Dornier MedTech Initiates New Clinical Study Investigating Dornier ARIES as a Treatment for MTrP-associated CPPS

November 22, 2018

Dornier MedTech Initiates New Clinical Study Investigating Dornier ARIES as a Treatment for MTrP-associated CPPS

Dornier MedTech, a global leader in urology, today announced the initiation of a new clinical study to determine the safety and efficacy of low-intensity shock wave therapy (Li-SWT) to alleviate symptoms of Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP)-associated Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS). The study will be performed in collaboration with the National University Hospital (NUH) Urology Centre. NUH is the first public hospital in Singapore to use Li-SWT to treat Erectile Dysfunction, and the technique is now being applied to CPPS.

CPPS is characterized by episodes of pain and discomfort in the perineum and private parts, demarcated by an area below the navel and between the hips. Affecting both men and women, the pain varies in severity and duration, and can be triggered while performing activities as simple as sitting for a long time, urinating or having a bowel movement. CPPS can detrimentally affect a patient’s quality of life if left untreated. It is estimated that CPPS affects up to 14%[1] of the global male population and about 9%[2] of men in Asia Pacific.

One underlying cause of CPPS is the development of active MTrPs, which are painful nodules or contractions in the pelvic floor muscles and in surrounding connective tissue known as the fascia. MTrPs are an often-overlooked cause of pelvic pain. Current therapies for MTrPs include muscle relaxants, needling, and manual trigger point release therapy. These therapies may be associated with undesirable side effects, relapse, or pain during treatment.

Dornier ARIES offers non-invasive Li-SWT, which has been validated as a treatment for many urology and orthopedic associated conditions with high levels of efficacy and safety. Li-SWT could potentially be a fast and relatively pain-free treatment modality with a lasting outcome for MTrP-associated CPPS.The single-arm study will be conducted by Dr Joe Lee (Consultant, Department of Urology and Director of Andrology & Male Reproductive Medicine, NUH). The study will enroll up to 20 male patients between the ages of 21 and 85 suffering from chronic pelvic pain for more than 3 months and who have failed at least one course of systemic treatment. Patients will be assessed for erectile function, pain and quality of life before and after treatment.

About Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) affects both men and women. It is characterized by pain, usually below the naval and between the hips. In women, pain associated with CPPS is non-menstrual related. This pain varies in severity (from dull to sharp pain) and duration (from intermittent to persistent), and can be triggered while performing certain activities such as sitting for a long time, urination and having a bowel movement. Patients experiencing debilitating forms of CPPS may not be able to work, sleep, have intercourse or exercise. CPPS can detrimentally affect a patient’s quality of life if left untreated.

About ARIES

Dornier ARIES currently offers a non-invasive treatment approach for patients suffering from vasculogenic erectile dysfunction. Shock wave treatment activates angiogenesis to help correct erectile dysfunction in the penile and pelvis tissue – resulting in increased blood flow necessary to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual performance.

About Dornier MedTech

Dornier MedTech is headquartered in Munich, Germany. Dornier is a medical device company focused on providing leading technology and improving life by delivering scientifically superior products and solutions to physicians, healthcare providers and research groups involved in urological care. As pioneers of the lithotripsy and a variety of surgical lasers, Dornier’s 40 years of innovation and service has made it one of the most trusted MedTech companies in the industry.

About National University Hospital

The National University Hospital is a tertiary hospital and major referral centre with over 50 medical, surgical and dental specialties, offering a comprehensive suite of specialist care for adults, women and children. It is the only public hospital in Singapore to offer a paediatric kidney and liver transplant programme, in addition to kidney, liver and pancreas transplantation for adults.

The Hospital was opened on 24 June 1985 as Singapore’s first restructured hospital. Each year, the Hospital attends to more than one million patients.

As an academic health institution, patient safety and good clinical outcomes remain the focus of the hospital as it continues to play a key role in the training of doctors, nurses, allied health and other healthcare professionals. Translational research plays a pivotal role in the Hospital’s three-pronged focus, paving the way for new cures and treatment.

A member of the National University Health System, it is the principal teaching hospital of the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the NUS Faculty of Dentistry.

For more information, visit www.nuh.com.sg

For more information about NUH Urology Centre, visit https://www.nuh.com.sg/usc/about-us/departments/department-of-urology/urology-centre.html

[1] Anthony J. Schaeffer, Epidemiology and Demographics of Prostatitis, European Urology Supplements 2 (2003) 5-10

[2] Physiopedia, Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome – Male. Referenced from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Chronic_Pelvic_Pain_Syndrome_-_Male#cite_note-Nguyen-1