Several abstracts were presented today examining the use of novel technology in an attempt to improve patient care and related outcomes.
Dr. Sara Best presented the results of an in vivo murine study examining the toxicity of novel iron-based microparticles (Fe-MP) used to magnetize calcium oxalate fragments, thus allowing them to be removed using magnetic instrumentation. A total of 42 mice were used to study the effects of intravenous Fe-MP (at various concentrations) and intravesical Fe-MP instillation (also at various concentrations), and the authors demonstrated no overall health status effects up to 28 days after administration. While the intravesical instillation group demonstrated no systemic evidence of Fe-MP on histologic examination of various organs, the intravenous group was found to have dose-dependent evidence of microparticles within various organs, with mild to moderate inflammation seen in the liver. Although the toxicity profile of Fe-MP seems safe when used in irrigation solution alone, inadvertent bloodstream exposure following surgery-related urothelial trauma may lead to systemic effects.
Further study is warranted to evaluate the significance of this potential foreign body implantation prior to commencement of clinical trials.
Presented by Sara Best, et al. at the American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting - May 14 - 19, 2011 - Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC USA
Reported for UroToday by Jason Y. Lee MD, FRCSC, Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine.
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