The Dornier Lithotripter U/15/50: a multifunctional and multidisciplinary workstation

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nephrology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Urinary lithiasis (kidney stones) remains a significant clinical challenge.
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is a primary treatment modality.
• Evaluating the efficacy of specific lithotripter devices is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical effectiveness and outcomes of the Dornier Lithotripter U/50 for SWL treatment of urinary stones.
• To determine the stone-free rates, retreatment rates, and need for auxiliary procedures.
• To evaluate the device's performance in multifunctional and multidisciplinary applications.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 136 patients treated with the Dornier Lithotripter U/50 for urinary lithiasis between February 1, 1996, and April 30, 1996.
• Data collection included stone-free rates at 3 months, retreatment rates, and the incidence of auxiliary endourologic procedures.
• The Effectiveness Quotient was calculated to quantify treatment success.

Main Results:

• An average retreatment rate of 13.2% was observed across all stone sizes.
• A 3-month stone-free rate of 90.4% was achieved.
• Auxiliary endourologic procedures were required in only 5.9% of patients (2.2% pre-SWL, 3.7% post-SWL), yielding an Effectiveness Quotient of 77.

Conclusions:

• The Dornier Lithotripter U/50 demonstrates high efficacy and a favorable safety profile for SWL treatment of urinary stones.
• The device's multifunctional capabilities also support its use in orthopedics and diagnostic imaging.
• Based on these results, the Dornier U/50 is considered a highly effective lithotripter for clinical use.