Last week, the manufacturer of ureteroscope instruments invited Dr. Wu to try out a new surgical tool: the “Tip-Flexible Suctioning Sheath for Flexible Ureteroscope"

Dr. Wu found this to be an important new tool.

Development of Ureteroscopy

First, let me briefly introduce the history of the treatment of ureteral stones.

The treatment of ureteral stones has evolved from traditional incision surgery in ancient times to non-invasive ureteroscopy in the 1980s.

Initially, ureteroscopes were bulky and difficult to operate, but after several years of development, they gradually became thinner and could be used in most patients.

In recent years, the advent of flexible ureteroscopes has allowed for cleaner removal of upper ureteral stones.

Additionally, because the scope can bend, flexible ureteroscopes can also handle stones within the kidneys.

The emergence of tip-flexible suctioning sheath allows flexible ureteroscopes to remove kidney stones even more cleanly.

Why is that?

Breakthrough with Flexible Ureteroscope Sheaths

The ureteral access sheath is a protective cover outside the flexible ureteroscope, preventing repeated friction against the ureter during insertion and removal.

Typically, the tip of a ureteral sheath cannot bend.

However, tip-flexible suctioning sheath can bend freely along with the ureteroscope.

Dr. Wu believes this is a fantastic new tool with the following advantages:

1. The tip-flexible suctioning sheath can flexibly approach and directly suction crushed stones out through negative pressure, which is more efficient than using a standard ureteroscope sheath with stone retrieval baskets.
2. When suctioning out stones with the flexible ureteroscope sheath, laser lithotripsy or stone traction can be simultaneously performed, reducing the time needed to switch between laser fibers and stone retrieval baskets.
3. Previously, stone retrieval baskets were unable to grasp very small stones effectively, resulting in low efficiency. With the tip-flexible suctioning sheath, a large number of crushed stones can be suctioned out immediately.
4. While performing flexible ureteroscopy, drainage via the tip-flexible suctioning sheath reduces intra-renal pressure, thus lowering the risk of postoperative infection.

Conclusion: Using the tip-flexible suctioning sheath results in higher efficiency and cleanliness in stone removal, along with a reduced risk of postoperative infection, making it a boon for patients.