Southampton first in UK to use revolutionary kidney pressure device
University Hospital Southampton (UHS) has become the first NHS site to use a device that can monitor kidney pressure during surgery.
The pioneering technology reduces the risk of serious complications.
It is used for procedures including kidney stone removal. More than eight million people in the UK suffer with kidney stones, which can be extremely painful.
UHS’s leadership in this field has been enabled in part by protected research time and support for Professor Bhaskar Somani. He was one of the first healthcare professionals to join the UHS Research Leaders Programme.
UHS are the first to use this new device as global experts, including Prof Somani, call for more research to better understand high intrarenal pressure (IRP) and its link to patient outcomes. Their call was published in European Urology Open Science earlier this year.
Accurate pressure monitoring
The LithoVue Elite is a new type of ureteroscope (tiny surgical camera). It has a pressure sensor built into its tip to provide precise readings in real time for the first time.
It is used during minimally invasive procedures – called ureteroscopies – to remove kidney stones and diagnose and treat other conditions within the urinary tract. Ureteroscopies involve using fluid to help with visibility and expand the urinary tract. This makes pressure monitoring a priority for patient safety.
Previously surgeons had no reliable way to accurately monitor IRP. This prevented them from tackling some of the more complex and higher risk cases.
Elevated pressure can increase the risk of serious complications. For example, people may experience bleeding, infection, inflammation and tissue damage. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.
LithoVue Elite is designed to help to avoid these risks by displaying second-by-second data right next to a live video feed. When elevated pressure is detected, the monitor gives a real-time alert similar to a dashboard warning light. Surgeons can then act immediately.
They do this by helping to adjust the pressure flow, adapting the scope position or the size of the sheath (the tube used to insert the ureteroscope), using suction technology. If necessary, they may pause surgery.
The novel software also includes a new type of small camera that houses a high-resolution chip. It captures detailed images from inside the urinary tract. These can be recorded in real time while performing surgery. This allows surgeons to spot kidney stones, tissue abnormalities or bleeding more easily. It helps them to act safely and with more precision.
“Transformative and revolutionary”
UHS treats more than 600 patients with kidney stones every year.
Professor Bhaskar Somani is a consultant urological surgeon at UHS. He was part of the UHS RLP’s first cohort. The programme has now supported over 40 staff to advance research at UHS.
Prof Somani said: “For the first time, we can now monitor pressure in the kidney in real time during surgery. This is transformative and revolutionary, allowing us to make immediate clinical decisions that enhance patient safety and outcomes.
“It’s a bit like combining a GoPro with a pressure gauge and plugging it into a smart dashboard – all minimised and sterilised for surgery.
“I’m proud that UHS is the first NHS Trust in the UK to adopt the LithoVue Elite system. It marks a significant moment in kidney stone treatment nationally.”
He added: “The technology allows us to treat complex cases with greater confidence and precision, meaning better outcomes for our patients. That is something we are all extremely proud of.”
LithoVue Elite has been developed by Boston Scientific. Miguel Aragon, vice president of urology in Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Boston Scientific, said: “This next-generation ureteroscope was developed in response to feedback from urologists and expert consensus on the importance of maintaining low intrarenal pressure for patient safety.
“It exemplifies our commitment to developing clinical solutions that enhance patient care while improving procedural efficiency and surgical decision-making.”