Miniaturization of ureteroscopic instrumentation will continue, with smaller fiber and digital scopes, improved accessories, and new energy sources. As the instrumentation becomes smaller and more refined, it also will become more delicate. Thus, manufacturers are challenged to develop new, smaller instruments that will also survive the rigors of surgical therapy.
Today, a rigid ureteroscope may require repair after 3-6 months of vigorous use. This is in contrast to small flexible ureteroscopes, which may survive only approximately 20 cases. The lifespan-limiting factor for these instruments is usually the trauma of sterilization. The future should hold a more resilient flexible ureteroscope that requires infrequent repairs while still facilitating the most complex endoscopic procedures.
Where does this go? Will optic companies improve the quality of the scopes, sterilization and disinfecting companies use less invasive ways to clean scopes, or.. will they finally work together and improve the lifetime of the scopes?
Bart Verleg
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Tags: bipolar, disinfecting, distribution, fiberoptics, laparoscopy, medtech, sterilization
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