Preclinical Evaluation of A Stone Retrieval Basket For Ureteral And Renal Stone Removal Using A Swine Model

Abstract Kidney stone disease is a relatively common urological disorder, affecting a significant portion of the global population. It is characterized by the formation of crystal concretions, typically within the kidneys. If left untreated, kidney stones can lead to an increased risk of end-stage renal failure. The etiology of kidney stones is multifactorial, with the most common type being calcium oxalate stones formed at Randall's plaque on the renal papillary surfaces. Currently, there is a lack of satisfactory drug treatments to cure or prevent kidney stone recurrences. For the retrieval of kidney stones, metal-based baskets are commonly used. To assess the efficacy and performance of these devices, preclinical studies are conducted using animal models. In this particular study, a porcine model is chosen as the test system, as swine have a urinary system similar to that of adult humans and provide a comparable size to the intended patient population for the device. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a stone retrieval basket in retrieving kidney stones from various locations within the urinary tract, including the ureter and kidney. The study is conducted under controlled experimental conditions to ensure adequate assessment of the device's performance before proceeding to clinical trials.