Analysis of ureteral stent compression force and its role in malignant obstruction.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Extrinsic ureteral obstruction can be a challenging entity for the urologist since half of the ureteral stents placed for malignant obstruction fail. We evaluated the resistance to radial compression of various stents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Silhouette(R) 4.6Fr, 6Fr and 8Fr, Sof-Curl Tecoflex 6Fr, Resonance 6Fr, Polaris Ultra 6Fr and 7Fr, and Percuflex 6Fr and 8Fr stents were tested. The force needed to compress the stent to 50% of its original external diameter was measured at 3 locations along the stent length, including proximal, middle and distal. Statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS:

Statistically greater force was required to compress the Resonance and Silhouette stents compared to all others tested. These results were maintained at all 3 locations along the stent. Only the Polaris 6Fr stent differed in resistance to compression along the stent length.

CONCLUSIONS:

The significantly higher forces required to compress the Resonance and Silhouette stents may translate into improved success in patients with malignant ureteral obstruction.

• Authors: Matthew S Christman, James O L'esperance, Chong H Choe, Sean P Stroup, Brian K Auge
• Journal: The Journal of urology (J Urol) Vol. 181 Issue 1 Pg. 392-6 (Jan 2009) ISSN: 1527-3792 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19010490 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Materials Testing
• Prosthesis Design
• Stents
• Stress, Mechanical
• Ureter
• Ureteral Obstruction (etiology)