G. Pittomvils et al., STONE GEOMETRY AND STRUCTURE DEPENDENCE ON EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK-WAVE LITHOTRIPSY, Journal of endourology, 7(5), 1993, pp. 357-362
The in vitro fragmentation effects of electromagnetic-induced shock wa
ve lithotripsy (Siemens Lithostar) were studied on parallel laminated
schists in relation to the incoming shock wave energy and the incoming
angle of the incident shock wave. Well above the threshold energy, th
e total amount of acoustic energy required for fragmentation remained
unchanged regardless of the power setting of the high-tension supply.
The amount of energy transmitted to the stone was limited by a total r
eflection angle, restricting the available transmission surface. These
observations determine the effect of shock waves on calculi with an i
rregular shape such as staghorn stones. Lithotripsy-induced cavitation
has been recognized, but no immediate influence on disintegration has
become apparent until now.