PRECISION GUIDANCE OF EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVES

摘要

Described herein are apparatus for performing lithotripsy. The apparatus comprise a CT scanner and a shock wave tube for generating shock wave pulses for fragmenting kidney stones. The CT scanner includes a guidance system which is utilized to guide and control the position of the shock wave tube relative to a patient. The shock tube moves along an track which may be coupled to the CT scanner or which may be movable relative to the scanner. The track may be circular or semi- circular. The shock tube is movable about three orthogonal axes, which movement is controlled by the guidance system. A method for performing the lithotripsy using the apparatus is also described herein.