Flexible Vacuum-Assisted Ureteral Access Sheath for Treating Impacted Ureteral Stones

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of using the novel flexible vacuum-assisted ureteral access sheath (FV-UAS) in flexible ureteroscope (F-URS) treatment of impacted non-distal ureteral stones. METHODS: We analyzed data from patients who underwent FV-UAS treatment for impacted non-distal ureteral stones between January 2022 and September 2023. Perioperative parameters were evaluated, including operative time, ureteral injury, and complications. The FV-UAS have a 10-cm passive deflection segment at the distal end of the ureteral access sheath that can bend following the deflection of the F-URS, while also being connected to a vacuum device for aspiration. RESULTS: A total of 62 consecutive patients (35 females) were included. Mean (range) patient age was 50.0 (29-75) years. Mean (range) largest stone size was 13.8 (9-16) mm. Mean (range) total time was 34.2 (18-46) min. In 57 patients (91.9%), no residual stones were detected in the renal, while 5 patients (8.1%) had residual stones smaller than 4 mm. A 5-tier classification quantified ureteral injury severity at stone impaction sites: grade 0 (n = 10); grade 1 (n = 47); grade 2 (n = 5); and grades 3 and 4 (n = 0). Nine patients (14.5%) underwent the placement of two double-J stents. Two patients (3.2%) developed postoperative fever requiring antibiotics and conservative management. Mean (range) postoperative hospital stay was 1.2 (1-2) day. At the 3-month follow-up, no ureteral strictures had occurred. No additional surgical interventions were necessary during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The use of the FV-UAS for the treatment of impacted non-distal ureteral stones is a safe and effective surgical method.