FlexGuard

- protects flexible ureterorenoscopes against damages by laser fibres
- flexible ureterorenoscopes remain deflected during insertion of the laser fibre
- keeps the stone in focus
- saves costs and time
 

The fact
For the therapy of stones in lower calices of the kidney the unrestricted mobility of the flexible instruments is required. The mobility of flexible ureterorenoscopes is impaired by laser fibres due to their stiffness and friction inside the working channel. Loading of a deflected ureterorenoscope with an unprotected laser fibre results in severe and costly damage of the instrument’s working channel.

The past
The conflict between mobility of flexible ureterorenoscopes and laser fibres required a 2 step procedure: Localisation and identification of a stone in a lower calyx was performed in a first step with an “empty” working channel. Following the decision for laser fragmentation the flexible ureterorenoscope needed to be straightened again and the laser fibre was forwarded.
 

The future is now
With the decision for laser therapy the laser fibre is inserted into the FlexGuard insertion sheath outside of the ureterorenoscope. Then FlexGuard and laser fibre is inserted into the deflected URS and forwarded until it appears in the endoscopic view. During insertion into the flexible ureterorenoscope FlexGuard protects the working channel from being damaged by the laser fibre.