How Mechanical Properties of Ureteral Stent Material Affect Its Service Life

Ureteral stents are flexible implants commonly made from polyurethane and silicone. Some ureteral stents used in Indonesia experience damage upon removal, even when patients arrive on time for stent removal. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the mechanical properties of ureteral stent materials on their service life. The tests conducted included tensile testing and material composition analysis using two different Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) devices. In addition, to determine the presence of material mixtures, composition testing was also performed using SEM/EDX. Five samples of ureteral stent products commonly available in Indonesia were selected for this study: two samples with a service life of 2 months, one sample with a 6-month service life, and two samples with a 12-month service life. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) testing was carried out to confirm correlations between the investigated variables. The results showed that there was no significant effect of the material's mechanical properties, either tensile strength or elastic modulus, on the service life of the ureteral stent. The results showed no statistically significant correlation (p > 0.05) between tensile strength or elastic modulus and service life. Instead, material choice should match intended duration: polyurethane for short-term (< 6 months) and silicone for long-term (> 6 months). Recommended minimum tensile strength is 11.81 MPa for silicone and 9.11 MPa for polyurethane. These results provide practical guidance for designing ureteral stents based on service life rather than mechanical properties.