Physical characteristics of Dornier extracorporeal shock-wave lithotriptor

Measurements of the pressure, noise, and radiation dose levels from a Dornier lithotriptor are reported. The distribution of the peak pressure around the treatment focus was investigated, and the highest pressures were found to occur within an elongated volume. Within the treatment room, noise levels of 80-90 dB were produced during each shock wave, rising to 95 dB by the patient's head. Ear protection for the staff and patient is recommended, and careful room design is necessary to minimize the sound disturbance to adjacent quarters. Measurements of the radiation skin dose received by patients from the x-ray localization system were relatively high and ranged from 2-55 cGy (rad), with a mean of 12 cGy. The operator needs to be aware of these high doses and should take precautions to minimize them.