What is this device?

Question

My science teacher was telling the class about a week ago about how there is this medical tool that uses sound waves to distort bladder stones. (Uric acid clots?) So, does anyone know what it is called? I don't have bladder stones and neither does anyone I know, I'm just curious because this sounds like a really cool device.

Answer 1

A lithotriptor.

http://www.ndt.net/news/1998/loa_fink.ht...

"Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is used for small stones (less than one centimeter, or slightly less than half an inch) that occur in the upper part of the ureter and do not pass on their own. One study indicated lithotripsy might even be safe and effective for patients whose stones are associated with malformed kidneys, although such patients are at higher risk for stone recurrence and should be carefully monitored."

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/...

Answer 2

Medical equipment produces ultra sonic waves and can crush the stones. But  only a qualified doctor urologist trained to operate this device has to first identify the location and then direct the sound to the stones.This is better than surgery

and safe.