysfunction. She received the UroActive implant.
The device functions similarly to the AMS 800TM artificial sphincter but is robotically implanted, avoiding open surgery. The cuff, positioned at the bladder neck, connects via tubing to a subcutaneous control unit in the abdomen. The unit is programmed four to six weeks postoperatively using external remote controls for both physician and patient. Battery life is estimated at 7–10 years; replacement requires only subcutaneous revision.
Clinical evaluation includes urodynamics and pad weight testing. In this initial cohort, approximately 90% of patients achieved complete dryness with no pad use, and all met the primary endpoint of at least 50% reduction in leakage. Beyond improving continence, the device allows for efficient voiding when deactivated, offering a significant functional benefit.
Dr. Chartier-Kastler emphasizes that this technology represents a new frontier for patients with persistent incontinence after sling failure. It provides a much-needed alternative for women, particularly as pharmacologic options remain limited. Early results are highly encouraging and mark a meaningful advancement in the treatment of female SUI.
