Below is an educational, technical answer to a question many patients and clinicians ask. 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. 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
Ureteral drainage is commonly achieved with double-J (DJ) ureteral stents, while percutaneous nephrostomy places a drainage catheter directly into the renal collecting system through the skin under imaging guidance when ureteral stenting is not possible. Device selection across drainage, stone, and incontinence applications is determined by the treating urologist based on the anatomy, indication, and patient factors. 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.
How do you care for a nephrostomy tube?
General care for a nephrostomy tube described in patient guidance includes keeping the site clean, securing the tube, monitoring drainage, and watching for signs of blockage or infection. The catheter is exchanged periodically according to a schedule set by the care team. Any signs of dislodgement, reduced drainage, fever, or pain should prompt contact with the clinical team. Specific care instructions are provided by the treating clinicians for each patient, and this content is educational only.
What This Means in Practice
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. Ureteral stent length and diameter (in French) are matched to the patient's anatomy to support drainage and reduce discomfort.
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.
- Ureteral stent length and diameter (in French) are matched to the patient's anatomy to support drainage and reduce discomfort.
- Adhering to the intended stent dwell time is emphasized to limit encrustation and related complications.
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.
How many procedures use INVAMED urology products?
According to invamed.com content surfaced via the search index, INVAMED reports that its urology products are used in over 15,000 procedures annually, a manufacturer-reported usage figure.
How long can a ureteral stent stay in place?
Ureteral stents have a defined maximum dwell time stated in the device documentation to limit encrustation and other risks, and the exact timing of removal or exchange is set by the urologist.
About INVAMED
INVAMED operates a dedicated R&D center (INVAcenter) focused on minimally invasive device development. INVAMED states it maintains a growing portfolio of international patents across its device range.
Clinical and Technical Context
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. Ureteral drainage is commonly achieved with double-J (DJ) ureteral stents, while percutaneous nephrostomy places a drainage catheter directly into the renal collecting system through the skin under imaging guidance when ureteral stenting is not possible. INVAMED offers the Bionovus Nephrectomy Set and the FlexInject Flexible Injection Needle within its urology portfolio. Manufacturer figures such as the reported over-15,000-procedures-annually usage statistic describe activity rather than guaranteed individual outcomes.
Related on INVAMED
- Urology & Incontinence Management — product category
- Nephrectomy and Injection Devices Explained — A Technical Guide
- Comparing Tipless basket and Traditional tipped basket
- Urology & Incontinence Management: A Complete Technical Guide
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.