Posted on May 15, 2023
Morgantown, W.V. – Urologists at WVU Medicine JW Ruby Memorial Hospital first introduced intrarenal pressure monitoring technology to reduce the risk of infection during surgical treatment of kidney stones. The LithoVue Elite Disposable Digital Flexible Ureteroscope System is FDA cleared and offered in a limited market release.
“Sepsis is one of the biggest risks in treating kidney stones,” says Dr. Chad Morley, WVU Medical Urologist. “Studies show that one of the main causes of sepsis is increased pressure within the kidney during surgery. Previously, there was no way to measure pressure during treatment for kidney stones. But this new scope allows us to monitor pressure in real time during surgery.”
The system combines imaging and pressure monitoring to allow surgeons to visualize the internal structure of the kidney and treat obstructing stones, while pressure sensors detect damage to or damage to the kidney. It acts as an early warning system to prevent backflow of bacteria. Blood flow.
“If you have an infection in your urine, bladder, or kidneys, the increased pressure can infect your bloodstream,” Dr. Morley says. “With this system, we can monitor how much pressure is being built up inside the kidney by obstructions, urine production, and fluids we use to increase visibility. can be removed to reduce pressure, or a safer approach can be taken to finish the procedure.”
Regular measurement of intrarenal pressure is also thought to reduce postoperative pain and the risk of kidney damage during surgery.
The device was used in a very limited number of facilities when it first launched, but is expected to become more widely available in the future.
For more information about kidney stones and urological health, visit WVUMedicine.org/Urology.