Abstract
Nowadays the world medical practice widely uses the method of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for treatment of patients with urolithiasis bay means of pulverizing action of focused shock waves (FSW). In the early 1980s in Germany, the Dornier Medical Systems Company fabricated the first lithotriptor based on the electrohydraulic principle of shock wave generation. By 1988, practically all countries had applied lithotriptors developed by Dornier Medical Systems. Later, more than 15 countries started to fabricate their own lithotriptors, which use various methods of FSW generation, such as electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric. These countries were Germany, USA, Russia, China, Italy, France, Israel, Turkey, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Sweden, and so forth. However, the given method of the physical effects can be used not only for the extracorporeal fragmentation of calculi. The biological effects of shock waves presume a perspective of their use for treatment and aftertreatment of the patients with other disorders and pathological conditions using their stimulatory and inhibitory actions.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Focused Shock Waves: Shock waves are focused by ellipse-formed reflector into definite area.
Shock Waves Parameters: Pressure amplitude and duration of positive and negative shock wave impulse phases.
Focus of the Shock Wave: Area with high-amplitude pressure up to 300 – 1000 ?tm.
Shock Wave Therapy: The application of shock waves’ curative effect.
Metabolism Stimulation: The metabolism is improved on the level of organs and cells.