[Extraction of ureteral stones using a catheter with 2 inflatable balloons. Preliminary report]

In a preliminary communication a new method for endoluminal extraction of ureteral stones is described by using a catheter with two inflatable balloons. The length of the catheter is about 100 cm and its diameter corresponds to the usual ureteral catheters. It has four openings: the central opening is located at the end of the catheters. Two other lumina open into the two balloons located at a distance of 3-5 cm. An other opening is located between the two balloons. By insufflating and emptying of the distal balloon, the concrement in the ureter is mobilized and caught. By insufflating the two balloons and injection of contrast media through the opening situated between the two balloons, the ureter is ovistended, the stone is mobilized can be extrac "swimming" ie contrast media between the two balloons. Tillenow, o concrements have been extracted from the distal ureter by this method.