Method for controlling coupling quality between shock wave head of lithotripter and body surface of patient, involves measuring and using intensity of light beam for evaluating coupling quality between head and body surface

摘要

The method involves freely illuminating a region (B) of a coupling zone (16) of a coupling surface (10) of a coupling bellow (8) of a shock wave head (4) with light beam (LSa), which freely propagates within the bellow. Intensity of reflected light beam (LSr) is measured and used for evaluating coupling quality between the shock wave head of a lithotripter and a body surface of a patient (14). A propagation direction of the light beam is controlled by a pivoting device, and the coupling zone is formed within the illuminated region. An independent claim is also included for a device for controlling coupling quality between a shock wave head of a lithotripter and a body surface of a patient.