Presented by: Stessy Kutchukian résidant
CHU de Poitiers

Introduction

Tolerance and encrustation represent two main complications that occur with ureteral stents (US) in endourology. Various compositions (silicone, polyurethane or metallic alloy) can be used for ureteral stent fabrication. Smoother materials are supposed to limit US encrustation. This in vitro study aimed to characterize US surfaces before utilization.

Materials

Five ureteral stent models were included. All stents were unused and with various composition or manufacture : two double loop ureteral stent (Coloplast ImaJin, Boston Scientific TriaSoft), two tumor stent (Coloplast Vortek Tumor Stent, Bard Urosoft Tumor Stent) and one ureteral stent pigtail US (Rocamed JFil). All EUs were made of polyurethane except Coloplast ImaJin in silicone. Four parts of the stent were specifically analyzed under high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM): core surface, lateral orifice, loop and marking surface. Imperfection was defined as an irregularity of 10µm or more. US were compared on these criteria for all parts.

 

Results

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Figure 1 and 2 presents the HR-SEM constatations. All tested US presented imperfections regardless of stent type and composition. There was imperfection of more than 10 mm and was mainly positioned on stent’s loop and stent’s lateral orifice. On the core or marking surface we noticed mainly rough surface but no imperfections more than 10 mm except for Coloplast ImaJin. Sometimes there was additional material like on stent’s loop for Rocamed JFil and Coloplast ImaJin.

 

Conclusion

This study confirmed that US was not perfectly smooth even before utilization. We notice the rough surface regardless of the type of stent. These imperfections could have an impact on encrustation. It would be interesting to know the manufacturing process to deepen this observation.

Funding

None

Lead Authors

Marie Chicaud, Resident
CHU de Limoges

Catalina Solano, Fellow
Hôpital de Tenon

Luigi Candela, Resident
Institut de San Raffaele

Mariela Corrales, Reisdent
Hôpital de Tenon

Steeve Doizi, MCU-PH
Hopital de Tenon

Dominique Bazin, PU
Université de Paris Saclay

Olivier Traxer, PU-PH
Hôpital de Tenon

Frederic Panthier, CCA
Hôpital de Tenon