[Implementation of a scale on stone baskets]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Endourology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Endoscopic kidney and ureter stone retrieval complications are linked to stone size and surgeon experience.
• Accurate intraoperative stone size estimation is challenging due to visual perception factors.
• A reliable method for size assessment is needed to improve prognostic accuracy, especially for less experienced surgeons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an intraoperative semi-quantitative measurement tool for kidney and ureter stone size.
• To provide surgeons with a more objective method for estimating stone dimensions during endourological procedures.

Main Methods:

• Modified tipped nitinol stone baskets (2.5, 3.0, 4 Ch) with a spring-loaded handle were used.
• A non-linear scale in millimeters was integrated onto the handle for measurement.
• Standardized balls or screws were used to calibrate the scale on the basket.

Main Results:

• The integrated scale provides a semi-quantitative measurement of stone size.
• Non-linear scales account for the relationship between stone diameter and slider distance.
• Scales vary between basket sizes due to differences in materials and spring mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• The developed scale offers surgeons an important orientation for estimating stone sizes during endourological procedures.
• This tool can aid in documenting fragment size after lithotripsy and guide extraction decisions.
• Further clinical validation is recommended, with potential applications in other disciplines like gastroenterology.