Bloomington, Ind. —Cook Medical has a new device to simplify percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedures, during which physicians break up and remove large kidney stones, or can use it in the bladder to break up large bladder stones. LithAssist™ combines suction control and provides access for a laser fibre. It is the first device globally to provide suction control and laser fibre access. Approximately 67,000 PCNL procedures are performed each year in the United States, and 466,000 are performed globally.1
Prior to the availability of LithAssist, an assistant controlled suction by kinking a tube, similar to how one would stop water flow from a garden hose. LithAssist allows physicians to control suction more easily during the procedure. The ergonomic handle allows the physician to position the laser fibre and suction with one hand. Not only does this synchronise the procedure by giving the physician more control, but it also can free an assistant to help with other aspects of the procedure.
LithAssist works with any holmium laser, so hospitals can use their current equipment and don’t have to purchase any additional capital equipment.
‘Our goal for this product is to help physicians use their lasers for PCNL procedures in a simple way,’ said Jean-Marc Creissel, global leader of Cook Medical’s Urology division. ‘Streamlined procedures are beneficial for the physician, the hospital and ultimately the patient. This is just one more example of our commitment to solving problems for physicians.’
About Cook Medical
A global pioneer in medical breakthroughs, Cook Medical is committed to creating effective solutions that benefit millions of patients worldwide. Today, we combine medical devices, drugs, biologic grafts, and cell therapies across more than 16,000 products serving more than 40 medical specialties. Founded in 1963 by a visionary who put patient needs and ethical business practices first, Cook is a family-owned company that has created more than 10,000 jobs worldwide. For more information, visit www.cookmedical.eu. Follow Cook Medical on Twitter and LinkedIn. Follow Cook Medical Urology on Twitter as well.
1 Cook Medical internal market estimates