Illumination matters Part II: advanced comparative analysis of flexible ureteroscopes in a kidney model by PEARLS

The aim of the study was to evaluate illumination properties in an in-vitro kidney calyx model in saline. We evaluated a series of contemporary flexible ureteroscopes including the Storz Flex-Xc and Flex-X2s, Olympus V3 and P7, Pusen 7.5F and 9.2F, as well as OTU WiScope using a 3D-printed closed pink kidney calyx model, submerged in saline. A spectrometer was used for illuminance and color temperature measurements at different openings located at center (direct light), 45° (direct and indirect light) and 90°(indirect light) to the axis of the scope. Maximum illuminance was at the center opening for all scopes (range: 284 to 12,058 lx at 50