Cook Medical Launches Heparin-Bonded Endo-Sof Radiance Ureteral Stent

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 05 Dec 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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Cook Medical announces the general availability from its Urology division of its next generation Endo-Sof Radiance Ureteral stent, a heparin-bonded stent that addresses the three primary problems that limit stent function: encrustation, infection and patient discomfort. It provides urologists and medical professionals with an improved option for ureteral drainage.

The Endo-Sof Radiance is engineered to be rigid at room temperature for easy insertion, then soften when exposed to the patient's body heat making it more comfortable than other ureteral stents. Additionally, the heparin-bond leads to a reduction in bacterial adhesion , thereby slowing the process of stent encrustation. As a result, the patient will require fewer uncomfortable and costly stent change procedures, whilst reducing the cost to the health service with patients requiring fewer hospital visits .

Dr Furio Cauda, Department of Nefrourology, St. Giovanni Battista Hospital in Turin, Italy, who has recently conducted a study on coated ureteral stents comments: "We compared a heparin coated stent (Endo-Sof Radiance) with a similar uncoated stent (Endo-Sof) before and after insertion in the ureter, by inserting these stents into patients who have not previously suffered from kidney stones. We then monitored these patients for between one and twelve months."

"Our results support the hypothesis that heparin reduces stent encrustation and results in no modification of the heparin layer surface, guaranteeing its stability for a very long time, which is great news for the patients and doctors alike. In conclusion, we believe that heparin is really effective to prevent bacterial encrustation and salt precipitation from urine in long term insertion."

Jerry French, senior vice president and global strategic business unit leader for Cook Urology, comments: "Cook Medical continues to collaborate with physicians to develop products that meet patients' and physicians' needs. The Endo-Sof Radiance ureteral stent dramatically reduces encrustation and minimises the need for multiple hospital visits for stent replacements. Ultimately it's better for the patient, easier for the physician and less costly for the health system."

About Cook Medical

The world's largest privately held manufacturer of medical devices with international headquarters in Bloomington, Ind., COOK® is a leading designer, manufacturer and global distributor of minimally invasive medical device technology for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Since its founding in 1963, Cook has created innovative technologies for ureteral and renal access, prostate management, ureteroscopy and kidney stone management. Cook products include catheters, wire guides, introducer needles and sheaths, embolisation coils, medical biomaterials and other minimally invasive medical devices for urology and women's health, radiology, cardiology, critical care medicine, surgery, gastroenterology, and endovascular therapies.

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