Urology - Stents
Clinical cross-over studies have proven a significant difference in biofilm formation and encrustation of ureteral stents with and without UroNova coating.
Left: Uncoated ureteral stent after 4 weeks indwelling time, massive biofilm formation. Right: Ureteral stent with UroNova coating after 4 weeks indwelling time, in the same patient. No significant deposits. |
From: Riedl et al., Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2002 (19)
Furthermore clinical studies were conducted to analyse long-term efficacy of the coating. Patients with bilateral ureteral obstruction received bilateral ureteral stents for a period of up to 12 month.
The UroNova coating reduced stent encrustation after 1 month as well as after 10 and 12 month. Given that no changes were seen in the coating, it can be concluded that the covalent bonding guarantees a strong bond with the stent surface for long periods of time. Below: Nearly identical Micro IR spectra before and after being in place for 1 year. No changes in the coating layer. |
From: Cauda et al., J of Endourology, 2008 (22)
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Ureteral stents with UroNova coating are more expensive than standard stents. However, with longer indwelling times and reduction of the number of stent exchange procedures, the total costs for coated stents should be reduced compared to other stents.
Below: Costs per year for ureteral stents with UroNova coating and uncoated polyurethane stents From: Riedl et al., Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2004 (23)
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