Initial OK for Patent

Endocare Inc., a maker of surgical devices for the treatment of prostate disease, said Wednesday that it has received preliminary approval for a patent on its technology used in the treatment of prostate disease.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued what is technically called a notice of allowance for the patent, which gives the company certain proprietary rights.

Endocare said the procedure is targeted for use in the prostatic urethra for immediate relief of obstruction.

This technology is being incorporated into two product lines, Endocare’s Horizon Temporary Stent and its Thermal Stent, the company said.