Paclitaxel inhibits ureteral smooth muscle cell proliferation and collagen production in the absence of cell toxicity.

Purpose: Urinary tract stricture results from excess collagen deposition at an injured area. Paclitaxel (Sigma-Aldrich®) prevents coronary artery restenosis by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and collagen production. We evaluated the effects of paclitaxel on ureteral smooth muscle cell proliferation and collagen production.

Load-release points of two novel ureteral stone-trapping devices.

Purpose: We compared the load-release points of the Stone Cone and the new Cook Urological NTrap devices using an in vitro model of the ureter.

Materials And Methods: A strictured-ureter model was created using urethane tubing with a wire tie around it. A plastic bead was lodged above this narrowing.