Dual-pulse lithotripter accelerates stone fragmentation and reduces cell lysis in vitro.

Lithotripsy is a common effective treatment for kidney stones. However, focal volumes are often larger than stones, and surrounding tissue is often injured. Our goal was to test in vitro a new lithotripter consisting of two opposing, confocal and simultaneously triggered electrohydraulic sources.

Prefocal alignment improves stone comminution in shockwave lithotripsy.

Background: The Dornier HM-3 machine continues to be one of the most effective lithotripters in use. However, tissue damage occurs in most, if not all, shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) treatments. Cavitation appears to contribute to desired stone comminution as well as to undesired tissue damage.