Kidney stone removal device reduces trauma

More than a million kidney-stone cases are diagnosed annually. And it is estimated that 10% of the American population will suffer from them at some point in their lives. Devices, treatments and surgical options have been developed for the removal of kidney stones but they have been inadequate in the ability to capture small stone fragments, which often results in the need for a secondary procedure. With the smallest diameter currently available, the 1.7 French NCompass Nitinol Stone Extractor from Cook Urological offers improved irrigation and visibility during stone removal procedures. The device is a tipless 16-wire basket with intricate multi-wire geometry and a dual basket design. This means that physicians can trap stone fragments as small as 1.5mm. In addition, the Extractor is designed to lessen trauma to surrounding tissue. It is made of Nitinol, a shape-memory alloy of metallic material containing nickel and titanium. Because the NCompass offers more expedient capture and release of stones, when used with the most recent minimally invasive stone treatment technologies, it may also reduce the need for multiple removal procedures.