Abstract
Shockwave lithotripters have evolved considerably since the introduction of the Dornier HM3 machine 20 years ago. Although shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) remains the preferred treatment for the majority of symptomatic upper urinary-tract calculi, newer lithotripters are not as effective and may have a higher risk of side effects. Lack of progress in lithotripter evolution is attributable to inadequate understanding of how and why shockwaves produce effects on stone and tissue. Current knowledge suggests that stones fragment by the mechanisms of compression fracture, spallation, squeezing, and acoustic cavitation, while tissue damage from shockwaves is secondary to cavitation and non-cavitational forces such as sheer stress. It appears likely that most tissue damage from shockwaves is caused by cavitation. As the understanding of SWL matures, new lithotripter designs may emerge that truly represent an improvement on the original Dornier HM3 machine.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.