Combined Burst Wave Lithotripsy and Ultrasonic Propulsion for Improved Urinary Stone Fragmentation

Abstract

BWL with UP improved stone fragmentation compared with BWL alone in vitro. The improvement was greatest when propulsion pulses are interleaved with BWL treatment and when propulsion pulses are applied at a higher rate. Thus, UP may be a useful adjunct to enhance fragmentation in lithotripsy in vivo.