In vivo research on Cu-bearing ureteral stent.

Infection and encrustation limit the use of ureteral stent and to data no device can completely solve these complications. The Cu-bearing stainless steel is a novel material with properties of inhibiting infection and decreasing encrustation in vitro. In this work, ureteral stents were fabricated and implanted into the bladder of New Zealand rabbits, aiming to further investigate the effects of material on bacterial survival and growth as well as the implant related encrustation. Less adherent microbes and deposited crystals on Cu-bearing stainless steel stents were found, with significant differences in comparison with stainless steel stents, which further support the development of biofunctional ureteral stents.