Below is an educational, technical answer to a question many patients and clinicians ask. 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. 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 is a double-J stent removed?
A double-J stent is commonly removed cystoscopically, where the bladder end is grasped and the stent is withdrawn, often as a brief procedure. In some cases a stent with a retrieval string may be removed without cystoscopy, depending on how it was placed. The removal method and timing depend on the stent and the clinical situation. Stent removal is performed and scheduled by the treating urologist.
What This Means in Practice
Ureteral stent length and diameter (in French) are matched to the patient's anatomy to support drainage and reduce discomfort. Material and surface treatments, such as polyurethane with a phosphorylcholine or hydrophilic option, can influence insertion and the indwelling experience. Adhering to the intended stent dwell time is emphasized to limit encrustation and related complications.
Key Considerations
- Ureteral stent length and diameter (in French) are matched to the patient's anatomy to support drainage and reduce discomfort.
- All INVAMED urology devices are intended for use by trained clinicians under appropriate guidance and in accordance with the IFU.
- Manufacturer figures such as the reported over-15,000-procedures-annually usage statistic describe activity rather than guaranteed individual outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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's Bionovus Percutaneous Nephrostomy Catheter uses a pigtail retention design for percutaneous renal drainage. The decision to place a nephrostomy, and the access route, is determined by the treating clinician under image guidance. INVAMED offers the Bionovus Nephrectomy Set and the FlexInject Flexible Injection Needle within its urology portfolio. Whether a sling is appropriate, and which approach is used, is determined by the treating clinician. 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. Adhering to the intended stent dwell time is emphasized to limit encrustation and related complications. Guidewire selection is made by the operator based on the anatomy and the devices being delivered. The use of such sets and devices is determined by the operating clinician according to the planned procedure.
Related on INVAMED
- Urology & Incontinence Management — product category
- A Clinical Introduction to Ureteral (Double-J) Stents
- UroFlow Ureteral Stents: What Clinicians and Buyers Should Know
- Can you live a normal life with a nephrostomy tube?
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.