Johns Hopkins University

William H Guier

Patrick C Walsh

Francis B Weiskopf, Jr

Joe T Massey

Robert A Makofski

F Fausten Mark

Fray F Marshall

Apparatus and method for noninvasive fragmentation of body concretions. The apparatus has an integral unit including an ultrasonic locating transducer a relative position determining device, a shockwave generating device and a positioning structure. The method for locating a body concretion includes the steps of locating the body concretion with ultrasonics, the position of the shockwave generating device relative to the concretion, accurately positioning the shockwave generating device at the location of the concretion and then shattering the concretion by generating a shockwave. The shockwave generating device includes a reflector with first and second foci, a location verifying ultrasonic transducer which is positioned so that an axis of the verifying transducer is coincident with a straight line passing through the first and second foci and a spark gap at the first focus which generates the shockwave.

Means and method for the noninvasive fragmentation of body concretions

Apparatus and method for noninvasive fragmentation of body concretions. The apparatus has an integral unit including an ultrasonic locating transducer and positioning structure. The concretion is localized with ultrasonics and then shattered upon generation of a shockwave, using a relfector with first and second foci. A spark gap at the first focus generates the shockwave which propagates to the second focus coincident with the concretion. The ultrasonic tranducer is positioned so that an axis of the transducer is coincident with a straight line passing through the first and second foci.

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Pasadena, MD, United States of America

William H Guier