Objectives. To evaluate the effect of the rate of shock wave delivery on st
one fragmentation, because the optimal rate of shock wave administration ha
s not yet been established.
Methods. Standard phantom, ball-shaped, ceramic stones were placed in a net
-like basket with a hole size of 2.2 mm and immersed in a specially designe
d water bath coupled with the Econolith 2000 lithotripter. One hundred eigh
teen stones (mean diameter 9.5 mm) were used. Shock waves were delivered at
rates of 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 shocks/min and at intensities of 15, 20,
and 22.5 kV (electrohydraulic). The number of shocks required for complete
fragmentation, determined by all fragmented particles falling through the
basket holes, was recorded.
Results. The most effective (fewer shocks needed for complete stone fragmen
tation) rate of shock wave delivery was 60 shocks/min. A statistically sign
ificant difference was demonstrated between the mean number of shocks requi
red for complete stone fragmentation at the rate of 60 shocks/min and faste
r rates at all energy levels (P < 0.01) but not between the rate of 60 shoc
ks/min and the rate of 30 shocks/min at all energy levels.
Conclusions. The rate of shock wave administration during extracorporeal sh
ock wave lithotripsy seems to influence stone disintegration. We demonstrat
ed that extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is most effective when waves
are delivered at 60 shocks/min. (C) 1999, Elsevier Science Inc.