The PolyScope: a modular design, semidisposable flexible ureterorenoscope system.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the mechanical and optical properties of the PolyScope endoscope system and to examine the clinical outcome in patients who were undergoing ureteronephroscopy.


METHODS
Mechanical assessment involved measurement of the deflection angle and irrigation flow rate. Optical resolution and distortion, field and angle of view, and light transmission and output formed the optical assessment. Clinical assessment was made in a series of consecutive ureteronephroscopy procedures. The optical cord was disconnected after each procedure, and the image fiber was assessed for damage.


RESULTS
The mean value for the angle of maximum active tip deflection with an empty working channel was 265 degrees (261-275 degrees). Deflection was impaired most with insertion of the 3.0 F basket (10% decrease) and least with an indwelling 220 microm laser fiber (2% decrease). Irrigation flow rate was 57 mL/min with an empty working channel. Flow was reduced by 50% and 68%, with the insertion of a 200 microm or 365 microm laser probe, respectively, and by 92.5% with a 3.2F basket. No damage to the image fiber occurred. The PolyScope optics system could identify a target of about 0.125 mm at a distance of 2 to 4 mm, based on 3 line-pairs/mm needed for clear identification. Lithotripsy of renal calculi was performed for 40 stone burdens in 32 patients; the resulting stone-free rate was 87.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
The novel semidisposable ureteroscope system PolyScope was simple to use, effective, and reliable in this preliminary clinical evaluation. It overcomes the inherent fragility of comparable devices, which renders the need for maintenance unnecessary.
Bader
Markus Juergen
MJ
Department of Urology, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany. markus.bader@med.uni-muenchen.de
Gratzke
Christian
C
Walther
Sebastian
S
Schlenker
Boris
B
Tilki
Derya
D
Hocaoglu
Yasemin
Y
Sroka
Ronald
R
Stief
Christian Georg
CG
Reich
Oliver
O
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020709:Ureteroscopes; D055815:Young Adult