Abstract: A method and device are described for applying extracorporeally generated pressure waves, specifically acoustic shock waves, to the body of an organism. The effect of the shock waves in the impacted target area of the body is measured by extracorporeally disposed detectors which record the acoustic signals, the acoustic signals being generated within the tissue by the cavitation bubbles caused by the shock waves. The measured cavitation effect may be utilized to control and adjust the dosage of shock waves. The use of focused detectors allows for spatial scanning of the cavitation effect—with the result that the focus of the shock waves may be controlled, the tissue structure may be scanned, and the pressure field of the shock waves may be mapped.

Abstract: A device for producing electrical discharges in an aqueous medium which comprises a first electrode and a second electrode comprised of a superalloy having a cobalt content of greater than 8% by weight or optionally a nickel content of greater than 8% by weight. A high electrical voltage is applied to the electrodes to produce a voltage discharge into the medium that creates a pressure wave in the medium. The electrodes of the device exhibit high thermal shock resistance during discharge thereby reducing tip burnout.

Abstract: A device for generating shock waves, specifically for medical applications, has electrodes arranged in a liquid medium, a high voltage being applied to the electrodes to generate an electrical breakdown. Particles added in powder form are suspended in the liquid medium. In order to maintain the particles in suspension, a thixotropic additive is added to the liquid medium.

Abstract: A method and device are described for applying extracorporeally generated pressure waves, specifically acoustic shock waves, to the body of an organism. The effect of the shock waves in the impacted target area of the body is measured by extracorporeally disposed detectors which record the acoustic signals, the acoustic signals being generated within the tissue by the cavitation bubbles caused by the shock waves. The measured cavitation effect may be utilized to control and adjust the dosage of shock waves. The use of focused detectors allows for spatial scanning of the cavitation effect—with the result that the focus of the shock waves may be controlled, the tissue structure may be scanned, and the pressure field of the shock waves may be mapped.

Abstract: A device for generating shock waves, specifically for medical applications, has electrodes arranged in a liquid medium, a high voltage being applied to the electrodes to generate an electrical breakdown. Particles added in powder form are suspended in the liquid medium. In order to maintain the particles in suspension, a thixotropic additive is added to the liquid medium.

Abstract: A device for producing electrical discharges in an aqueous medium which comprises a first electrode and a second electrode comprised of a superalloy having a cobalt content of greater than 8% by weight or optionally a nickel content of greater than 8% by weight. A high electrical voltage is applied to the electrodes to produce a voltage discharge into the medium that creates a pressure wave in the medium. The electrodes of the device exhibit high thermal shock resistance during discharge thereby reducing tip burnout.

Abstract: A medical work station has a central post; a vertically adjustable and pivotable mount on the post; a multi part rest having a head portion which is mounted to the mount for the rest to extend in various horizontal positions from the post; an X-ray station is pivotable mounted on a second post being offset from the central post, the X-ray station including equipment which, upon pivoting, covers a range that coincides with a limited position range of the rest as pivotably mounted on the central post; a stand for shock wave equipment is positioned so that the rest can be placed above it or has a particular position in relation thereto; and an ultrasonic equipment mounted on and including a multi-linked arm arrangement having a mounting part mounted on the rest mount.

Abstract: An improved shockwave lithotripsy system includes a movable patient support carriage having a shock wave generator and focussing device mounted thereto, along with an indexing reference. An ultrasonic oscillator is also attached to a mounting arm arrangement mounted in turn to the support carriage and allowing for three dimensional adjustment of the oscillator relative to a patient on the carriage, the mounting arrangement having an additional indexing reference such that after a concrement internal to the patient is located using the ultrasonic oscillator, the shock wave generator may be brought into focus on the concrement by bringing the indexing references into registry.