Generator for remote generation of shock waves in liquid, e.g. for fragmentation of gall or bladder stones

摘要

The shock wave generator has a discharge circuit comprising a capacitor (3) storing electrical energy and a switch (4) to initiate discharge of the capacitor. The capacitor discharges into two electrodes (6,7) immersed in a liquid (9), creating an arc between the electrodes, which in turn generates shock waves in the liquid. The capacitor is connected to a waveform generator (5) through a flexible electric cable (13). The characteristic impedance of the electric cable is matched to the impedance of the capacitor and to the impedance of the waveform generator.