Disposable devices for RIRS: Where do we stand in 2013? What do we need in the future?

Abstract

While rapid advances in technology and knowledge continue, continual improvements are necessary. Disposable equipment needs persistent refinement and possible miniaturization. More efficient fragment retrieval devices are needed. Durability of laser fibers and safety within ureteroscopes needs to be improved. Reducing stent morbidity remains an ongoing challenge. Lastly, costs need to be reduced by the further development of disposable flexible ureteroscopes and in the recyclability of disposable devices to improve availability worldwide.

LithoVue™: A new single-use digital flexible ureteroscope

“…Refurbished flexible ureteroscopes have been reported to be very fragile after undergoing comprehensive repair, especially if they are used by multiple surgeons and this situation leads to significant maintenance, repair, and administrative costs [ 7 ]. Actually, there are studies showing some advancements of ureteroscope durability with repeated uses of up to 107.7 hours with a single ureteroscope, but still the latest data is telling us that the durability of flexible ureteroscopes needs to be improved [ 8 ]. Additionally it should be kept in mind that, with LithoVue™, the performance of a brand-new endoscope is experienced in each procedure, bypassing the loss of deflection with repeated use.…”

Comprehensive Costs Associated with Fiberoptic and Digital Flexible Ureteroscopes at a High Volume Teaching Hospital

“…5,6 Repair costs are such a concern that single use disposable ureteroscopes are being developed to avoid costly scope damages and repairs altogether. 7 In fact, a leading manufacturer of endourology equipment recently introduced one to the market (LithoVue TM , Boston Scientific, MA).…”

The Single Wire Ureteral Access Sheath, Both Safe and Economical

“…A wide variety of commercially available disposable products for ureteroscopy can be utilized in numerous combinations to reach similar surgical objectives with high stone-free rates and minimal complications and secondary procedures. The abundance of tools and technologies provides surgeons the creativity to perform successful and efficient ureteroscopic surgeries [1, 2]; however, technological advancements, such as decreasing scope diameter and innovative disposables, drive costs ever higher [3]. The selection of such expensive materials, their unnecessary opening by operating room staff, and the wealth of disposable supplies are oft-cited culprits in ureteroscopy costs.…”