Rendering stone fragments paramagnetic with iron-oxide microparticles to improve the efficiency of endoscopic stone fragment retrieval.
OBJECTIVE
Flexible ureteroscopes have allowed us to treat renal stones endoscopically through natural orifices. Unfortunately, there continues to be the problem of remnant stone fragments that continue to pose a health problem to patients with the risk of recurrent symptoms, obstruction and infection.


RESULTS
This article describes the research around a novel method of stone fragment extraction using microparticles and magnets. We explore the studies related to the efficiency of stone extraction and preliminary safety data.


CONCLUSIONS
This novel technique has the potential to improve the efficiency of stone fragment retrieval during retrograde intrarenal stone surgery, potentially improving stone-free rates of the surgery. Further research needs to be carried out before it is ready for human use.
UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Yung K
YK
Tan
Margaret S
MS
Pearle
Jeffrey A
JA
Cadeddu
D000818:Animals; D002129:Calcium Oxalate / Q000378:metabolism*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D004867:Equipment Design; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D020702:Hysteroscopes; D008280:Magnetics; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D018666:Ureteroscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D052878:Urolithiasis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D010455:Peptides; D002129:Calcium Oxalate