Glossary

Anode:
The positive terminal of an electrolytic cell.
AUA (American Urological Association):
AUA, founded in 1902, is the premier professional association for the advancement of urologic patient care, and works to ensure that its more than 16,000 members are current on the latest research and practices in urology. The AUA also pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by providing a wide range of services — including publications, research, the Annual Meeting, continuing medical education (CME) and the formulation of health policy.
AUASS (AUA Symptom Score):
The most widely used gauge of the lower urinary tract symptoms associated with the constriction of the urethra caused by an enlarging prostate. Symptoms measured include urgency and frequency of urination, problems with urination, and nocturia (getting up at night to urinate). Take the AUA Symptom Score test now.
Bladder stones:
Buildups of mineral in the urinary bladder.
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia):
The medical term for an enlarged prostate. It is one of the most common medical conditions among mature men. BPH is not cancer, but a natural part of the aging process that occurs when the number of prostate cells increases. The progression of BPH causes the prostate gland to compress the urethra.
Catheter:
A flexible or rigid hollow tube employed to drain fluids from body cavities or to distend body passages.
Cathode:
The negative terminal in an electrolytic cell.
Control Unit:
A small, portable device with an LCD touch screen for displaying and controlling settings and treatment information.
DC ablation:
A BPH therapy being developed to deliver targeted energy directly into the prostate, removing the prostate tissue.
Electrode:
A conductor through which a current enters or leaves a nonmetallic medium.
Enlarged prostate:
Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Lidocaine:
A synthetic crystalline powder used as a local anaesthetic.
Non-surgical BPH procedures:
These procedures utilize catheter technologies to destroy enlarged prostate tissue and relieve pressure on the urethra. They are performed with local anesthesia or oral medications in an urologist’s office or hospital outpatient setting.
Prostate:
A gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra in the male. It is partly muscular and partly glandular and consists of a median lobe and two lateral lobes. The gland secretes a fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid.
Urethra:
A canal for the discharge of urine extending from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Urinary retention:
Inability to empty the bladder.
Urinary tract infection:
Any infection of any of the organs of the urinary tract.