The crushing of stones in the organs of the genitourinary system without breaking the skin, as well as without introducing endoscopic equipment into the lumen of the urinary tract is called remote or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. This method has been used in medicine for more than a decade. Its principle is as follows: a shock wave is generated in a special lithotripter apparatus located outside the patient. With the help of ultrasonic or X-ray guidance, a calculus is brought into focus of its action and a stone crushing session is carried out, in which the shock wave destroys the calculus using short pulses.
This happens gradually and lasts until the fragmentation of the stone to sand and small fragments, which are painlessly excreted along with the urine. At the same time, the shock wave passing through the patient’s body outside the focus zone, in which the calculus is located, does not damage tissues and organs. When carrying out remote stone crushing, no incisions, punctures, or the introduction of special endoscopic instruments into the lumen of the urinary tract are required, which makes this treatment method non-traumatic and highly effective.
This procedure is indicated for patients with stones up to 2 cm in diameter. It is worth noting that this method is used in both adults and children. The duration of the procedure is 40-60 minutes. External shock wave lithotripsy is so minimally invasive that it can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Currently, one of the best devices for remote lithotripsy on the world market is Modulith SLK from Storz Medical (Switzerland).
SLK MODULITH features a revolutionary new design: a compact shock wave source mounted on a flexible, movable, articulated arm provides a wide energy range for all shock wave readings.
Thanks to a large selection of components, MODULITH SLK can be perfectly adapted to the requirements of the hospital.
Features
- Ultimate cylindrical source of shockwaves
- Extremely flexible therapy arm
- Dual Imaging (simultaneous application of X-ray and ultrasound)
- Lithotrack is an innovative pinpointing solution
- Modular principle – individual system configuration
- Flexibility in application and configuration
DEVICE CONCEPT
- One of a kind therapy arm with flexibility and precision
- Head to toe treatment possible
- Micrometric adjustment for optimum adjustment of the treatment area
- The therapy head can be retracted into a compact parking position
The compact shock wave source is mounted on a flexible therapeutic arm, which is easily and intuitively positioned, which allows crushing stones in all parts of the urinary tract. The therapy head can be optimally adjusted to the patient’s anatomy directly in the treatment situation
SHOCK WAVES SOURCE
- Flexible and efficient
- Wide energy range for all indications
- Great penetration
- Large interface area for painless treatment
- In-line ultrasonic guidance
This source provides an energy range unrivaled in the field of shock wave technology. With a penetration depth ranging from 0 to 150 mm, the MODULITH SLK is prepared for any requirement that arises daily in clinical practice.
The cylindrical shock wave source from STORZ MEDICAL was already designed for in-line containment. The source has a central hole which is ideal for in-line integration of ultrasound.
INDICATIONS
- Kidney stones
- Ureteral stones
- Bladder stones
- Peyronie’s disease (IPP)
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)
- Chronic calculous prostatitis
External lithotripsy is performed under intravenous anesthesia with the involvement of anesthesiologists. Thanks to the well-coordinated work of the urologist-anaesthesiologist team, crushing can be performed on an outpatient basis – hospitalization is not required. The duration of stay in the clinic is up to 2 hours.
