mediNiK

Many millions of people worldwide suffer from kidney stones. In the meantime, treatment methods are increasingly shifting from shock wave therapy (ESWL) to low-complication and gentle endoscopic techniques such as flexible ureterorenoscopy (URS) or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL or PCNL).

Which treatment method is indicated and when can be found in the current "S2k Guidelines for Diagnosis, Therapy and Metaphylaxis of Urolithiasis". Further information is also available from the German Society of Urology and the Professional Association of German Urologists.

In ESWL, PCNL or URS, residual stones may remain after treatment. For example, because they are too small to grasp or difficult to access in the renal calices. Many of these residual stones, also as residual calculus or CIRF (clinically insignificant residual fragments) can come off spontaneously - but can also remain in the kidney.

Can these residual stones still be removed?

In continuation of the research project "mediNiK - Development of a medical adhesive for the removal of kidney stone fragments" funded by the BMBF as part of the GO-Bio 6 funding initiative, Purenum GmbH has brought a system for the removal of non-removable stone residues to CE certification (see "Products" page).

The mediNiK system consists of a biological hydrogel, which embeds the residual stones within seconds and thus makes them removable by means of gripping methods used in the flexible URS.

In addition, Purenum GmbH is conducting research into adhesives for surgery.