Stone Removal Balloons

Our balloons are mainly used for stone removal in the biliary tract.

What are biliary stones?

Biliary stones are the most common diseases of the biliary system and include gallbladder stones, common bile duct stones, and intrahepatic bile duct stones. It is generally associated with biliary tract infections, especially those of parasites. Bile stasis and cholesterol metabolism disorders are the main causes of stones, and they are often a combination of multiple causes.

Stone removal method:

• Balloon catheters

         A balloon catheter is a tool that expands the balloon in the bile duct so that it is in close contact with the bile duct wall, and then pulls the balloon in the direction of the duodenum to remove stones and gall sludge. At the same time, balloon catheters can be injected with contrast agent or suction bile to confirm whether there are residual stones in the bile ducts.

• Basket catheters

        A basket catheter is a tool that unfolds the basket inside the bile duct and grasps the stone for removal.

• Mechanical lithotripter

    Biliary Mechanical lithotripsy (BML) is suitable for larger diameter stones that cannot be removed from the nipple opening by a basket catheter alone, and the stones need to be broken up and then removed. When the stone is grasped and the basket handle is rotated, the mechanical stone crushing can be carried out.

Why Balloon Catheter?

Balloon catheter advantages
Reduced surgical trauma: The use of endoscopic stone removal balloon catheters can reduce surgical trauma and shorten recovery time for patients compared to traditional open surgery.
Improved surgical safety: Through the direct visual guidance of the endoscope, balloon catheters can locate stones more precisely, reducing damage to surrounding tissues.
Reduced risk of complications: Due to the reduced trauma of surgery, the use of balloon catheters can reduce the risk of postoperative complications such as bleeding, infection, etc.