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[Physics and technology of lithotripsy using extra- and intracorporeal generated shock waves]
Radiologia Diagnostica
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is now standard for kidney and ureteral stones, and increasingly for gallstones. Intracorporeal shock waves offer a less frequent, but viable alternative for certain conditions like salivary stones.
Area of Science:
- Urology and Gastroenterology
- Medical Engineering
Context:
- Analysis of renal and biliary concrement hospitalizations in the GDR (1985: 17,000 and 67,000).
- Prevalence of kidney stones and gallstones necessitating medical intervention.
Purpose:
- To describe the principles of lithotripsy using extracorporeally and intracorporeally generated shock waves.
- To detail various industrial lithotripsy device principles (electric discharge, electromagnetic, piezoelectric, laser-induced) and stone localization methods.
Summary:
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has largely replaced surgery for renal and urethral stones and is expanding to biliary and pancreatic stones.
- Intracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, often laser-induced, is used less but can be an alternative to surgery for salivary stones.
Impact:
- ESWL represents a significant advancement in non-invasive treatment for concrements.
- Technological developments in lithotripsy offer diverse and increasingly effective treatment options for various stone types.