In Vitro Comparison of the Mechanical and Optical Characteristics of the Storz Flex-XC1 Singleuse Ureteroscope and the Storz Flex-XC Reusable Flexible Ureteroscope

Chittapanya Leelathanyakit; Ekkarin Chotikawanich; Tawatchai Taweemonkongsap; Kittipong Phinthusophon; Siros Jitpraphai; Patkawat Ramart; Varat Woranisarakul; Thawatchai Mankongsrisuk; Thitipat Hansomwong; Kantima Jongjitaree; Sittiporn Srinualnad

doi:10.33192/smj.v77i5.272982

Authors

Chittapanya Leelathanyakit Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Ekkarin Chotikawanich Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Tawatchai Taweemonkongsap Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Kittipong Phinthusophon Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Siros Jitpraphai Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Patkawat Ramart Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Varat Woranisarakul Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Thawatchai Mankongsrisuk Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Thitipat Hansomwong Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Kantima Jongjitaree Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Sittiporn Srinualnad Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v77i5.272982

Keywords:

Flexible ureteroscopes, reusable, deflection angle, resolution, single use

Abstract

Objective: This study compared the mechanical and optical characteristics of the Storz Flex-XC1 single-use ureteroscope and the Storz Flex-XC reusable flexible ureteroscope. The mechanical parameters comprised the upward/downward deflection, loop diameter, and irrigation flow rate. The optical parameters were image resolution and color representation.

Materials and Methods: We conducted an in vitro evaluation of two Karl Storz flexible ureteroscopes. Specifically, we examined the Storz Flex-XC1 single-use and Storz Flex-XC reusable scopes for upward/downward deflection angles, loop diameter, irrigation flow rates, image resolution, and color representation. The Storz Professional Image Enhancement System was also applied.

Results: The Storz Flex-XC reusable ureteroscope achieved greater upward/downward deflection angles than did the Storz Flex-XC1 single-use ureteroscope when a 200 μm laser or a 1.9 Fr tipless basket was used, with mean differences of 1.9°‒2.2° and 2.3°‒5.6°, respectively. No clinically significant difference in loop diameter was found. The Storz Flex reusable scope achieved a higher irrigation flow rate with an empty working channel (mean difference of 2.25 ml/min). Both scopes demonstrated identical image resolutions in air and in a normal saline solution, but the Storz Flex single-use device showed superior color representation.

Conclusion: The Storz Flex-XC reusable flexible ureteroscope displayed slight advantages in terms of the deflection angle and irrigation flow rate. The Storz Flex-XC1 single-use flexible ureteroscope offered improved color representation and marginally better resolution in saline.

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