Particle Accumulation in Ureteral Stents Is Governed by Fluid Dynamics: <i>In Vitro</i> Study Using a “Stent-on-Chip” Model

Abstract

This study demonstrated an inverse correlation between deposition of encrusting bodies and the local WSS in a stented ureter model. Critical regions with low WSS and susceptible to encrustation were identified, including "inactive" side holes (i.e., with minimal or absent flow exchange between stent and ureter) and the cavity formed by a ureteral occlusion. Findings from this study can open new avenues for improving the stent's design through fluid dynamic optimization.