This article explains, in educational terms, percutaneous nephrostomy — how the technology works and where it fits. 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
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 figure describing usage rather than an outcome. 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.
Percutaneous Nephrostomy
Percutaneous nephrostomy places a drainage catheter directly into the renal collecting system through the skin under imaging guidance, relieving obstruction when ureteral stenting is not possible. A pigtail retention design at the catheter tip helps keep it seated within the collecting system. 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.
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. Material and surface treatments, such as polyurethane with a phosphorylcholine or hydrophilic option, can influence insertion and the indwelling experience. All INVAMED urology devices are intended for use by trained clinicians under appropriate guidance and in accordance with the IFU.
Key Considerations
- Material and surface treatments, such as polyurethane with a phosphorylcholine or hydrophilic option, can influence insertion and the indwelling experience.
- Manufacturer figures such as the reported over-15,000-procedures-annually usage statistic describe activity rather than guaranteed individual outcomes.
- Adhering to the intended stent dwell time is emphasized to limit encrustation and related complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tipless stone basket?
Per the site FAQ, a stone extraction basket is a wire-mesh device deployed through a ureteroscope, and tipless designs are intended to allow safer engagement of a stone without mucosal trauma.
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.
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
Material and surface treatments, such as polyurethane with a phosphorylcholine or hydrophilic option, can influence insertion and the indwelling experience. INVAMED offers the Bionovus Nephrectomy Set and the FlexInject Flexible Injection Needle within its urology portfolio. 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. INVAMED's Zebra Guidewire for Urological Procedures is offered to support these endourological access steps. Stent length, diameter (in French), and coating are selected by the urologist based on the patient's anatomy and indication. 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. Adhering to the intended stent dwell time is emphasized to limit encrustation and related complications. Whether a sling is appropriate, and which approach is used, is determined by the treating clinician.
Related on INVAMED
- Urology & Incontinence Management — product category
- Comparing Double-J stent and Nephrostomy tube
- A Clinical Introduction to Ureteral (Double-J) Stents
- Nephrectomy and Injection Devices Explained — A 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.