Title: Bifocal Reflector for Electrohydraulic Lithotripters
Abstract: Objective: To describe the design and construction of a bifocal reflector that could be used in electrohydraulic extracorporeal shockwave lithotripters in order to increase their efficiency. Methods: The new reflector is obtained by joining two sectors of two rotationally symmetric ellipsoidal reflectors having different distances between their foci, which results in a bifocal composite reflector with the F1 foci in coincidence and the two F2 foci separated by a certain distance. As in conventional reflectors, shockwaves are generated by the electrical breakdown of water between two electrodes, located at the focus (F1) closest to the reflector. A prototype was constructed and tested in an experimental shockwave generator of our own make, using two different types of kidney-stone models, one to test the stone fragmentation abilities, and the other to test the stone pitting abilities. Fragmentation data for the new reflector were compared with those of a conventional ellipsoidal reflector tested on the same device. Results: The new design appeared to be more efficient in breaking up both types of kidney-stone models than the conventional reflector. Pressure measurements were obtained with both reflectors using needle hydrophones. The physical background of shockwave reflection on both reflectors is also explained. Conclusion: With this new reflector, it could be possible, in principle, to reduce the treatment time of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.
Publication Year: 1999
Publication Date: 1999-03-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref', 'pubmed']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 26
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