Flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL) has become an important treatment option for urinary stones. However, with the increasing number of complex stone cases, the challenges of surgery are gradually shifting from simply “fragmenting stones” to “how to reach the target location more consistently and effectively.”
During flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy, the ureteral access sheath (UAS) is responsible for establishing a stable working channel, allowing the flexible ureteroscope and related instruments to enter the kidney smoothly. However, the ureter and renal collecting system have complex natural curves. Especially when treating stones located in challenging areas such as the lower calyx, the relatively fixed distal structure of conventional access sheaths may limit instrument orientation, increasing the difficulty of ureteroscope positioning and manipulation.
Challenges of Conventional Access Sheaths: Balancing Stability and Anatomical Adaptability
The primary design focus of conventional ureteral access sheaths is to provide stable support and facilitate repeated passage of the ureteroscope. Therefore, their overall structure needs to balance pushability and channel stability.
However, after the access sheath enters the renal pelvis, its fixed distal structure may not fully adapt to anatomical variations among different patients. When approaching calyces with complex angles, surgeons may need to rely more on active deflection of the ureteroscope to reach and position within the target area.
Therefore, achieving greater distal flexibility while maintaining sufficient channel stability has become an important direction in the further development of ureteral access sheath technology.
Tip-Bendable Design: Enhancing Adaptability to Complex Anatomical Structures
To address the limited distal adaptability of conventional access sheaths, researchers have developed tip-bendable ureteral access sheaths.
The study “Application of tip-bendable ureteral access sheath in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy: an initial experience of 224 cases” (BMC Urology, 2023) evaluated the application of this design in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy.
The study demonstrated that the tip-bendable design enhances the distal adaptability of the access sheath to anatomical variations, assists the ureteroscope in reaching target areas, and provides a more flexible access pathway for complex stone management.
Compared with conventional fixed-tip structures, the value of a bendable tip is not simply adding softness, but achieving a balance between structural support and anatomical conformity, allowing the access sheath to better adapt to real clinical conditions.
Neimor Vestra™ Vacuum Ureteral Access Sheath: Optimizing Access Control and Lithotripsy Environment
Based on the clinical demands of complex flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy, the Neimor Vestra™ Vacuum Ureteral Access Sheath integrates a flexible distal design with a negative pressure suction system, providing surgeons with a more stable and efficient working pathway.
Tip-Bendable Distal Design
Adapts to complex anatomical structures for smooth advancement and precise positioning.
Integrated Negative Pressure Suction Channel
Rapidly removes irrigation fluid and stone fragments to enhance surgical field visibility.
Adjustable Handle Pressure Control Valve
Enables precise suction regulation to meet the requirements of different procedural stages.
Efficient Sealing Cap Design
Enhances system sealing performance and maintains a stable negative pressure environment.
By combining flexible distal design with intelligent suction control, the Neimor Vestra™ Vacuum Ureteral Access Sheath supports more precise and safer flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy procedures.
Driving Device Innovation Through Clinical Needs
From conventional access sheaths providing stable pathways, to tip-bendable designs improving anatomical adaptability, and further to negative pressure suction technology optimizing the lithotripsy environment, the evolution of ureteral access sheaths has always been driven by real clinical requirements.
Neimor is committed to a strict quality management system, with comprehensive control throughout material selection, manufacturing processes, and quality inspections. By continuously focusing on clinical needs in urological intervention, Neimor provides reliable product solutions to support surgeons in achieving safer and more precise procedures.