Use of a Memokath™ 045 temperature-controlled memory alloy stent for treating upper renal calyx calyceal neck atresia: a case report

Abstract

Renal calyceal neck atresia is a rare disorder. There is no clear guidance for standard treatment of this condition. The Memokath™ 045 temperature-controlled memory alloy stent is commonly used in the treatment of urethral strictures, but it has not been used for treating calyceal neck atresia. We present a case of a 44-year-old female patient with left lumbar pain who underwent two stages of treatment to resolve calyceal neck atresia located at the upper calyx of her left kidney. The first procedure was transurethral ureteroscopy combined with percutaneous recanalization of the left upper calyx calyceal neck atresia. One 6 F internal stent and one 8 F internal stent were placed, and she was discharged with a left nephrostomy tube. After her urinary tract infection was fully resolved, the patient returned for the second procedure of percutaneous upper renal calyx calyceal neck metal stent implantation. The temporary stents and nephrostomy tube were successfully removed. Our findings suggest that the Memokath™ 045 temperature-controlled memory alloy stent is an effective choice for treating calyceal neck atresia.