I.2 Ureteral Stent Removal

Ureteral stents are flexible, thin tubes used to treat or prevent ureteral obstructions from the kidney to the bladder. Stents typically remain in place for up to 3 months, at which time they are either removed or exchanged. Common complications of stents include: patient’s discomfort, infections, stent migration, or in the case of stents with strings, accidental dislodgement. Stents that are accidentally left in place for too long, may encrust and be a nidus for stone formation.

The stent requires a small procedure called cystoscopy in order to be removed. New magnetic stents have been developed, but are not yet available in the US.

Simple to remove ureteral stent would allow for expandable access of care since stents could be removed in non-urological settings, thus requiring no significant instrumentation and sedation, and reducing risk of infection and need for sterilization of cystoscopic equipment, and limited need for supplies.