Abstract
Purpose
: To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using a pressure-release reflector instead of a rigid reflector to concentrate shockwaves for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL).
Materials and Methods
: As in all electrohydraulic lithotripters, shockwaves were generated by electrical breakdown of water between two electrodes, located at the focus (F1) closest to a paraellipsoidal reflector. A pressure-release reflector, made out of polyurethane foam, was constructed and tested on a research lithotripter using kidney stone models. Fragmentation data and pressure measurements were compared with those of a conventional rigid reflector tested on the same device.
Results
: The weight of stone model fragments remaining after shockwave exposure was less with the pressure-release reflector after screening through a 3.0 × 3.0-mm mesh. The residual fragment weight was less with the rigid reflector using 1.0 × 1.0- and 0.6 × 0.6-mm meshes.
Conclusion
: Pressure-release reflectors may maintain acceptable stone fragmentation while offering improved patient safety and should be considered for SWL.
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