In step one of our four-part journey through our procedural product offering, we focused on all things access and our selection of wire guides, needles, and catheters. In this next stage—dilation—we’re highlighting devices that span a breadth of indications—from treating a stricture, to establishing and maintaining a tract, to placing a stent.
Sequential dilation involves inserting a set of dilators that increase in size for a gradual, atraumatic expansion of narrowed or strictured anatomy.
Used for dilation of male urethral strictures and vesical neck contractures, the S~Curve™ Urethral Dilators are specifically contoured to support the natural curvature of the male urethra. Each dilator has AQ® hydrophilic coating, a lumen that allows precise advancement over a previously positioned wire guide, and a port on the tip that allows for urine drainage to confirm proper placement.
An introducer set facilitates dilation and can be used to introduce a variety of devices depending on the nature of the procedure.
The Desilets-Hoffman Introducer Set is used for retrograde or antegrade ureteral access and subsequent ureteral stent placement. The dilator has a distinct taper on each end: a standard taper for routine access and a pulled (Van Andel) taper for more gradual dilation to facilitate access in obstructed anatomy. The -RB option has a radiopaque band on the delivery sheath to aid in fluoroscopic visualization.
Gaining ureteral access is one thing. Maintaining it is another, and a reinforced access sheath with a removable dilator may be just the device you need as you perform ureteroscopy.
Featuring a tapered dilator and an external hydrophilic coating that creates a low-friction surface, the reinforced Flexor® Ureteral Access Sheath is designed to protect the ureter during repeated instrument exchanges. The Flexor sheath has a PTFE-lined lumen to protect delicate instruments and smaller flexible scopes from damage and is available in a variety of sizes to fit varying scopes.
Need to perform a nephrostomy? Expand your procedural capabilities with one of our dilation balloons.
The Ultraxx™ Nephrostomy Balloon Catheter and Set is used to dilate the musculofascia, renal capsule, and parenchyma to establish and maintain a percutaneous nephrostomy tract. The Ultraxx balloon has a rated burst pressure of 20 atm, and the functional dilating portion of the balloon is 15 cm long. The combination of high pressure and balloon length helps you establish a nephrostomy tract in even the most demanding cases. The set is available with either a PTFE or a clear vinyl access sheath. In addition to standard sizes, the Ultraxx is also offered in a smaller 18 Fr option, which allows you to choose the size best suited for the intended procedure.
Now you’re ready to move on to manipulation and learn about our stone-free solutions that put you in control.