Improved focusing for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of ureteral calculi

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of ureteral calculi, which is usually performed with the patient in the prone position, may be difficult or even impossible under certain conditions because x-ray visibility is poor or the calculus is out of range of the shock wave focus. Treatment conditions can be improved by a simple change in the positioning of the patient, using the shock wave head from the contralateral side. This method is applicable for the common Siemens Lithostar device.