Operator-assisted vs self-achieved basketing during ureteroscopy: results from an in vitro preference study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Devices
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Flexible ureteroscopy is a key procedure for treating kidney stones.
• Current techniques often require an assistant for stone retrieval.
• The LithoVue Empower™ (LE) device offers direct surgeon control of the retrieval basket.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the stone-retrieval performance of the LE device.
• To compare the LE system with a traditional assistant-controlled basket.
• To assess the impact of surgical experience on device performance.

Main Methods:

• A bench-training model (Key-box) was used for comparison.
• Seven experienced endo-urologists and seven residents used both LE and traditional baskets.
• Retrieval time, failure rates, and NASA Task Load Index (TLI) were recorded.

Main Results:

• Stone retrieval times and failure rates were comparable between the LE device and traditional basket.
• Experienced urologists reported significantly lower frustration (NASA-TLI) with the LE system.
• Experienced urologists demonstrated faster retrieval times and lower effort scores than residents.

Conclusions:

• The LE device is effective for stone retrieval in flexible ureteroscopy.
• Experienced urologists do not require specific training for the LE system.
• The LE device may benefit residents during their learning curve.