Baptist Health Medical Group urologist performs first innovative kidney stones treatment

PADUCAH, KY (March 13, 2024) - On Feb. 19, Baptist Health Medical Group urologist, Michael Knox, MD, made history by performing the first-ever non-invasive Steerable Ureteroscopic Renal Stone Evacuation (SURE) procedure in the state of Kentucky. This groundbreaking procedure transforms the way kidney stones are treated.

According to the American Urological Association, approximately 10% of people in the U.S. will have a kidney stone at some point in their lives. The SURE procedure is a new, innovative procedure that will improve care and comfort for patients who have larger stones in the kidney and top portion of the ureter that won’t pass.

The SURE procedure uses an advanced CVAC Aspiration system that aims to address the limitations of current treatment solutions by minimizing residual stone burden. Unlike alternative methods used today, the SURE procedure ensures the reliable removal of all stone fragments, reducing the need for patients to pass fragments on their own or undergo re-treatment.

“This new technology is significant because it’s important to minimize any residual fragments after lithotripsy to help prevent any future stone disease and render the patient stone free,” said Dr. Knox. “This will help reduce the need for extra procedures and recurrent stone formation.”

The SURE procedure marks a significant milestone in urological advancements that Baptist Health Paducah is proud to offer patients. For more information about the SURE procedure, call Baptist Health Medical Group Urology at 270.442.3539.