Electroconductive lithotripsy: principles, experimental data, and first clinical results of the Sonolith 4000

J Endourol. 1994 Aug;8(4):249-55. doi: 10.1089/end.1994.8.249.

Abstract

The electroconductive lithotripter (ECL) is a new concept for shockwave generation in which a highly conductive solution channels the discharge between the anode and cathode. In vitro experiments showed a linear relation between the voltage setting and the pressure at F2. In vitro stone disintegration studies showed a considerable reduction in shockwave pressure variability, improved energy transfer to the stone, and a unique linear relation between fragmentation and electrode voltage without a saturation effect. This new concept has been used clinically in the Sonolith 4000 lithotripter. In 142 evaluable treatments with a 3-month follow-up, the overall stone-free rate was 82%, and the retreatment rate in stone-free patients was 10%. For stones equal or less than 10 mm, the 3-month stone-free rate, retreatment rate, and secondary procedure rate were 85%, 5%, and 0%, respectively. For stones between 11 and 20 mm, these figures were 83%, 4%, and 2%, respectively. The efficiency quotient was found to be 81% for stones equal or less than 10 mm and 78% for stones between 11 and 20 mm. These clinical results confirm the improvements in efficacy observed in vitro with very satisfactory tolerance.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Kidney Calculi / pathology
  • Kidney Calculi / therapy*
  • Kidney Calices
  • Kidney Pelvis
  • Lithotripsy* / adverse effects
  • Lithotripsy* / methods
  • Particle Size
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ureteral Calculi / pathology
  • Ureteral Calculi / therapy*