Device for Removing Kidney Stones

An expanding ureteral device can be used for both ureteral drainage and for removing 3-5 mm kidney stones. The device has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The most common treatment for stone removal is extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), which uses fragmentation to reduce the size of stones. The new device, called the Stone Sweeper, is designed to remove the small stones or stone fragments that are generated by lithotripsy. Once the Sweeper is inside the ureter, a sheath surrounding it is removed, enabling a series of baskets along the length of the device to expand. This action dilates the ureter, promotes drainage, and traps the stones, providing direct and atraumatic removal. In the past, small stones have typically been left to pass without surgical intervention, often causing severe discomfort for patients.

The Sweeper is the product of Fossa Medical (Boston, MA, USA). "Devices for use in conjunction with ESWL represent an area of significant growth. We are already seeing demand from urologists eager to improve patient outcomes with our stone removal technology,” said Gloria Kolb, president of Fossa Medical. The company develops new technologies for removing obstructions and restoring patency of the urinary and biliary systems.




Related Links:
Fossa Medical