Abstract
A single electrohydraulic lithotripter pulse excites a cigar-shaped cavitation field that plays a role in both stone comminution and tissue damage during kidney stone treatment. The diameter and length of such a field (in water) are approximately 1 and 10 cm, respectively, and the lifetime is ∼500 μs. A second, time-delayed pulse can be used to suppress cavitation during growth. As a result, by using two lithotripters facing each other and firing simultaneously, a cavitation field can be created for which the lithotripsy pulses sum coherently at the center to enhance cavitation and counteract each other off-center to suppress cavitation. The result is an intense and localized cavitation field, contained entirely by a cylinder of diameter ∼3 and length ∼4 cm, and having a lifetime twice that of a single-pulse field. When produced in vivo, such a localized cavitation field may increase the rate of stone comminution while mitigating damage to surrounding tissue. Experiments were undertaken in vitro with a Dornier HM3 experimental lithotripter, using a Kodak EktaPro 4540 digital high-speed motion analyzer for data acquisition. [Work supported by NIH PO1 DK43881.]
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
