New monofilament and soft-wire baskets for stone removal

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Devices
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Standard stone retrieval methods can be challenging for certain biliary and urinary tract stones.
• Existing retrieval baskets may lack adaptability in size and shape during procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a new-design catheter basket for enhanced stone retrieval.
• To assess the safety, adaptability, and efficacy of the novel basket in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• A standard Teflon catheter was modified with radially positioned holes at the tip.
• Monofilament or soft wire strands were used to form a size- and shape-adjustable basket.
• The device was tested in vitro and in 20 patients for stone retrieval, including cases resistant to standard methods.

Main Results:

• The new basket demonstrated effective stone retrieval in vitro and in 20 patients.
• Several challenging stones, previously irretrievable by standard methods, were successfully removed.
• The basket's size could be adjusted during maneuvering, enhancing procedural flexibility.

Conclusions:

• The novel catheter basket provides a safer and more adaptable alternative for stone removal.
• This device is effective for retrieving difficult biliary and urinary tract stones.
• The ability to adjust basket size during procedures improves retrieval success rates.