In Vitro Comparison of the Mechanical and Optical Characteristics of the Storz Flex-XC1 Single-use Ureteroscope and the Storz Flex-XC Reusable Flexible Ureteroscope
1
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
22288082
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105007363746
Journal Title
Siriraj Medical Journal
Volume
77
Issue
5
Start Page
313
End Page
321
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Siriraj Medical Journal Vol.77 No.5 (2025) , 313-321
Suggested Citation
Leelathanyakit C., Chotikawanich E., Taweemonkongsap T., Phinthusophon K., Jitpraphai S., Ramart P., Woranisarakul V., Mankongsrisuk T., Hansomwong T., Jongjitaree K., Srinualnad S. In Vitro Comparison of the Mechanical and Optical Characteristics of the Storz Flex-XC1 Single-use Ureteroscope and the Storz Flex-XC Reusable Flexible Ureteroscope. Siriraj Medical Journal Vol.77 No.5 (2025) , 313-321. 321. doi:10.33192/smj.v77i5.272982 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/110623
Title
In Vitro Comparison of the Mechanical and Optical Characteristics of the Storz Flex-XC1 Single-use Ureteroscope and the Storz Flex-XC Reusable Flexible Ureteroscope
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Abstract
Objective: This study compared the mechanical and optical characteristics of the Storz Flex-X<sup>C1</sup> single-use ureteroscope and the Storz Flex-X<sup>C</sup> reusable flexible ureteroscope. The mechanical parameters comprised the upward/downward deflection, loop diameter, and irrigation flow rate. The optical parameters were image resolution and color representation. Materials and Methods: We conducted an in vitro evaluation of two Karl Storz flexible ureteroscopes. Specifically, we examined the Storz Flex-X<sup>C1</sup> single-use and Storz Flex-X<sup>C</sup> reusable scopes for upward/downward deflection angles, loop diameter, irrigation flow rates, image resolution, and color representation. The Storz Professional Image Enhancement System was also applied. Results: The Storz Flex-X<sup>C</sup> reusable ureteroscope achieved greater upward/downward deflection angles than did the Storz Flex-X<sup>C1</sup> single-use ureteroscope when a 200 µm laser or a 1.9 Fr tipless basket was used, with mean differences of 1.9°‒2.2° and 2.3°‒5.6°, respectively. No clinically significant difference in loop diameter was found. The Storz Flex reusable scope achieved a higher irrigation flow rate with an empty working channel (mean difference of 2.25 ml/min). Both scopes demonstrated identical image resolutions in air and in a normal saline solution, but the Storz Flex single-use device showed superior color representation. Conclusion: The Storz Flex-X<sup>C</sup> reusable flexible ureteroscope displayed slight advantages in terms of the deflection angle and irrigation flow rate. The Storz Flex-X<sup>C1</sup> single-use flexible ureteroscope offered improved color representation and marginally better resolution in saline.