Electrode performance beyond the manufacturer's recommended lifespan usingthe dornier MFL 5000 lithotripter

Background and Purpose: Electrodes used by the Dornier MFL 500 lithotripter have a specified lifespan, after which, the manufacturer recommends replac ing the electrode before continuing the treatment, The aim of this study wa s to investigate whether electrodes continue to function effectively beyond 100% consumption by measuring the pressure output of electrodes up to 300% consumption or until electrode failure, Materials and Methods: We assessed new, refurbished, and twice-refurbished electrodes to compare their respective performances, Results: Rather than a decrease, there was a trend toward increased pressure output beyond 100% e lectrode consumption, with no drop in pressure prior to 300% consumption or electrode failure. All three types of electrodes functioned adequately abo ve 100% consumption. Conclusion: These observations suggest that discarding the electrode before the completion of the treatment or electrode failure is not warranted. Usi ng a single electrode rather than multiple electrodes to complete a treatme nt has the potential to save both time and cost.