ESWL: a look from different angles

Rapid and accurate stone positioning prior to shock wave administration is the key to efficient extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). On the Dornier HM-3 machine, the operator uses the control panel to move the stone image along the x, y, or z axis, but many operators are uncertain about the direction and speed of the target when the control buttons are activated. Since knowledgeable, full use of ESWL controls probably results in reduced positioning time and x-ray exposure, the angles and relative velocities from simple and complex maneuvers are presented as a didactic aid.