Midwest
Stone InstituteMidwest
Stone Institute
How the Lithotripter Works
Depending on the lithotripter used, the patient is either submerged in warm water in a very large specially designed bathtub for approximately one hour for the treatment, or positioned on a specially designed treatment table for the procedure. High resolution x-ray system and digital fluoroscopy assist in properly positioning the patient so the kidney stone receives the strongest impact of shock waves created by a special electrode. These shock waves are created outside the body and then travel through the skin and tissue until they hit the dense stone. Depending on the type and location of your stone, you will receive from 800 to 2400 shock waves. Once the stone is in sandlike particles, you are transferred to a recovery area.
For more information call Midwest Stone Institute at
(314) 835-1549
or
Send email to MSI.
