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Biliary lithotripsy with a mechanical lithotripter
C S Ho1, A C Yee, M J McLoughlin
1Department of Radiology, Toronto General Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
Radiology
|December 1, 1987
Summary
A novel mechanical lithotripter safely disintegrates large gallstones using a Dormia basket. This device offers an effective new option for treating biliary calculi with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Devices
Background:
- Biliary calculi (gallstones) pose a significant clinical challenge, often requiring invasive procedures for removal.
- Existing methods for mechanical lithotripsy can be complex or limited in scope.
Observation:
- A new mechanical lithotripter was designed for easy and safe disintegration of large (1-2.5 cm) biliary calculi.
- The device utilizes a Dormia or similar basket to apply steady tension, breaking up the stones.
Findings:
- The mechanical lithotripter was successfully tested in vitro on ten mixed gallstones.
- It was successfully used in six patients with biliary calculi, including three via percutaneous transhepatic biliary procedures.
- No complications were reported during the in vitro or in vivo applications.
Implications:
- This device presents a promising, safe, and effective tool for mechanical lithotripsy of large gallstones.
- Its dual introduction capability (T-tube tract or percutaneous transhepatic) enhances its clinical versatility.
- The absence of complications suggests a favorable safety profile for this lithotripter.
