Rigid ureteroscopes with fiberoptic imaging bundles: features and irrigating capacity

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Device Engineering
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Traditional rigid ureteroscopes utilize rod lens systems for imaging.
• Advancements have led to fiberoptic imaging bundles replacing rod lenses.
• This allows for smaller outer diameters and larger working channels in ureteroscopes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of new fiberoptic ureteroscope designs.
• To assess irrigation capabilities with and without accessory instruments.
• To determine the suitability of these ureteroscopes for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Main Methods:

• Fiberoptic imaging bundles were incorporated into rigid ureteroscope bodies.
• Ureteroscopes were categorized by eyepiece design and outer diameter (< 10F).
• Irrigation rates were measured using gravity and manual methods with and without accessory instruments.

Main Results:

• Fiberoptic bundles provide larger working channels compared to rod lens systems of similar outer diameter.
• Gravity irrigation was sufficient in empty channels but inadequate in smaller models with instruments.
• Manual irrigation proved adequate under all tested conditions.
• Smaller fiberoptic ureteroscopes offer adequate irrigant flow and accommodate working instruments, expanding therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

• New fiberoptic ureteroscopes provide enhanced working channel capacity and versatile irrigation options.
• Smaller diameter models are ideal for diagnostic ureteroscopy due to ease of use and no need for dilation.
• The compact design of these ureteroscopes expands their therapeutic applications in urology.