Institute for Clinical and Translational Science

AbstractBackground and Purpose

Recent advances in distal sensor technologies have made distal sensor ureteroscopes both commercially and technically feasible. We evaluated performance characteristics and optics of a new generation distal sensor Flex-X^C (X^C) and a standard flexible fiberoptic ureteroscope Flex-X² (X²), both from Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany.

The ureteroscopes were compared for active deflection, irrigation flow, and optical characteristics. Each ureteroscope was evaluated with an empty working channel and with various accessories. Optical characteristics (resolution, grayscale imaging, and color representation) were measured using United States Air Force test targets. We digitally recorded a renal porcine ureteroscopy and laser ablation of a stone with the X² and with the X^C. Edited footage of the recorded procedure was shown to different expert surgeons (n=8) on a high-definition monitor for evaluation by questionnaire for image quality and performance.

The X^C had a higher resolution than the X² at 20 and 10 mm 3.17 lines/mm vs 1.41 lines/mm, 10.1 vs 3.56, respectively (P=0.003, P=0.002). Color representation was better in the X^C. There was no difference in contrast quality between the two ureteroscopes. For each individual ureteroscope, the upward deflection was greater than the downward deflection both with and without accessories. When compared with the X², the X^C manifested superior deflection and flow (P<0.0005, P<0.05) with and without accessory present in the working channel. Observers deemed the distal sensor ureteroscope superior in visualization in clear and bloody fields, as well as for illumination (P=0.0005, P=0.002, P=0.0125).

In this in vitro and porcine evaluation, the distal sensor ureteroscope provided significantly improved resolution, color representation, and visualization in the upper urinary tract compared with a standard fiberoptic ureteroscope. The overall deflection was also better in the X^C, and deflection as well as flow rate was less impaired by the various accessories.