Shock Wave Lithotripsy: Application and Future Direction
- We now have a better understanding as to when SWL is the most likely to be effective. Patient and stone factors can now help guide clinicians for when SWL is likely to be more or less effective.
- Studies have clearly demonstrated that clinicians can minimize kidney injury during SWL by pretreating with 100 to 500 low-energy shock waves and slowly ramping up the SWL energy and by treating at a slow shock wave rate throughout the session.
- Ultrasonic propulsion, burst wave lithotripsy, and other new therapies are significant advances that are likely to improve the effectiveness of SWL and may broaden the indications and use of SWL in the future.