A new universal radiolucent handle.

A new universal radiolucent handle is described that permits needle placement under continuous fluoroscopic observation, while maintaining the operator's hands outside the primary beam. The handle accommodates nearly all needles used for biopsy, anesthesia, nephrostomy, cholangiography, and biliary drainage, which represents a major advantage over previously described radiolucent handles. Reduced operator-hand exposures, improved needle guidance, and quick handle release are also major advantages of the universal handle.

A new pyeloureteral drainage catheter.

We describe a new pyeloureteral drainage catheter that can be used for both genitourinary tract stenting and drainage, as well as tamponade of bleeding from the renal parenchyma or subcutaneous tissue. Primary indications for the use of this catheter and recommendations on insertion techniques are presented. With the exception of one case of minor kinking of the catheter, we have had no complications or failures with this catheter.

Electrolysis for recanalization of urinary collecting system obstructions: a percutaneous approach.

Nine recent endourologic cases are presented that evidence percutaneous electrolysis and electrocautery as new and safe techniques for incising the urothelium. Electrolysis with balloon dilation was employed to remove stones sequestered behind infundibular and/or diverticular neck stenoses, to correct uretero-pelvic junction (UPJ) stenoses and strictures, and to recanalize a totally obstructed fibrotic UPJ.

Thrombosed synthetic hemodialysis access fistulas: failure of fibrinolytic therapy.

Seven episodes of acute thrombosis occurring in five patients with polytetrafluoroethylene dialysis fistulas were treated with local infusions of low-dose streptokinase. Bleeding from previous dialysis puncture sites necessitated stopping the infusion in six out of seven patients, although in one of these six, the graft reopened. The seventh patient had never been dialyzed through the graft and thrombolysis was achieved without incident.

The CO2 flush: a new technique for percutaneous extraction of ureteral calculi.

A new technique for the percutaneous extraction of ureteral calculi is described. A jet of CO2 is injected through a retrograde ureteral catheter to dislodge ureteral stones. This safe and simple technique has been successfully used in ten patients.