Digital ureteroscopy: the next step.
BACKGROUND
Flexible ureteroscopy is used for diagnosing and treating upper urinary tract diseases. Despite technological advances in making flexible ureteroscopes smaller, they suffer from a grainy image. Therefore, new technology with better resolution is needed.


METHODS
The new Invisio DUR-D digital flexible ureteroscope from Gyrus ACMI was tested. The tip houses dual LED-driven light carriers, which obviates the need for an external light source, thus eliminating the risk of drape fires and patient burns. A 1-mm digital camera at the tip eliminates the need for fragile low-resolution fiberoptics and provides superior resolution. Since there are no external cameras or light cables, the DUR-D is much lighter (505 g compared with 1012 g). Laser detection system deactivates the laser to prevent accidental misfiring of the laser within the ureteroscope.


CONCLUSIONS
The latest generation of digital ureteroscopes provides superior resolution and safety. Long term use is needed to test its durability.
Andonian
Sero
S
Smith Institute for Urology, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, New Hyde Park, New York, USA.
Okeke
Zeph
Z
Smith
Arthur D
AD
D016251:CD-ROM; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D020709:Ureteroscopes; D014572:Urology / Q000295:instrumentation*