FLUID DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF HAND-PUMP INFUSER AND UROMAT E.A.S.I. ® PUMP FACILITATED IRRIGATION THROUGH A FLEXIBLE URETEROSCOPE

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the flow characteristics produced by a manual and automated-pump irrigation system connected to a flexible ureteroscope. METHODS: An in vitro analysis of a manual hand-pump infuser (HP) and the UROMAT Endoscopic Automatic System for Irrigation® (E.A.S.I.) pump was performed. Standard irrigation tubing was used to connect a three-way valve to a flexible ureteroscope, the irrigation system and a digital manometer. Flow rate and irrigation pressure measurements were recorded over a 15-minute period using pressure settings of 150 and 200 mmHg for both irrigation pump systems. Once the HP was inflated to the initial pressure, it was not reinflated over the course of the trial. Data were collected with the working channel unoccupied and with placement of a 200 μm (0.6F) holmium laser fiber, a 1.7F nitinol stone retrieval basket, or a 2.67F guidewire. RESULTS: The difference in pressure measured at the site of inflow of irrigation to the ureteroscope was significantly greater using the ...