New Developments in Urology Probes

Urology probes are used for treating a variety of disorders including prostate, renal and urinary tract cancers, and urinary and renal obstructions. They are also used for imaging the urinary tract.

Cryoablation probes are used to treat prostate cancer in a minimally invasive technique that has entered wider use in recent years. In cryoablation, an extremely small cryoprobe (2.4mm-.36 mm) and a thermoprobe are inserted through the perineum and are used to freeze the prostate gland in a controlled process that destroys the cancer at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. The procedure is often used as a second tier treatment in cases where radiation treatment fails or when the cancer recurs following radiation. The freezing process is monitored via a transrectal ultrasound probe.

Various types of lithoscopy probes are used to break up and remove biliary and urethral stones. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) probes are comprised of two electrodes, with insulation between them. A spark is generated at the end of the probe by activating an electric current between the electrodes, vaporizing a drop of fluid that is at the end of the probe. The cavitation bubble that results from vaporization of the fluid expands rapidly, creating shock waves that cause the stone to fragment. Each disposable EHL probe is used for just one patient.

Ultrasonic lithotripsy probes are positioned percutaneously via a rigid endoscope. The procedure differs from electrohydraulic lithotripsy in that the probe must form a straight channel through which ultrasound waves can reach the stone, since deflection results in significant decrease in power. Mechanical and ballistic lithotripsy probes are inserted via endoscope as well, and use pneumatically propelled projectiles to break up the calculi. In recent years, physicians have come to prefer laser-equipped lithotripsy probes that fragment stones effectively and result in fewer complications.

Urology probes are used in additional cystoscopy procedures such as viewing the inner surfaces of the urinary tract and treating a variety of urinary conditions via microsurgery.

In recent studies, optical coherence tomography (OCT) probes have been proven effective at imaging cross-sections of the upper urinary tract at resolutions of 10 to 20 µm. The probe was inserted through a cytoscope and urinary catheter. In the studies, physicians were able to distinguish between the different layers of the urinary tract and identify urothelial cancers in vivo.

Boston Scientific Medical Equipment

Boston Scientific develops and markets a wide range of medical devices and technologies, with a particular focus on developing technologies that are less invasive than standard solutions and therefore less traumatic, less risky, less costly and require less aftercare.

The company’s primary areas of focus include interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, endoscopy, cardiac rhythm management, women’s health and urology, neuromodulation, and peripheral interventions.

In the field of cardiac rhythm management, Boston Scientific product offerings include a range of devices that prevent and treat rhythm disorders and arrhythmias, as well as heart failure and cardiac arrest. The company’s products include pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, resynchronization therapy devices and remote monitoring solutions.

Boston Scientific electrophysiology products enable physicians to accurately diagnose and treat cardiac arrhythmias. The line includes devices for cardiac ablation, mapping and catheritization which integrate advanced technologies such as cryogenics and radiofrequency energy.

The company’s endoscopy line focuses on diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the respiratory and digestive systems, such as tumors, pulmonary and gastrointestinal diseases, renal disease and abscesses. Solutions include stents, biliary and urinary drainage, enteral feeding systems, hemostasis, cholangioscopy and balloon dilation.

Interventional cardiology is an area of particular specialization for Boston Scientific, which has been a leader in developing and marketing innovative less-invasive technologies in the field. Solutions for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction include drug eluting and bare metal stents, catheters, balloons, guide wires and coronary intravascular ultrasound.

The company has also developed stents and balloon catheters that are used to relieve blockages and prevent embolism formation in carotid, renal and lower extremity arteries.

Boston Scientific neuromodulation therapies focus on chronic neuropathic pain management through the use of microelectronic stimulators that are implanted in the spinal cord. The company is currently testing deep brain stimulation systems for treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Urology and gynecological disorders including stress incontinence, kidney and bladder stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and excessive uterine bleeding can be addressed by Boston Scientific endometrial ablation, HoLAP, lithotripsy and urethral bulking and sling products.

Boston Scientific is active in markets throughout the world. As part of an effort to expand its presence in the Asia Pacific region, it is currently constructing a state-of-the-art manufacturing and healthcare provider training facility in China.