[Piezo-electric lithotripsy technic with echographic guidance (EDAP LT 01)]

Piezo-electric extracorporeal lithotripsy with ultrasonographic detection is performed with the following material according to the following technique: 1) A mobile firing head connected to the lumbar region by a simple inflatable cushion filled with sterile water. At the centre of the firing head, a 5 MHz real time transducer is used to locate the stone. 320 piezo-electric elements, arranged around the transducer, can induce, when focussed, a pressure of about 900 bars at the focal point in vitro. The focus is 15 mm X 5 mm. The generators are electronic. 2) The technique requires: understanding of ultrasonography in order to precisely locate the stone which, when it is intrarenal, is only missed in 1% of cases in our experience. Stones of the iliac ureter are not visible. Treatment requires the patient's confidence so that, due to the quality of the piezo-electric wave, no anaesthesia is necessary. The firing time should be relatively long (45 min to 1 hr) in order to ensure good fragmentation. 26% of patients require retreatment. Secondary complications are rare (3% of endoscopic treatments). The technique is now proposed in 90% of cases without admission to hospital. The simplicity of the manipulation of the apparatus must not mask the fact that it is a technique which requires perfect mastery. Only urologists familiar with stone pathology and who are able to treat the complications of lithotripsy by endoscopy or by surgery should perform extracorporeal lithotripsy.