Related Experiment Videos
A new pressure wave generator for extracorporeal lithotripsy
E H Marlinghaus1, O J Wess, J Katona
1Storz Medical AG, Kreuzlingen/Schweiz.
Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical Engineering
|January 1, 1990
Summary
A novel pressure wave generator was developed for extracorporeal lithotripsy. This new design, utilizing an electromagnetic source and parabolic reflector, optimizes shock wave focusing for improved stone fragmentation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Acoustic Physics
Background:
- Extracorporeal lithotripsy requires precise shock wave generation and focusing.
- Existing lithotripters may benefit from improved pressure wave generator designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and characterize a new pressure wave generator for the Storz Modulith extracorporeal lithotripter.
- To optimize the focus size and pressure characteristics of the generated waves.
Main Methods:
- Designed an electromagnetic cylindrical pressure wave source coupled with a parabolic reflector.
- Employed electro-acoustic pulse forming network (EA-PFN) techniques for focus size optimization.
- Utilized Schlieren photography to visualize pressure wave propagation.
Main Results:
- Successfully designed a new pressure wave generator.
- Demonstrated the capability to visualize pressure waves using Schlieren photography.
- Characterized the focal pressure as a function of EA-PFN charging voltage.
Conclusions:
- The new pressure wave generator is suitable for extracorporeal lithotripsy applications.
- The design allows for controlled pressure wave focusing.
- Further characterization can optimize lithotripter performance.