Invention:
This technology is a therapeutic and diagnostic one-time-use device to place a ureteral catheter or stent without fluoroscopic guidance. Enhancements to the device may allow detection of injury to the ureter via Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and treatment of nephrolithiasis via laser lithotripsy. This small-diameter ureteral catheter or stent comprises an elongated body, an imaging system with a combination of lens and an electronic camera, an illumination device, a straightening rod disposed within the lumen of the elongated body, and a pushing rod.
Background:
The demand for urinary catheters and stents is increasing due to the rising prevalence of urological disorders among the worldwide population. Current technologies in the market require fluoroscopy for safe placement of a guidewire from the urethra to the renal pelvis. The catheter or stent is then advanced over the guidewire into its desired position.
This link takes you to a a short video that explains the concept.
Applications:
- Ureteral stent placement
- Ureteral strictures
- Ureteral injury detection
- Laser lithotripsy
Advantages:
- Ureteral stent placement without fluoroscopy
- Avoid radiation exposure
- Stent placement in office/ED
- Ability to detect ureteral injury
