Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: status of second generation lithotripters

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the $2 million Dornier lithotripter for general distribution in December 1984, many hospitals and urology groups have expressed interest in acquiring this technology. In fact, more than 40 lithotripters were installed in the United States in 1985, and approximately 50 are scheduled for delivery in 1986. Although the Dornier lithotripter has wide appeal to urologists, many potential buyers cannot afford to purchase this technology. Even special interrelationships such as joint ventures among urologists, hospitals, and other third parties are not logistically or politically possible. As a result, a number of medical equipment firms have begun to develop so-called "second generation" lithotripters. These second generation units have generated a great deal of enthusiasm among those who are locked out of the Dornier market because of cost constraints. They are projected to cost less than one-half as much as the Dornier lithotripter, and may be capable of being used for a number of urological applications. As of March 1986, we have identified six firms in the United States and Europe that are developing second generation units. In the United States, International Biomedics, Inc., Medstone International, and Northgate Research, a Division of Monaghan Medical Corporation; and in France, Edap and Technomed International have all informed urologists and other interested parties in the U.S. about their research and development efforts. Several sources have also indicated that the Siemens Corporation in West Germany has begun to develop a second generation lithotripter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)