Next-Generation Fiberoptic and Digital Ureteroscopes

Abstract

The versatility of ureteroscopy is attributable to tremendous technological innovations over the past decades. This article provides an overview on emerging technologies in the light of past achievements, current limitations, and possible future directions. Instrument size reduction, pressure and temperature control, active suction of stone dust, multiple-axis tip deflection, variable working channel positions, robotics, ergonomics, image quality, enhanced imaging technology, three-dimensional visualization, and the competition between reusable and single-use ureteroscopes are detailed. The twentieth century has opened an exciting path for future discoveries in ureteroscopy.

Keywords: Deflection; Ergonomics; Irrigation; Pressure; Robotics; Single use; Temperature; Ureteroscopy.