[Effects of focused shock waves on children's kidney: experimental study]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Biophysics
• Medical Engineering

Background:

• Focused shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is a common treatment for kidney stones.
• Understanding the precise biophysical effects of SWL on renal tissue is crucial for optimizing treatment and minimizing damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of focused shock waves generated by the URAT-P2 unit on immature rat renal tissue.
• To analyze the relationship between SWL parameters and observed tissue damage.

Main Methods:

• 120 immature rats (100-120 g b.w.) were exposed to focused shock waves.
• Morphological analysis of renal tissue was performed immediately after and 3 months post-procedure.
• Key parameters studied included interelectrode spacing, capacitor capacitance, charging voltage, therapeutic focus pressure, and impulse count.

Main Results:

• Spontaneous widening of interelectrode spacing was identified as a significant damaging factor.
• This widening led to increased pressure amplitude at the therapeutic focus center.
• The increased pressure amplitude resulted in a prolonged impulse duration, contributing to tissue damage.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the critical role of interelectrode spacing in focused shock wave lithotripsy.
• Variations in this parameter can significantly influence the pressure dynamics and damaging potential of SWL on renal tissue.
• Optimizing SWL device parameters is essential for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing renal injury.