Healthcare Industry News: KMedic
News Release - July 30, 2007
The New Cook Medical Resonance(R) Metallic Ureteral Stent Improves Patient Quality of Life During Cancer Treatment
Dramatic Rise in Gender-Specific Cancer and Rise in Aggressive Cancer Treatment Has Led to Increased Need for Ureteral DrainageSPENCER, Ind.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Cook Urology, a division of Cook Medical, today announced the availability of its Resonance Metallic Ureteral Stent in the United States. The device has the proven ability to dramatically improve the quality of life for patients during cancer treatment by relieving ureteral blockage, a painful and often debilitating side-effect. The Resonance Metallic Ureteral Stent is also indicated for most other causes of extrinsic ureteral compression. In addition, the Resonance Metallic Ureteral Stent can remain in the patient for up to 12 months thus minimizing patient discomfort and the additional costs associated with numerous stent changes.
The development of Cook's innovative ureteral stent was motivated by the rise in gender-specific cancers. Current research indicates a dramatic increase in cancers, such as ovarian and prostate cancer, which often cause extrinsic ureteral compression that blocks part of the urinary system. Prostate cancer is now one of the most common cancers in men in the United States with nearly 218,000 males expected to be diagnosed this year alone. (1) Similarly, nearly 22,000 women in the U.S are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year (2).
The steady rise in gender-specific cancer has led to a more aggressive approach for treatment. This in turn has led to an increased need for ureteral drainage during chemotherapy-based cancer treatments.
The Resonance Metallic Ureteral Stent's unique design allows the patient's urinary system to drain normally while eliminating the need for a costly nephrostomy tube that can interfere with the patient's quality of life. The stents' superior compressive and radial strength can withstand up to 25 times more extrinsic compression than plastic stents. As a result, the stent can remain in place for up to 12 months, minimizing costly and uncomfortable stent changes.
"In patients with malignant ureteral obstruction, not only does the use of the Resonance stent improve quality of life by reducing hospital attendance, but it also provides a cost-efficient service," said Dr. Henry Irving, Clinical Director of Radiology in the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in the United Kingdom. "Each hospital admission for a stent change can cost thousands of dollars, and most conventional stents patients are looking at an average of two or three changes a year. While the cost of an individual metal stent is higher than that of a plastic stent, metal stents are effective for approximately one year and are therefore a useful and valid alternative for patients with malignant disease that requires long-term urinary drainage."
"Use of this stent may allow patients with malignant ureteral obstruction to avoid the discomfort and disfigurement associated with placement of a nephrostomy tube during the final months or years of their lives," said Dr Ralph Clayman, Chair of the Department of Urology at the University of California Irvine.
"Cook continues to be the innovator across a wide range of urological procedures. The uniquely designed Resonance Metallic Ureteral Stent will have a significant, positive impact on the patient's quality of life as a result of its extended indwelling term," said Jerry French, senior vice president and global strategic business unit leader for Cook Urology. "Patients will no longer need to suffer from the pain and discomfort caused by repeated and costly hospitalizations for stent changes. Cook is committed to providing physicians with the latest technology that betters patient quality of life-- especially during cancer treatment."
About Cook Medical:
Cook Medical was the first company to introduce interventional devices in the United States. Today, the company participates in all global markets, integrating device design, biopharma, gene and cell therapy and biotech to enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. Cook won the prestigious Medical Device Manufacturer of the Year for 2006 from Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry magazine. For more information, visit www.cooKMedical.com.
(1) http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/site/c.itIWK2OSG/b.189 965/k.743F/FAQs_About_Prostate_Cancer.htm#common
(Editor's Note: Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste it into your Internet browser's URL address field.)
(2) "Ovarian cancer has early warning signs", USA Today, Liz Szabo, June 12, 2007
Source: Cook Medical
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