Calyxo
Kidney stones are common. They form when certain minerals and salts in the urine collect and harden into small, stone-like deposits.
Sometimes a stone will pass easily without causing much trouble. But often the pain is sudden and severe, and can radiate from the back or side down toward the groin.
Along with pain, kidney stones can cause:
- Burning during urination
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urges to pee
In more serious cases, they may bring nausea, vomiting, or an infection.
If you have a kidney stone, you want relief fast. One of the standard treatments is ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy.
With this procedure, a thin scope is guided into the urinary tract, and a laser is used to break the stone into smaller pieces. The fragments are left to pass on their own over the following days or weeks. During that time, many people continue to deal with pain. Plus, they may worry about whether the stone will clear completely or if they might need another procedure if pieces remain.
Fortunately, there are better options to treat kidney stones quickly.
Calyxo for kidney stones consultations are available in the Charlotte, NC and West Columbia, SC areas.
What Is the SURE Procedure?
The SURE procedure, which stands for Steerable Ureteroscopic Renal Evacuation, uses the CVAC System, developed by Calyxo Inc. This technology is the first of its kind and is often referred to simply as “Calyxo.” It’s designed to remove stone fragments immediately, rather than leaving them behind to pass later.
What Makes the SURE Procedure Different From Lithotripsy?
The CVAC System was specifically designed to avoid patients passing stone fragments left behind from lithotripsy. The SURE procedure allows multiple steps of stone treatment to happen in a single, coordinated process.
Ureteroscopy
The surgeon passes a slender, flexible scope through your urinary tract and up into the kidney. This provides a direct view of the stone without any large incisions.
Laser lithotripsy
Once the stone is located, a laser fiber is used to break it into smaller pieces.
Continuous irrigation
Sterile fluid is flushed through the system. The fluid keeps the field of view clear for the surgeon and helps float fragments so they can be removed.
Vacuum aspiration
Vacuum aspiration is the breakthrough step. Instead of leaving pieces behind, the CVAC device gently vacuums the fragments out of the kidney right away. The surgeon can steer the device into different areas of the kidney to remove stone pieces that would otherwise be left behind.
All of these steps are performed together, and the surgeon can confirm during the procedure that the kidney is truly stone-free. This direct verification:
- Reduces the risk of residual fragments
- Lowers the chance of repeat procedures
- Spares you the uncertainty of waiting to see if stones will pass on their own
How Is the Calyxo Procedure Performed?
The Calyxo SURE procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed under general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep and comfortable.
No large external incisions are needed. The urologist inserts a thin scope through the natural urinary passage of the urethra, bladder, ureter, and kidney.
The surgeon locates the stone and breaks it into pieces with a laser, and then uses the CVAC device to flush and gently suction out fragments. Throughout the procedure, the surgeon can see the kidney directly and confirm that the stone fragments are gone.
A temporary stent may be placed inside the ureter to help urine flow and reduce swelling. This tube is then removed in a follow-up visit.
Mild discomfort, blood in the urine, or a frequent urge to urinate are common for a few days, and most people resume normal activities within about a week.
By clearing the kidney at once, the chance of another surgery is reduced.
If you have been struggling with kidney stones, ask your urologist whether the SURE procedure is a good fit for your situation.
Calyxo SURE Procedure FAQs
1. How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most people get back to light activity, such as walking or basic household tasks, within a few days. Full recovery and return to regular routines usually happen within about a week. This timeframe may vary if a stent is in place or if your surgeon gives specific restrictions.
2. Is the SURE procedure more painful than standard treatments?
No. In fact, it may lead to less discomfort afterward. Traditional ureteroscopy leaves fragments behind that people must pass on their own, which can be painful. Because the SURE procedure removes fragments immediately, many people experience a smoother recovery.
3. Can all kidney stones be treated with SURE?
Not every case is a fit, but many are. The SURE procedure has been shown to work well for stones of certain sizes and locations in the kidney. Your urologist will help determine if SURE is the best approach.
4. Where can I schedule a consultation?
Consultations are offered in Concord, Denver, Fort Mill, Gastonia, Huntersville, Mint Hill, Mooresville, Pineville, Rock Hill, Shelby, and West Columbia.