Overview

A nephrostomy tube is a percutaneous catheter placed through the patient’s flank into the renal collecting system to drain urine when the normal flow to the bladder is obstructed or compromised. While this intervention is often essential and potentially life-saving, it entails multiple practical and clinical challenges.

After placement by an interventional radiologist, the catheter’s distal end is designed with an internal “pigtail” coil intended to prevent internal migration. However, from an external standpoint, reliable anchoring solutions remain lacking. Existing external fixation mechanisms are suboptimal and far from ideal.

During its indwelling period, patients face persistent disruptions to daily life. A significant concern is inadvertent displacement or accidental removal of the tube – event which can precipitate serious complications and increased morbidity.