Shock-wave lithotripsy | HADERER & MULLER

Three different extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy devices can be used as noninvasive therapeutic interventions for renal and ureteral calculi (stones).

Electromagnetic lithotripter—Shock waves produced by an electromagnetic coil acting on a metallic membrane are focused on the kidney stone via an acoustic lens.

Electrohydraulic lithotripter—Spherical shock waves created by the ignition of a spark plug in the center of a water-filled reflector bounce off of the reflector’s ellipsoidal-shaped walls and converge on the kidney stone.

Piezoelectric lithotripter—Piezoceramic elements arranged in a spherical array are excited by an electrical current and produce shock waves which converge on the kidney stone at the center of the radius of the curved device.