Can the chip's retrieval thread come loose? | The maker's attachment claims have limits [OK Prostate Chip]

This page is based on entries from "ok-lab's diary" (https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/), the Japanese development diary written by Mr. Okada, founder of OK Lab, a small company in Japan (Okada Comfortable Life Laboratory). Only the entries about "thread holes and secure thread attachments" are summarized here, in order of publication. Past prices and sizes are as written at the time. Current prices come from the official product list (retrieved September 4, 2026). Quotations are translated from Japanese.

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Note: This page is a personal reading log by someone with no connection to the maker or the seller. It reflects the source entries as of their publication dates and makes no guarantee of accuracy or safety. The product is not a medical device; talk to a doctor about any health decision. Check the official site for current information. This page contains advertising.

In short

• Thread detachment, thread breakage and peeling resin (the coating material) are separate problems in the diary.
• Mr. Okada describes enclosed knots, shaped holes and additional threads as different answers to those problems.
• The current product list includes the medium-length glass chip and an additional nylon-thread option.

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About this product

The OK Prostate Chip is a small device that is placed in the urethra (the urine passage) so that it acts on the prostate; the maker sells it in several shapes, sizes and materials. It is made and sold by OK Lab (Okada Comfortable Life Laboratory), a small company in Japan, through its own online store, and prices are in Japanese yen (JPY). The maker's development diary, "ok-lab's diary", is written in Japanese. This page is an English summary of it, and every quotation is translated. OK Lab ships internationally, so readers outside Japan can order (see "Buying from outside Japan" below). Product names on this page are plain-English descriptions. The official Japanese product name is shown once in the product table so you can find the same item in the store.

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Before you read: key terms

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What happens: chip thread problems

The OK Prostate Chip is a small device placed in the urethra (the urine passage) to act on the prostate. A retrieval thread (the line attached for withdrawal) connects at the rear or, in later experiments, between linked chips. The diary describes knots, coatings and internal thread holes intended to stop that connection coming loose. Mr. Okada distinguishes attachment failure from thread breakage, while later entries also describe problems caused by more complex connections.

A tightening retrieval loop held during the maker's first pull test

In an entry published in May 2018, Mr. Okada reported an early pull test of a new retrieval-thread connection. The prototype combined a tightening loop with resin (the coating material covering the connection). In his staff test, the thread moved about 1mm before tightening, then remained attached under their strongest pull.

Testing had begun only the previous day, yet some products already used the arrangement. Following a reader's advice about adhesives, Mr. Okada favored a connection in which the loop and resin supported each other.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published May 2018)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/20180519/1526708081

A retained retrieval thread outlasted its resin coating during dismantling

In an entry published in June 2018, Mr. Okada examined a glass chip returned for a thread-length change. He reported that the thread remained attached even after almost all the resin had separated. The workshop test ended with the loop severed.

Mr. Okada judged that single connection sound, while noting that handmade production could produce uneven results. His caution was that this example did not establish absolute safety for every chip.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published June 2018)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/20180616/1529136608

A custom ceramic thread hole kept its knot enclosed

In an entry published in July 2019, a customer requested a custom ceramic chip with a specified thread attachment position. Mr. Okada agreed to try making the shape, but questioned where the thread was intended to emerge. He explained that a knot enclosed inside the ceramic hole was, in his view, unable to pull free.

The diary does not record whether this custom order was completed. Mr. Okada asked the customer to clarify the intended thread exit before proceeding.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published July 2019)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2019/07/20/151609

New thread holes removed resin from the titanium chip's attachment

In an entry published in June 2021, Mr. Okada disclosed a titanium-chip attachment with complex internal thread holes. Its three-dimensional design needed no resin; the rear section measured about 3mm thick and 6mm wide. He said the attachment kept the thread's connecting section inside the chip, without exposed thread along that surface.

At publication, only the short version had been prototyped. Mr. Okada advised periodic thread replacement because he said disinfection and similar treatment caused wear.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published June 2021)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2021/06/12/125849

A shrinking thread loop became useful for connecting another accessory

An entry published in March 2023 identified a weakness in the resin safety fitting (an accessory for holding or joining threads). A loop could shrink under tension from the thread below it, and would not expand again with its existing threading. Mr. Okada found that the same behavior helped secure the silicone tube on a metal accessory.

For this assembly, the obscured thread holes made workshop connection difficult. The charge was ¥1,000 (about $6 at ¥156 = $1, rate as of 2026-09-04) excluding tax for threading and ¥2,500 (about $16 at ¥156 = $1, rate as of 2026-09-04) excluding tax for the complete connection. Mr. Okada recommended the fitting for this particular connection, regarding its shrinking loop as useful there.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published March 2023)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2023/03/04/123042

Difficult stainless-steel thread holes temporarily restricted sales and ordering methods

In an entry published in July 2023, Mr. Okada described difficulties threading stainless-steel chips. Rough internal passages and a slightly turned-back exit obstructed the thread. He temporarily limited sales numbers and ordering arrangements because he could not predict which assemblies he could finish.

Orders were to be confirmed after successful assembly. Thread replacement cost ¥1,000 (about $6 at ¥156 = $1, rate as of 2026-09-04) excluding tax per chip, while a 4-thread option added ¥2,750 (about $18 at ¥156 = $1, rate as of 2026-09-04). Mr. Okada suggested 4 threads as an option because he expected the heavier chips to put greater strain on their threads.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published July 2023)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2023/07/08/122632

Nitinol chip threads arrived with extra charges and explicit reservations

In an entry published in August 2025, Mr. Okada announced nitinol (shape-memory alloy wire) threads for blue resin, stainless-steel and ceramic chips. Changing from nylon cost an extra ¥2,000 (about $13 at ¥156 = $1, rate as of 2026-09-04) excluding tax, with a maximum thread length of 35cm. His test lasted 3 days without reported problems, but he gave no guarantee against breakage.

He also acknowledged possible simultaneous failure of both threads. The resin safety fitting was incompatible with nitinol in that entry. Mr. Okada advised readers worried about breakage to postpone choosing nitinol while experience accumulated.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published August 2025)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2025/08/09/122924

A rear-to-rear thread connection introduced an additional folding hazard

In an entry published in August 2026, a customer asked about a safety fitting connecting threads running in opposite directions. Mr. Okada replied that the fitting's holes allowed both directions, unlike the chip's one-way thread holes. He found the requested layout less workable, then made a rear-to-rear prototype with 4 threads emerging at the central connection.

He warned that the joint could fold if the entire assembly entered the bladder, leaving the chips overlapping during attempted withdrawal. The entry records a prototype, without a customer trial of this new arrangement. Mr. Okada still favored the previous arrangement for the customer's original purpose.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published August 2026)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2026/08/29/122931

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The maker's answer to chip thread problems

Mr. Okada's responses included refunds, different attachment structures and connections using more than one thread material.

The loose-thread response included new packaging and an offer of refunds

In an entry published in May 2018, Mr. Okada announced loop connections for shipments from May 24, 2018. New packaging distinguished these from earlier connections. He also accepted requests to convert older connections, while warning that demand might cause delays.

He believed the loop addressed complete thread detachment, but said resin peeling from glass remained unresolved. His workshop could not promise enough capacity for free replacements. For untreated goods shipped May 10–23, 2018, Mr. Okada offered worried purchasers returns and refunds.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published May 2018)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/20180524/1527153380

The resin safety fitting offered another way to hold threads

In an entry published in November 2021, Mr. Okada reported a prototype resin safety fitting. Four internal passage systems were intended to make the thread grip itself through friction. He envisaged it working as an end stop, loop fitting or connector.

Planned prices were ¥1,500 (about $10 at ¥156 = $1, rate as of 2026-09-04) excluding tax for the part, plus ¥500 (about $3 at ¥156 = $1, rate as of 2026-09-04) for connection. He had ordered production, but sales were to start after delivery. Mr. Okada cautioned that length adjustment required skill with its threading.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published November 2021)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2021/11/06/125812

Separate nylon and nitinol thread connections became another ceramic option

In an entry published later in August 2025, Mr. Okada reported that nitinol wire 0.15mm or thinner could be tied. He tested separate connections for nylon and 0.1mm nitinol on ceramic designs. He believed their different weaknesses would reduce the chance of both failing from the same cause.

His published ceramic connection fee was ¥1,000 (about $6 at ¥156 = $1, rate as of 2026-09-04) excluding tax, plus ¥500 (about $3 at ¥156 = $1, rate as of 2026-09-04) excluding tax per nitinol thread up to 35cm. Mr. Okada proposed separate nylon and nitinol connections as an additional precaution for ceramic chips.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published August 2025)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2025/08/30/122943

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How chip thread problems changed over time

For the temporary stainless-steel sales restrictions: The diary does not say what the current state is.

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OK Prostate Chip products related to chip thread problems

The current list includes a glass model discussed in a complaint and an added-nylon option.

Products that appear in these entries

The medium-length glass chip is listed in the company's own online store.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published May 2018)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/20180524/1527153380

Products the diary mentioned as alternatives

The additional nylon thread is listed in the company's own online store.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published August 2020)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2020/08/01/124144

Historical examples include custom ceramic designs, the titanium chip, early resin fitting, nitinol options and rear-to-rear prototype. No matching product can be confirmed on the current list.

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Common worries about chip thread problems

Readers asked about uneven coatings, glue-only attachments and whether two visible threads were independent.

"Does an uneven glass-chip thread connection mean faulty manufacture?"

In an entry published in February 2020, a customer requested a replacement because the white resin felt uneven. Mr. Okada offered a remake for a manufacturing defect, or a refund if the finish matched normal production. After inspection, he classed it as standard: the covered thread ran from a recess toward the rear, leaving a visible outline.

He considered that outline acceptable while the thread itself stayed covered. The diary does not record whether the refund was completed. Mr. Okada offered a return and refund because remaking the product would produce a similar finish.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published February 2020)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2020/02/15/144151

"Is a ceramic chip thread held only by glue?"

In an entry published in August 2020, a customer asked whether a ceramic chip's rear attachment relied on glue alone. They wanted support like the glass design if that was the case. Mr. Okada described a knot inside a kiln hole (an opening used during ceramic firing), with resin preserving its shape.

He believed this prevented both detachment and loosening. However, he acknowledged that damaged nylon could still break. For readers anxious about that remaining risk, Mr. Okada recommended the two-thread option, which he regarded as substantially safer.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published August 2020)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2020/08/01/124144

"Are two titanium chip threads actually one piece?"

In an entry published in September 2021, a short titanium-chip owner asked whether the two visible threads were separate pieces. Mr. Okada explained that they were two ends of one length, with a middle knot trapped inside a confined section. He said a break on one side would not release the other.

He said separately obtained thread could be used, while legal concerns left the workshop's loose-thread sales undecided. The diary does not record whether this owner replaced the thread. Mr. Okada cautioned that fingertips alone would not manage the threading; a gripping tool was necessary.

(Source: ok-lab's diary, published September 2021)
https://ok-lab.hatenablog.com/entry/2021/09/11/125735

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Buying from outside Japan

OK Lab ships internationally to countries covered by Japan Post's EMS courier service. Overseas orders are paid in advance by PayPal. Each order carries a ¥400 (about $3 at ¥156 = $1, rate as of 2026-09-04) handling fee, and EMS shipping is charged on top. These terms come from OK Lab's official sales-terms page (written here as plain text, not a link: ok-lab.net/docs/law), checked on September 7, 2026; confirm them on the official store before you order, because they can change.

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Summary of this article

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Source: ok-lab's diary (Okada Comfortable Life Laboratory). The original entries are in Japanese; quotations on this page are translated. Photos and videos are on the original entries.