Lithotripsy devices for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) - new developments

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the mainstay of surgery for renal calculi>2 cm or complex multiple calculi and is a technique that has been around since 1976. We review recent literature surrounding novel lithotripsy devices and technology used in PNL.

At present, the Holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser is widely accepted as the gold standard laser lithotripsy for PNL. SwissLithoClast Trilogy offers a range of probes with a trifecta of electromagnetic, ultrasonic energy with surgeon-controlled suction. The Olympus Shockpulse-SE is a similar lithotripter that relies on continuous ultrasonic energy with pulsed ballistic energy to break stones. Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) offers an alternative laser energy source to the Holmium laser, which has been shown to be very effective at producing small stone fragments and dust. The Moses technology is another addition in a long list of improvements to the Ho:YAG laser, forming vaporization bubble through which more effective energy can be applied to stones.

Trilogy, Shockpulse, TFL and Moses pulse modulation technology for the Holmium laser all provide improvements compared with older lithotripsy devices. In particular, they convey a safer, efficient and more effective way to manage and clear stones.