Progressive increase of lithotripter output produces better in-vivo stone comminution.

Background And Purpose: Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) has become a first-line intervention for treatment of nephrolithiasis. However, few studies have examined the effects of modifications in the method of shockwave energy administration on comminution efficiency. We propose that a gradual increase in output voltage will produce superior stone fragmentation in comparison with a constant or a decreasing output voltage by optimizing the stress wave and cavitation erosion forces on renal calculi.