This article explains, in educational terms, stone extraction basket — how the technology works and where it fits. This clinical area covers urinary drainage, stone management, and the treatment of incontinence, using devices that maintain or restore the flow of urine and support the management of stones. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Urinary Drainage, Stone Management, and Incontinence
Incontinence is addressed with mid-urethral slings such as trans-obturator tape (TOT) and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), while general urinary drainage relies on Foley and suprapubic catheter systems. Device selection across drainage, stone, and incontinence applications is determined by the treating urologist based on the anatomy, indication, and patient factors. Stone management devices include stone extraction baskets, which the site FAQ describes as wire-mesh devices deployed through a ureteroscope to capture ureteral or renal stones, with tipless designs intended to allow safer engagement without mucosal trauma.
Stone Extraction Baskets
A stone extraction basket is a wire-mesh device deployed through a ureteroscope to capture ureteral or renal stones so they can be removed, as described in the site FAQ. Tipless designs are intended to allow safer engagement of a stone without a leading tip that could cause mucosal trauma. Baskets are used within a broader endourological approach that may also involve laser or other lithotripsy as determined by the urologist. Basket selection and technique are chosen by the operator based on the stone size, location, and anatomy.
Design and Technical Notes
INVAMED's urology portfolio is organized by function, spanning ureteral stents, percutaneous nephrostomy and nephrectomy sets, guidewires, and injection needles. Each device is intended for use by trained clinicians under appropriate guidance and per the IFU. Adhering to the intended stent dwell time is emphasized to limit encrustation and related complications. Material and surface treatments, such as polyurethane with a phosphorylcholine or hydrophilic option, can influence insertion and the indwelling experience.
Key Considerations
- Percutaneous nephrostomy is generally reserved for when internal ureteral stenting is not possible, as noted in the site FAQ, and is performed under image guidance.
- Manufacturer figures such as the reported over-15,000-procedures-annually usage statistic describe activity rather than guaranteed individual outcomes.
- Material and surface treatments, such as polyurethane with a phosphorylcholine or hydrophilic option, can influence insertion and the indwelling experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are UroFlow stents made of?
INVAMED describes UroFlow Ureteral Stents as polyurethane (PUR) with an optional phosphorylcholine (PC) surface treatment and hydrophilic options, in a double-J configuration for ureteral drainage.
Who decides which urology device is appropriate?
A qualified urologist selects the device based on the anatomy and indication; this article is educational and not a treatment recommendation.
When is a nephrostomy used instead of a stent?
The site FAQ notes that percutaneous nephrostomy places a drainage catheter directly into the kidney through the skin to relieve obstruction when ureteral stenting is not possible; the decision is the clinician's.
About INVAMED
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Clinical and Technical Context
INVAMED offers the Bionovus Nephrectomy Set and the FlexInject Flexible Injection Needle within its urology portfolio. This category sits within the incontinence portion of the urology portfolio alongside drainage and stone devices. Ureteral stent length and diameter (in French) are matched to the patient's anatomy to support drainage and reduce discomfort. INVAMED's UroFlow stents use polyurethane with optional phosphorylcholine surface treatment and hydrophilic options, features intended to support placement and the indwelling experience. Whether a sling is appropriate, and which approach is used, is determined by the treating clinician. Adhering to the intended stent dwell time is emphasized to limit encrustation and related complications. INVAMED's Bionovus Percutaneous Nephrostomy Catheter uses a pigtail retention design for percutaneous renal drainage. Incontinence is addressed with mid-urethral slings such as trans-obturator tape (TOT) and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), while general urinary drainage relies on Foley and suprapubic catheter systems.
Related on INVAMED
- Urology & Incontinence Management — product category
- Bionovus Percutaneous Nephrostomy Catheter (Pigtail): What Clinicians and Buyers Should Know
- Choosing a Urology & Incontinence Management Supplier: What Buyers Should Know
- How is a double-J stent removed?
Important Disclaimer
This content is educational and technical in nature and must not be interpreted as medical advice or as a promise of any clinical outcome. Individual results depend on many factors and can only be evaluated by a treating physician. Figures attributed to INVAMED reflect manufacturer or published data and are not a guarantee of results. All INVAMED devices are to be used by trained clinicians per the approved IFU, and availability is subject to local regulatory status.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.