Laser shattering kidney stone

Moses Technology Revolutionizes Kidney Stone Treatment: Is Mini-PCNL the Future?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how the innovative Moses laser technology is making minimally invasive kidney stone removal safer, more efficient, and potentially an alternative to traditional methods."

Kidney stones affect millions worldwide, causing significant pain and discomfort. Traditional treatments often involve invasive procedures with lengthy recovery times. However, recent advancements in medical technology are paving the way for less invasive and more effective solutions. One such breakthrough is the integration of Moses technology with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL), offering a promising alternative for patients seeking relief from kidney stones.

Mini-PCNL is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove kidney stones through a small incision in the back. Unlike traditional PCNL, which requires a larger incision, mini-PCNL utilizes smaller instruments, resulting in less pain, reduced bleeding, and faster recovery times. Combining this technique with the Moses laser system further enhances its precision and efficacy.

This article will delve into the innovative use of Moses technology in mini-PCNL, exploring its benefits, how it works, and why it's becoming an increasingly popular choice for treating kidney stones. We'll examine the experiences of medical professionals and patients, providing a comprehensive overview of this groundbreaking approach to kidney stone management.

What is Moses Technology and How Does it Enhance Mini-PCNL?

Moses technology is a cutting-edge laser system designed to optimize holmium laser lithotripsy, a technique used to break up kidney stones. The system modulates the laser pulse, creating a 'Moses effect' that reduces stone retropulsion—the backward movement of stone fragments during the procedure. This is particularly advantageous in mini-PCNL, where maintaining clear visibility and control is crucial due to the smaller working space.

The Moses system operates in two modes: 'Contact' and 'Distance.' The Contact mode is optimized for use at a very short distance from the stone surface (0-1 mm), while the Distance mode is designed for slightly further away (2-3 mm). This flexibility allows surgeons to tailor the laser settings to the specific characteristics of the stone and the surgical environment, ensuring optimal fragmentation and minimal tissue damage.

Reduced Stone Retropulsion: The Moses effect minimizes the backward movement of stone fragments, improving visibility and control.
Optimized Fragmentation: The Contact and Distance modes allow for precise laser settings, enhancing fragmentation efficiency.
Minimal Tissue Damage: The controlled laser pulses reduce the risk of injury to surrounding tissues.
Versatility: Suitable for various stone sizes and locations, making it a versatile tool for kidney stone management.

In a recent study, researchers at the University of Michigan demonstrated the successful application of Moses technology in mini-PCNL for treating a lower pole kidney stone. The procedure involved a 63-year-old patient with a 1.5 cm stone. Using a 120W holmium laser with the Moses system, the surgeons fragmented the stone using dusting settings and a 230 µm Moses fiber. The combination of dusting, fragment expulsion with the Venturi effect, and extraction with graspers/baskets resulted in complete stone removal.

The Future of Kidney Stone Treatment

The integration of Moses technology with mini-PCNL represents a significant advancement in kidney stone treatment. Its ability to reduce stone retropulsion, optimize fragmentation, and minimize tissue damage makes it a valuable tool for urologists. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and quality of life. For individuals seeking relief from kidney stones, consulting with a urologist to explore the potential benefits of Moses technology and mini-PCNL may be a step towards a stone-free future.

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Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Moses technology?

Moses technology is a state-of-the-art laser system specifically engineered to enhance holmium laser lithotripsy. It achieves this through a unique modulation of the laser pulse, known as the 'Moses effect'. This modulation is key in minimizing stone retropulsion, which is the backward movement of stone fragments during the procedure, thereby improving visibility and control for the surgeon. The system offers two operational modes: 'Contact' and 'Distance,' providing flexibility in tailoring the laser settings to the stone's characteristics and the surgical environment, which is especially beneficial during mini-PCNL.

What is mini-PCNL and how does it work?

Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove kidney stones through a small incision in the back. Compared to traditional PCNL, mini-PCNL utilizes smaller instruments, resulting in less pain, reduced bleeding, and faster recovery times. When combined with Moses technology, mini-PCNL gains enhanced precision and effectiveness, offering a superior option for patients. The integration of Moses technology further reduces complications and optimizes stone fragmentation, highlighting its significance in modern kidney stone management.

How does the 'Moses effect' improve kidney stone removal?

The 'Moses effect' is a critical feature of Moses technology. It refers to the specific modulation of the laser pulse, engineered to reduce stone retropulsion. This is significant in mini-PCNL because a smaller working space demands clear visibility. By minimizing the backward movement of stone fragments, the surgeon can maintain better control and precision during the procedure. This effect is pivotal for the efficiency and safety of stone removal, allowing for more effective fragmentation and reducing the risk of complications.

What are the 'Contact' and 'Distance' modes in Moses technology, and why are they important?

The 'Contact' and 'Distance' modes in Moses technology offer versatility in treating kidney stones. The 'Contact' mode is optimized for use very close to the stone surface (0-1 mm), while the 'Distance' mode is designed for slightly further away (2-3 mm). This flexibility enables surgeons to select the most effective laser settings based on the stone's size, location, and composition, leading to optimal fragmentation. This tailored approach helps minimize tissue damage and ensures efficient stone removal. These modes contribute to making Moses technology suitable for various stone sizes and locations, enhancing its utility in kidney stone management.

Why is the combination of Moses technology and mini-PCNL important for patients?

The use of Moses technology and mini-PCNL is significant because it represents a major advancement in kidney stone treatment. This combination offers a less invasive approach compared to traditional methods, resulting in reduced pain, faster recovery times, and fewer complications. The precision and effectiveness of Moses technology enhance mini-PCNL, leading to improved patient outcomes and quality of life. This method is a promising step toward a future where kidney stone removal is safer, more efficient, and less burdensome for patients seeking relief.