Abstract
Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of ureterolithotripsy (URS) in treating ureteral calculi with holmium-YAG laser through adding retropulsion prevention and drainage function to ureteral catheter. Methods: An inner wire was fixed at the top of an Fr5 ureteral catheter and run through a tee joint. The proximal catheter was split into 4 strips. When the wire was pulled, the strips become arcuate, thus trapping the stone. The end of the tee branch was connected to the suction evacuation. Continuous irrigation and negative pressure suction were delivered after the strips passed the stones. Eighty-two consecutive patients with solitary ureteral stones underwent URS with the new device. Results: Seventy-eight patients had no observed stone retropulsion with successful insertion of the device. Four patients failed URS owing to the stone retropulsion and excessive kink of the ureter, which was followed by flexible ureteroscopy. Patient with successful insertion of the device had an immediate stone-free rate of 88.5% and 100% in a 1-month follow-up. Complications included one fever and one minor ureteral perforation. Conclusion: This new device has a low stone migration and minor complications and improves visual field with a negative pressure suction. Future studies are needed to evaluate it in randomized trials.
