Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy with an Electromagnetic Acoustic Source (Lithostar): A Preliminary Report

Abstract

The Siemens Lithostar is a second-generation extracorporeal shock wave lithotripter that uses an electromagnetic acoustic source (EMAS) to achieve lithotripsy. Initial experience with 175 patients (212 treatments) reveals a fragmentation rate of 87% with the majority of patients being treated with minimal or no anesthetic agents on an outpatient basis. Follow-up at three months shows a stone-free rate of 59% with 11% of patients having fragments greater than 5 mm. The advantages of this form of lithotripsy include the need for minimal or no anesthesia, the possibility of outpatient treatment, the presence of acystoscopy table incorporated into the unit, and the ability to obtain hard copy radiographs during treatment.