The History of Shockwave Lithotripsy

Abstract

With a prevalence of 2–3%, urolithiasis is one of the most common diseases. Currently there is no causal therapy against the forming of stones. Until 35 years ago, when the first patient was treated with extracorporeal shockwaves and kidney stones were reduced to a size which permitted the fragments to be passed naturally, it required a surgical intervention for the removal of stones. It needed a total of 7 years of experimental work and development until it was possible to treat the first patient on February 7, 1980 with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). It is this event that would reform the treatment of urolithiasis in the years to come. After 3 years of clinical studies, the method was applied internationally. Originating from Germany in the years 1984/1986, following the introduction of the extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripter HM3, the legendary bathtub, the method of a non-invasive therapy became accepted worldwide. After further studies in the USA the method was FDA approved in 1984. Over 1 million annual treatments worldwide still prove the efficiency of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.