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Shock wave sensors: I. Requirements and design.
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
The Journal of Lithotripsy & Stone Disease
|December 10, 1990
Summary
This study presents novel piezoelectric sensors for accurately measuring shock wave parameters in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). These sensors are crucial for optimizing ESWL treatments by characterizing acoustic fields.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Acoustics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a common treatment for urinary and gallbladder stones.
- Understanding shock wave parameters is key to optimizing ESWL efficiency, but requires precise measurement tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and characterize reliable, wideband, quantitative shock wave sensors for ESWL applications.
- To evaluate the suitability of piezoelectric polymer sensors for lithotripter field measurements.
Main Methods:
- Development and design of piezoelectric sensors using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
- Characterization of sensor performance, including acoustical parameters, frequency response, and directivity.
- Evaluation of sensors for lithotripter field measurements.
Main Results:
- Designed sensors demonstrate uniform sensitivity up to 100 MHz.
- PVDF sensors with low acoustical impedance backing are suitable for ESWL measurements.
- Fiber optic sensors also show potential for shock wave measurements.
Conclusions:
- Novel piezoelectric sensors are effective for characterizing ESWL shock wave fields.
- Accurate shock wave measurement is essential for improving lithotripsy treatment efficacy.
- PVDF-based sensors offer a viable solution for quantitative acoustic measurements in lithotripsy.