SolidFlex--the fourth generation in endoscopy.

Objectives: To design and develop the fourth generation in endoscopy after the rigid, semirigid and flexible instruments. This next generation technology has been named SolidFlex, and it was designed by a surgeon based on many years of research with the objective to provide easier and faster solutions for physicians when performing endoscopic procedures.

Methods: This new endoscope called SolidFlex has been brought to light with the latest technology to provide surgeons of every age the capabilities to carry out any possible endoscopic procedure. SolidFlex is state-of-the-art in both design and construction, giving the the weight of the usual flexible endoscope. The Instrument is ergonomic, intuitive (instinctive perception) and coherent, meaning that the handle control moves the instrument's active flexible section towards predictable, pre-selected areas, driving the procedure fluidly throughout. It provides the stability of a rigid and semirigid instrument with the exploration capabilities of the flexible endoscope in order to achieve the best means of rendering a patient 100% stone free.

Results: The SolidFlex ureteroscope prototype has retrieved urinary stones in 9 patients and 11 renal units. These procedures were divided in two groups: Group I, pre-stented after double "J" withdrawal for a previous renal colic episode. Group II, during the acute renal colic episode. Ureteral dilatation was carried out only in Group II and after dilatation in both groups, insertion up to the renal pelvis or the area were the obstruction was present, took only a matter of 15 seconds at the most. All procedures could be completed in each group and stones in the renal papilla from 200 nm, to 4 mm in any given papilla were removed either by laser energy, retrieved with a basket or both. Patients did not experience any pain or major discomfort after the procedure, and no analgesic medication was required, nor requested by any of the patients.

Conclusions: The new SolidFlex technology has been tested in surgery and proven to solve most of the difficulties faced by surgeons when performing endoscopic surgery. The surgeon can perform surgery comfortably seated, so that he/she can easily introduce and maneuver the instrument, and introduce operating tools without help or coordination from anyone else during critical moments such as stone extraction. A urologist made the SolidFlex research and development for the benefit of physicians and patients, and it does solve many of the issues and limitations that surgeons face today with the rigid, semi-rigid and flexible endoscope technology.