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Urolithiasis pp 301–311Cite as

Physics and Technique of Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)

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Abstract

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is a gentle and noninvasive treatment ­procedure suitable for a wide range of kidney and ureteral stones. The technique makes use of extremely short transient (<1 μs) pressure pulses with pressure amplitudes up to 100 MPa (1,000 bars). Brittle stone material breaks into small pieces, whereas biological tissue passes shock waves without significant damage. Different shock wave generation principles (electrohydraulic, piezoelectric and electromagnetic) are presented, and basic shock wave parameters are discussed with regard to stone fragmentation and side effects. Modern lithotripsy devices utilize fluoroscopic and/or echographic imaging methods for stone localization and targeting. As with all sophisticated technologies, SWL requires comprehensive technical and anatomical skills to fully benefit from this exciting treatment method.

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Acknowledgement

The author worked from 1979 till 1987 in the field of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for Dornier Medizintechnik GmbH, Münich, Germany, and from 1988 till 2009 for STORZ MEDICAL AG, Taegerwilen, Switzerland. Since 2010, he is consultant for STORZ MEDICAL AG.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Storz Medical AG, Product Development, Lohstampfestrasse 8, Taegerwilen, Thurgau, 8274, Switzerland

    Othmar J. Wess Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Othmar J. Wess Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Othmar J. Wess Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery Section of Urology, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan

    Jamsheer J. Talati

  2. Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 1, Solna, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden

    Hans-Goran Tiselius

  3. , Syracuse University, Crouse Hospital, 1226 East Water Street, New York, 13210, New York, USA

    David M. Albala

  4. , Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China, People's Republic

    ZHANGQUN YE

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag London

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Wess, O.J. (2012). Physics and Technique of Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL). In: Talati, J., Tiselius, HG., Albala, D., YE, Z. (eds) Urolithiasis. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4387-1_38

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4387-1_38

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-4383-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4387-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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