Abstract: A medical device is described, which comprises a basic device and at least one replaceable component connected therewith, said component having an item belonging to the device that is subjected to high wear or consumption. A storage medium is connected to the component, which stores component-specific data and can be read independently of the basic device.

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: An apparatus for administering ultrasonic shockwaves for medical use includes treatment head for focussing acoustic shockwaves at concretions in human bodies. Clinical treatment often requires two or more treatment heads or several different types of treatment heads with different power requirements to produce fragmentation of concretions. Connectors attached to treatment head cables are provided with electronics containing codes for identifying the type and characteristics of each treatment head and for transmitting that date to a power supply unit. A microprocessor in the power supply unit uses the data provided by the treatment head to automatically deliver the appropriate power ensuring that the treatment head will deliver the correct ultrasonic dose.In another embodiment, electronics are embedded in the treatment heads to provide the same function as described above.