Radiopacity of double-J ureteral catheters. Computed tomography quantification and clinical implications
Vallejo Herrador, J.; Cuevas Ibáñez, A.; Burgos Revilla, J.; Sáez Garrido, J.C.; Téllez Martínez-Fornés, M.; Martín-Laborda y Bergasa, F.
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia 50(2): 159-163
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-0614 PMID: 9206942 Document Number: 483894
To determine whether knowledge about the degree of radiopacity of the double-J ureteral catheters utilized in Spanish hospitals suffices for correct radiologic control and subsequent follow-up. The CT attenuation index was utilized to determine the degree of radiopacity of 23 double-J ureteral stents, comprised of different biomaterials and from different manufacturers, that are used in Spanish hospitals. The values ranged from 1,000-3,070 Hounsfield units. All the catheters analyzed were sufficiently radiopaque to permit good radiologic control during insertion and subsequent follow-up. The radiopacity of the stent depends on the metal salt employed during the manufacturing process and not on the biomaterial.