Analysis of ureteric stent kinking forces: the role of curvature in stent failure.

Objective: To further characterize the kinking forces and degree of curvature that result in failure of various stents, as malignant obstruction of the ureter causes failure of about half of ureteric stents.

Materials And Methods: Several stents (Silhouette 4.6 F and 6 F, Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; Sof-Curl Tecoflex 6 F, Gyrus ACMI, Southborough, MA; Polaris Ultra 6 and 7 F, and Percuflex 6, 7 and 8 F stents, Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) were tested. The amount of force necessary to result in kinking of the stent was measured, and the degree of curvature at failure was calculated for each stent.

Results: The Silhouette 4.6 and 6 F stents were the most resistant to failure by kinking and curvature. In general, smaller stents allowed more curvature before failing than their larger counterparts.

Conclusions: The greater allowable curvature and resistance to kinking achieved by the Silhouette ureteric stents might result in fewer stent failures in cases of malignant obstruction or other retroperitoneal processes.