Invasive lithotripter with focused shockwave
First Claim
1. A lithotripter comprising a pair of electrodes each having substantially rectangular cross sections and respectively having flat faces confronting one another, an insulating member of substantially rectangular cross section interposed between and spacing said electrodes a pre-determined distance apart, said insulating member having an edge opening relieved area exposing opposing portions of said electrode flat faces toward one another to permit an electric spark to jump between the exposed electrode faces, a pair of conductors respectively connected to and leading from said electrodes for conducting a spark inducing potential to said electrodes from an electrical source, a spark between said electrodes in an aqueous environment generating a shockwave to fracture a bodily concretion, and insulating material surrounding and securing said electrodes and said insulating spacing member together.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An invasive lithotripter includes a pair of electrodes having rectangular cross sections, and having flat faces of rectangular configuration confronting one another. An insulating member is interposed between the electrodes and spaces them apart a predetermined distance. The insulating member at its forward edge is relieved to provide portions of the electrode flat faces exposed and confronting one another to permit an electrical spark to jump between the exposed portions of the electrode faces. The relieved portion comprises a reflector having a focus point. The portions of the electrodes facing one another across the relieved area are provided with protuberances aligned with the focus point. A spark across the exposed portions of the faces of the electrodes in an aqueous medium generates a shockwave that is focused by the reflector. A shield surrounds and extends beyond the electrode and the insulating member to inhibit radial propagation of shockwave energy while enhancing axial propagation thereof.
83 Citations
10 Claims
- 1. A lithotripter comprising a pair of electrodes each having substantially rectangular cross sections and respectively having flat faces confronting one another, an insulating member of substantially rectangular cross section interposed between and spacing said electrodes a pre-determined distance apart, said insulating member having an edge opening relieved area exposing opposing portions of said electrode flat faces toward one another to permit an electric spark to jump between the exposed electrode faces, a pair of conductors respectively connected to and leading from said electrodes for conducting a spark inducing potential to said electrodes from an electrical source, a spark between said electrodes in an aqueous environment generating a shockwave to fracture a bodily concretion, and insulating material surrounding and securing said electrodes and said insulating spacing member together.
Specification