ultrasonic lithotripter

instrument

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

An ultrasonic lithotripter is an instrument used to break up kidney stones. It employs focused ultrasound waves to disintegrate stones in the urinary tract, typically the kidney or upper ureter. The resulting fragments are then passed out of the body. This non-surgical method often involves immersing the patient in water or using a water-filled bulb to transmit the shock waves. In some cases, X-ray guidance is used to focus the ultrasound, or a small rod is inserted to deliver ultrasound in the 22- to 30-kilohertz range for endoscopic ultrasonic disintegration.12

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ultrasonics
Therapy and surgery
…cases, a device called an ultrasonic lithotripter focuses the ultrasound with the help of X-ray guidance, but a more common technique for destruction of kidney stones, known as endoscopic ultrasonic disintegration, uses a small metal rod inserted through the skin to deliver ultrasound in the 22- to 30-kilohertz frequency region.
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…cases, a device called an ultrasonic lithotripter focuses the ultrasound with the help of X-ray guidance, but a more common technique for destruction of kidney stones, known as endoscopic ultrasonic disintegration, uses a small metal rod inserted through the skin to deliver ultrasound in the 22- to 30-kilohertz frequency region.
Read More