Importance

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Abstract

A scope and stent system, the scope providing visibility not only through the urethra but also through the ureter during the insertion and placement of a ureteral stent. The scope is in the form of a fiber optic bundle having an appropriate provision for lighting and lensing thereof, and preferably having a video camera and monitor responsive to the image formed at the opposite end of the scope for viewing during the scope insertion process. The fiber optic bundle itself is made sufficiently small so that the entire scope may be fabricated with the appropriate dimensions of a typical stent guide wire and made sufficiently flexible for negotiating a tortuous path as required. The scope may be first inserted through an open-ended stent and through the urethra, the bladder and the ureter, and then the stent inserted thereover through the use of an appropriate stent pusher, or alternatively the scope, stent and stent pusher may be advanced together, the scope allowing observation of the procedure and the nature and extent of any obstructions encountered in the insertion process. Alternate embodiments include the provision of an additional working channel within the stent to allow an additional instrument such as a laser lithotriptor to be utilized in conjunction with the placement of the stent, as well as alternate forms of scope systems.

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First Claim