A new flexible endoscope that quickly removes large kidney stones
Official title: Breaking the Scope Port Size Barrier: A New Kind of Endoscope that Removes Large Kidney Stones Rapidly
Funded at Endotheia, INC. · NIH-11110725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new flexible tool that can quickly change from a camera used to look inside the body into a suction device that helps remove big kidney stones, making it easier and faster for patients to get treatment without needing major surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Endotheia, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $109,603 |
| NIH project number | 3R44DK137695-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from large kidney stones who require interventional procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with small kidney stones or those who do not require surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an innovative flexible ureteroscope that can quickly transform from an endoscope into a large-lumen suction catheter. This transformation allows for the rapid removal of large kidney stones, which can significantly reduce the need for invasive surgical procedures. The device is designed to decrease procedure times by at least 36 minutes, making it easier for patients with larger stones to undergo minimally invasive treatments. By utilizing a unique mechanical actuation concept, the device maintains a large central lumen for effective suction and visualization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a faster, less invasive option for removing large kidney stones, reducing recovery time and complications.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing advanced endoscopic techniques, but this specific approach is innovative and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Endotheia, INC.
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gafford, Joshua B — Endotheia, INC.
- Study coordinator: Gafford, Joshua B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Break Wave therapy to break big kidney stones safely
A noninvasive therapy called Break Wave uses low-frequency ultrasound to fragment large kidney stones (10–20 mm) without surgery.
-
A new method to break large kidney stones using sound waves
This study is testing a new, gentle treatment called burst wave lithotripsy that uses sound waves to break up larger kidney stones (10-20 mm) without surgery, aiming to make the process safer and more effective for people dealing with these stones.
-
Using gold-based materials to break down kidney stones
This study is exploring a new way to treat kidney stones using special gold materials that can help break them down safely, so patients can have a less invasive and more effective option than current treatments.
-
A new flexible endoscope for quickly removing large kidney stones
This study is testing a new type of flexible tool that can quickly change from a camera used to look inside the body into a suction device that helps remove large kidney stones, making it easier and faster for patients to get treatment without needing major surgery.
-
Effectiveness of medications to prevent kidney stones
This study is looking at how well medications like thiazide diuretics and allopurinol can help people who have had kidney stones avoid getting them again, focusing on real-life results that matter to you, like fewer painful episodes and trips to the emergency room.
-
Factors from a gut bacterium that affect kidney stone formation
This study is looking at how a friendly gut bacterium can help lower the amount of oxalate in urine, which can lead to kidney stones, and it’s for anyone who wants to find new ways to prevent these painful stones from forming.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.