A new disposable digital urinary tract endoscope for stone removal eliminates the need for maintenance and sterilization.

The LithoVue is single-use, digital flexible ureteroscope for minimally invasive endoscopic procedures that is designed to diagnose and treat stones and other conditions of the kidney, ureter, and bladder. By providing a single-use alternative to reusable devices, the LithoVue helps users overcome unpredictable scope repairs and maintenance, reprocessing, sterilization, and degradation of scope performance over time. The system includes a mobile workstation monitor with integrated image processing software, which can also be combined with other systems in the operating room (OR).

Among the features of the system is a digital CMOS imager located in the 7.7F tip of the scope, with a working distance of 2–50 mm, which helps produce high-definition (HD) quality images across an extensive depth of field. The system also provides a full 270° scope deflection in both directions, providing accurate navigation toward the targeted treatment area. The LithoVue is a product of Boston Scientific Corporation (Natick, MA, USA), and is available in the United States, Europe, and New Zealand.

“At Boston Scientific, we are committed to providing innovative solutions to the healthcare challenges that our customers face every day,” said Karen Prange, senior VP of urology and pelvic health at Boston Scientific. “The LithoVue System is an example of how we are focused on addressing unmet needs by providing urologists and hospitals a predictable, cost-effective, minimally invasive endoscope for the management of kidney stones.”

“Flexible ureteroscopy is considered the gold standard for treating many stones in the ureter and kidney, and the LithoVue System provides high-quality visualization that is comparable to or better than the leading digital reusable ureteroscopes,” said Professor of Urologic Surgery Glenn Preminger, MD, director of the Duke University (Durham, NC, USA) comprehensive kidney stone center. “We believe that the LithoVue System offers a safe, effective, and affordable solution that helps to avoid many of the hassles and unpredictable challenges of reusable ureteroscopes, without compromising visualization or maneuverability.”

On average, digital flexible ureteroscopes require repair after fewer than 12 uses, at a cost of more than USD 6,000 per repair. Procedural delays are also often due to reprocessing and repairs, resulting in a daily average cost of USD 830 per delay.

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Boston Scientific Corporation
Duke University