In 1998, Cook Medical released the very first extractor made with nitinol,1 an innovative alloy that retains its preformed shape. We called that device the NCircle® Nitinol Tipless Stone Extractor. It was also the first truly tipless basket design. That’s two game-changing innovations in one device.
As we expanded our nitinol offering to include an occlusive umbrella, a multiwire net-like design, and a device that serves as both a basket and a grasper, we addressed some of the more challenging aspects of stone extraction, shaped the baskets accordingly, and continued the trend of alluding to our basket’s unique capabilities in our product names. We literally say what we mean, starting with the uppercase N that speaks to the innovative technology of nitinol.
See our selection of “N-ovations” for yourself.
Encircle (v.) – to surround
Because it is truly tipless, the NCircle® Nitinol Tipless Stone Extractor can be positioned flush with the mucosa to surround a stone. Note: Also available in Delta Wire® and helical designs.
Encompass (v.) – to enclose
The multiwire design of the NCompass® Nitinol Stone Extractor produces a netting effect that can help you enclose smaller fragments and prevent stone migration.
Engage (v.) – to interact directly
The NGage® Nitinol Stone Extractor is the original, hybrid basket. Its grasper-like design allows you to directly target a stone and secure it for removal or reposition and release it to be fragmented.
Entrap (v.) – to catch
The NTrap® Stone Entrapment and Extraction Device features a bowl-like basket that is designed to catch fragments and minimize stone migration during lithotripsy.
Enforce (v.) – to obtain with force
The NForce® Nitinol Helical Stone Extractor is constructed of Delta Wire to help you obtain stones with increased radial force and greater radial dilation.
One of the perks of our nitinol offering is that it gives a physician options to proceed with confidence, no matter the stone. We’ve repurposed a few designs for our percutaneous (Perc) baskets. In 2002, we introduced the Perc NCircle® Nitinol Tipless Stone Extractor. Modeled after the NCircle, and with a stainless-steel cannula and ergonomic handle, the Perc NCircle is specifically designed for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We’ve since added two more Perc extractors to give you additional options for renal calculi.
- The Perc NCircle® Nitinol Tipless Stone Extractor was the first extractor specifically designed for PCNL to feature nitinol wire and a tipless configuration.
- The Perc NCompass® Nitinol Stone Extractor produces a netting effect and is suited for capturing smaller fragments during PCNL and preventing stone migration.
- The Perc NGage® Nitinol Stone Extractor is designed to catch, reposition, secure, and release stones during PCNL.
Experience the shape-memory benefits of nitinol and choose from one of our 26 extractor configurations.
- Monga M. Ureteroscopy: Indications, instrumentation & technique. New York: Humana Press; 2013:180.