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Beamwidth measurement of individual lithotripter shock waves
Wayne Kreider1, Michael R Bailey, Jeffrey A Ketterling
1Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA. wkreider@u.washington.edu
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|February 12, 2009
Summary
Accurate measurement of lithotripter shock waves is crucial. A new hydrophone array sensor precisely measures individual shock waves, revealing more accurate beamwidths than previous methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Acoustic Measurement
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- New lithotripters with narrower foci and higher pressures are less effective and safe.
- Accurate measurement of lithotripter shock wave focal characteristics is essential.
- Current single-point measurement techniques introduce errors due to shock-to-shock variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a hydrophone array sensor for measuring individual lithotripter shock waves.
- To accurately determine the beamwidth and focal characteristics of electrohydraulic lithotripters.
- To compare measurement accuracy using the new array sensor versus traditional methods.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a novel hydrophone array sensor.
- Array measurements of individual shock waves from an electrohydraulic lithotripter.
- Measurement of beamwidths using HM3-style and narrow-focus reflectors with varying electrode conditions and charging potentials.
Main Results:
- The hydrophone array accurately measured individual shock wave waveforms, beamwidths, and focal locations.
- The HM3-style reflector demonstrated repeatable focal waveforms and beam profiles at 18 kV.
- Measurements indicated a narrower beamwidth than previously reported, highlighting the array's improved accuracy.
- Inconsistent beam profiles at 23 kV emphasized the importance of individual shock wave measurement.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrophone array sensor provides accurate and reliable measurements of individual lithotripter shock waves.
- This technology offers superior precision in characterizing lithotripter focal properties compared to averaged point measurements.
- Accurate characterization is vital for the development of safer and more effective lithotripter devices.
