Advancements in Ureteroscope Technology and Innovation

The field of endourology is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rapid advancements in medical device engineering and manufacturing technologies. Among the most notable developments are next-generation ureteroscopes, which are essential tools for diagnosing and treating urinary tract conditions such as kidney stones and urothelial carcinoma. Innovations in single-use devices, micro 3D printing, and advanced imaging systems are reshaping how these procedures are performed—improving patient outcomes, enhancing surgical precision, and optimizing healthcare efficiency. Two notable breakthroughs leading this shift are RNDR Medical’s single-use endourology scope and Olympus’ newly FDA-cleared RenaFlex single-use flexible ureteroscope system. Together, these innovations highlight the industry’s ongoing commitment to advancing minimally invasive care.

Advancing Ureteroscope Innovation with Micro 3D Printing

The innovation centers around the endcap, which integrates a camera sensor, fiber-optic lighting, and multiple working channels for instruments and irrigation in a single compact unit.

3D printing is particularly well-suited for manufacturing ureteroscope endcaps. Despite the part’s small diameter of only 3 mm, it incorporates ultra-thin walls measuring just 50–75 µm across its 5 mm length.

Traditional manufacturing techniques are either unable to achieve the tiny, intricate features needed for these components or become prohibitively expensive. As a result, micro 3D printing has become the most viable approach, enabling the efficient and cost-effective production of end-use parts with the precision and resolution required for this application.

RNDR Medical’s Innovative Single-Use Endourology Scope

RNDR Medical has introduced a groundbreaking single-use scope for endourology, purpose-built for direct visualization and navigation within the urinary tract. The device is designed to aid in both diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as kidney stones, urothelial carcinoma, and during pyeloscopy procedures, while also offering therapeutic access to the renal pelvis and kidneys.

Precision Engineering in Ureteroscope Design

The ureteroscope integrates a digital high-definition camera and illumination system to deliver clear visualization, supported by fluid irrigation to maintain image clarity. A dedicated working channel enables the use of therapeutic instruments such as lithotripsy fibers and retrieval baskets, streamlining kidney stone treatment.

At the core of this functionality lies the distal tip, which incorporates the camera chip and light source, manages fluid pathways for irrigation, and links the working channel to the external anatomical environment.

This tip must adhere to stringent precision standards—securely housing all components, maintaining a fluid-tight seal, and achieving a compact diameter of just 0.130 inches. Its outer geometry is specifically shaped to be atraumatic, reducing the risk of injury during advancement through the urinary tract.

Meeting these requirements within such a small profile demands intricate 3D geometry, tight tolerances, and ultra-thin walls—parameters traditionally achievable only with advanced micro-molding techniques.

Yet, with projected annual production in the tens of thousands, the steep costs of micro-molding create barriers to scalability, delaying return on investment and underscoring the need for more cost-efficient manufacturing solutions.

Summary:

• Integration of Advanced Features: The ureteroscope endcap combines a camera sensor, fiber-optic illumination, and multiple working channels within an ultra-compact 3 mm diameter unit, enabled by micro 3D printing.

• Next-Generation Single-Use Scope: RNDR Medical’s disposable endourology scope enhances visualization and therapeutic access, supporting the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones, urothelial carcinoma, and renal procedures.

• Precision and Scalability Challenges: While the distal tip requires intricate 3D geometry, tight tolerances, and thin walls, traditional micro-molding is costly at high volumes, making micro 3D printing the most practical and scalable solution.

Olympus RenaFlex: Advancing Single-Use Ureteroscope Technology

Olympus has announced that the FDA has granted 510(k) clearance for its RenaFlex single-use flexible ureteroscope system, designed for the treatment of urinary conditions such as kidney stones.

Clinical Application of the RenaFlex Ureteroscope System

The RenaFlex ureteroscope system is designed to provide access and visualization of the urinary tract—including the urethra, bladder, ureter, calyces, and renal papillae—through either transurethral or percutaneous access routes. It is engineered to operate in conjunction with the compatible CV-S1 video system center, supporting flexible single-use endoscopic procedures.

Key Features of the Olympus RenaFlex System

Olympus highlights that the RenaFlex system is equipped with a lightweight, ergonomically designed handle and a flexible shaft featuring both stiff and passive bending sections. The system delivers high-quality imaging, supported by an advanced distal-tip camera chip that enables a 120-degree field of view with automatic white balancing and brightness adjustment.

In addition, the RenaFlex offers 270-degree angulation in both upward and downward directions, a 9.5Fr outer diameter, and a 3.6Fr working channel. Its streamlined setup minimizes operating room space requirements, enhancing procedural efficiency.

Summary:

• Regulatory Approval: The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to Olympus’ RenaFlex single-use flexible ureteroscope system, intended for treating urinary conditions such as kidney stones.

• Clinical Application: Designed for visualization and access of the urinary tract via transurethral or percutaneous routes, the system integrates seamlessly with the CV-S1 video system center.

• Enhanced Features: The RenaFlex offers a lightweight ergonomic handle, a flexible shaft with stiff and passive bending sections, high-definition imaging with a 120° field of view, 270° bidirectional angulation, and a compact setup that reduces OR space needs.

Key Players:

Conclusion

The evolution of ureteroscope technology underscores a broader trend in healthcare: the integration of precision engineering, cutting-edge manufacturing, and user-centered design to deliver safer, more effective, and more accessible treatments. Micro 3D printing has opened new possibilities for producing intricate device components at scale, while single-use scopes are reducing infection risks and simplifying hospital workflows. With companies like RNDR Medical and Olympus spearheading advancements in visualization, flexibility, and ergonomics, the future of endourology is set to be defined by smarter, more efficient solutions that benefit both patients and healthcare providers. These developments mark an important step toward the next generation of urologic care, combining innovation with clinical practicality.