DRAINAGE AND REFLUX CHARACTERISTICS OF ANTIREFLUX URETERAL DOUBLE-J STENTS

We tested three antireflux double-J stents and compared them with comm on double-J stents in ex vivo canine urinary systems. At a physiologic flow rate, the drainage function of the antireflux stents proved to b e sufficient; however, at a supraphysiological flow rate, drainage was inferior to that of the common double-J stent. Our reflux study demon strated high-grade reflux with the common double-J stent, which transm itted more than 90% of the bladder pressure to the renal pelvis. The a ntireflux stents prevented this to a certain degree by both a reductio n in and a delay of pressure transmission to the renal pelvis. In prel iminary clinical trials, vesicorenal reflux was not detectable radiolo gically with the antireflux stents.