Memokath™ 051 Ureter

Memokath™ 051 Ureter is a NICE-recommended non-allergenic metallic stent used to effectively treat ureteric stricture without the side-effects of major surgery, or discomfort of catheters.

Brief introduction

Memokath™ 051 Ureter is a non-allergenic metallic stent used to effectively treat ureteric stricture. The stent is typically inserted in 30-45 minutes under general or spinal anesthesia and can be inserted either retrograde or antegrade to be positioned across the stricture allowing urine to flow through the ureter. Memokath™ 051 Ureter provides urinary flow without the side-effects of major surgery and discomfort of catheters. It can remain inside the body for several years before needing replacement, in contrast to JJ-catheters needing 4-6 changes per year.

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Instruction video

MRI Compatibility

Instruction for users

Use of Memokath™ 051 Ureter

Memokath™ 051 Ureter is used for ureteric strictures. Memokath™ 051 Ureter treats strictures without the debilitating side-effects and pain from JJ-catheters making it a preferred choice for patients who wish to avoid these. The minimal invasive nature of Memokath™ 051 Ureter also makes it a viable alternative to pyeloplasty and nephrostomy.

Indications

Ureteric strictures
Etiology

Cancer
Trauma
Instrumentations
Kidney transplantation complications
Post-surgery scarring
Retroperitoneal fribrosis
Patient examples

Patients receiving repeated JJ-catheter exchanges
Patients unwilling or unable to undergo surgery
Patients receiving repeated incisions or dilatations
Patients for whom surgery has failed
Patients unwilling or unable to have nephrostomy performed

Why choose Memokath™ 051 Ureter?

Memokath™ 051 Ureter is chosen as treatment method against ureteric strictures due to its advantages over JJ-catheters, dilatations, incisions and surgery. Memokath™ 051 Ureter offers a high degree of patient safety and quality of life by avoiding the debilitating side-effects such as pain and discomfort often caused by JJ-catheters. Through its extended insitu time Memokath™ 051 Ureter is moreover a sound economic choice of treatment, with the potential to save substantial costs compared to repeated catheterization.

Safety

100% reversible
Causes no tissue in-growth
Causes minimal risk of infection
Less need for general anesthesia
Replaces need for surgery

Quality of Life

Less reflux than JJ-catheters
Less flank pain than JJ-catheters
Less bladder irritation than JJ-catheters
Fewer hospital admissions needed
Fewer switches needed

Cost effectiveness

Fewer switches than with JJ-catheters
Less hospital admissions needed
Quick return to daily activities
Easy to exchange when needed
Immediate symptom relief

Memokath™ 051 Ureter is recommended by NICE

The NICE Committee concluded from the published evidence and expert advice that Memokath™ 051 Ureter is usually well tolerated and associated with fewer adverse symptoms than double-J stents.

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Side effects and complications

Memokath™ 051 Ureter generally causes few and only minor side-effects. Blood may occur in the patients’ urine for a period after the insertion, which is normal. The risk of complications is also minor and pertains to migration or encrustation of the stent. If the stent migrates, it can often be repositioned. If not, it can simply be removed or exchanged with a new stent. If the stent encrusts it will typically have to be exchanged. Vigilance by both patients and doctors towards reoccurring symptoms is always recommended to avoid complete encrustation.

What treatments should Memokath™ 051 Ureter be considered before?

Memokath™ 051 Ureter should be presented to all relevant patients as part of the possible treatment options for ureteric obstruction. Memokath™ 051 Ureter has in many cases improved the quality of life substantially for patients living with JJ-catheters and should be thought of as an alternative to repeated incisions and dilatations which negatively impacts the life quality of patients, if the first attempt does not have the desired long-term effect. Consider treatment with Memokath™ 051 Ureter before:

Repeated JJ-catheter exchanges
Repeated incisions
Repeated dilations
Nephrostomies
Pyeloplasty

Living with Memokath™ 051 Ureter

Memokath™ 051 Ureter typically offers patients a quick return to daily activities after treatment, most often with a substantial decrease in symptoms, and little or no side-effects or complications. Instructing the patients to drink plenty of water will help minimize risk of encrustation. Patient-checkups are advised to ensure the stent continue to function optimally.

For frequently asked questions about Memokath™ 051 Ureter, please refer to our FAQ section.

Case examples

Flank pain from double-J catheters

Following ovary cancer, a 43-year old woman is treated with JJ-catheters but experiences constant and sharp flank pains which severely affects both her personal and work life. At the next switch a Memokath™ 051 Ureter is inserted instead decreasing the number of switches materially and relieving the patient of her pain and discomfort.
Unsuccessful pyeloplasty

Troubled with continuous blood in the urine caused by JJ-catheters a 59-year old man accepts to have pyeloplasty performed, which is successful immediately after, but the stricture reoccurs after six months. The patient is offered a Memokath™ 051 Ureter, relieving him from blood in the urine and stricture symptoms.
Aversion to general anesthesia

A 57-year old woman undergoes general anesthesia 4-6 times per year to have her JJ-catheter switched, but feels burdened by the dizziness and nausea caused by GA. After replacing her catheters with Memokath™ 051 Ureter, the patient is relieved to suffice with switches and GA every app. 18-24 months.
Recurring stricture after incisions

Unwilling to have JJ-catheters placed due to experiences with side-effects, a 59-year old woman endures incisions repeatedly for her recurrent ureteric strictures caused scarring after failed pyeloplasty. Though cluttering app. once per year due to stones, Memokath™ 051 Ureter decreased her dependence on medical attention vastly.
Nephrostomy side-effects

A 41-year old cancer patient has a nephrostomy placed due to metastatic ureteric stricture, which JJ-catheter cannot endure, but experiences repeated fever outbreaks and tender swelling around the outlet. The strength of Memokath™ 051 Ureter sustains the metastatic pressure, and lets the patient re-establish his voiding ability.

How do I become a Memokath™ 051 Ureter user?

Memokath™ 051 Ureter has treated thousands of patients worldwide and continues to gain popularity among urologists as a treatment of ureteric stricture. To become a user of Memokath™ 051 Ureter you can request a visit from one of our representatives to initiate a training process or participate in one of our regular training workshops displayed under Events. Either way, our product specialists will assist you with your patients on-location until you feel confident with performing the method on your own.

When is the next Memokath™ 051 Ureter training workshop?

Please look under the Events section for information.

Technical Information

Memokath™ 051 Ureter comes in four versions – single or double-cone for either antegrade or retrograde insertion. Both versions expand from 10,5 to CH 21. Single cone versions are available in 30, 60, 100, 150, 200 mm. and in 250 mm on request. Double cone versions are available in 60, 80, 100 and 120 mm.

Please Contact us to learn more about Memokath™ 051 Ureter or request a visit from one of our product specialists.