[Biodegradable catheters and urinary stents. When?]

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Urology
• Bioengineering

Background:

• Permanent urinary catheters and stents can cause adverse effects, device failure, and complications like forgotten catheter syndrome.
• There is a significant need for biodegradable alternatives to improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity associated with urological devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in biodegradable ureteral and urethral devices.
• To highlight challenges and future directions in developing safe and effective biodegradable urinary catheters and stents.

Main Methods:

• Development of novel biomaterials and copolymers for controlled degradation rates.
• Design modifications to ensure controlled, proximal-to-distal degradation and minimize fragmentation.
• Investigation of drug-eluting and biocoated stent technologies to mitigate adverse effects.

Main Results:

• Biodegradable materials allow programmable degradation times, enhancing biocompatibility and adaptation to urine.
• New designs facilitate controlled degradation, reducing fragmentation and potentially lowering risks of urinary tract infection and encrustation.
• While degradation is modulated, urothelial hyperplasia remains a challenge in biodegradable urethral stents.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable urinary devices show promise in reducing catheter morbidity and adverse effects.
• Further bioengineering innovations, including drug-eluting and biocoated technologies, are crucial for overcoming challenges like urothelial hyperplasia.
• Advances in bioengineering are paving the way for safe and effective biodegradable solutions in urology.