Nanoparticle-Enhanced Saline Boosts Laser Kidney Stone Treatment Without Modifying Surgical Equipment

A new approach to kidney stone treatment is gaining attention for its simplicity and effectiveness. Researchers at the University of Chicago and Duke University have developed a nanoparticle-infused saline solution that significantly improves the performance of laser lithotripsy, a common outpatient procedure used to break apart kidney stones. This innovation enhances energy delivery to the stone without requiring any changes to the laser hardware itself.

Laser lithotripsy typically uses holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho-YAG) lasers to fragment kidney stones into smaller pieces that can be passed naturally. However, the saline solution used to irrigate the surgical site absorbs a large portion of the laser energy, reducing the procedure’s efficiency and increasing the risk of heat-related tissue damage. To address this, the research team introduced dark nanoparticles into the saline, creating a nanofluid that absorbs and redirects more laser energy toward the stone.

In laboratory tests using synthetic kidney stones, the nanofluid improved ablation efficiency by 38 to 727 percent in spot treatments and 26 to 75 percent in scanning treatments. These results were achieved without altering the laser system, making the solution especially attractive for clinics that may not have access to the latest surgical technologies. The nanofluid was also tested for biocompatibility and showed no toxicity in cell cultures, even after 24 hours of exposure—well beyond the typical duration of a lithotripsy procedure.

The researchers emphasized that this method could be easily adopted in clinical settings, offering a low-cost, high-impact enhancement to existing procedures. By improving energy transfer and reducing treatment time, the nanofluid could help lower recurrence rates, minimize patient discomfort, and improve surgical outcomes. The team is now exploring the use of this technology with other types of lasers and in real-world clinical scenarios.