This non-invasive technology safely and effectively disintegrates your stone(s) into small particles with shock waves aimed directly at the stone(s). Shock waves are energy pressure waves. These shock waves pass safely through the body. Devices mechanically focus the shock waves greatest energy on the kidney stone(s). This impact of repeated shock waves causes the stone to crack and crumble without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. Breaking down the kidney stone into smaller particles allows the body to expel the stone naturally.
BARSC’s state-of-the-art equipment used for SWL includes the Dornier HM3 Lithotripter (bath unit), the HMT LithoTron, the HealthTronics LithoDiamond Ultra, and the Dornier Compact Delta (table top units). The urologist will choose the lithotripter best suited for the patient depending upon the size and type of the stone, severity of the condition, and the age and health of the patient.
In 1992 BARSC mobilized its first lithotripter. The HM3 (bath unit) was housed in a 48’ trailer and pulled up to a connecting pad beside a facility to treat patients. We currently have seven mobile lithotripters that travel throughout the State of Florida to other medical facilities to treat SWL patients. With new technology, we now wheel the lithotripters into the facilities operating room. Please contact us at any time to find the location of the facility nearest you.
Lithotripsy with the HM3 (Bath unit)
The Dornier HM3 lithotripter was the first lithotripter to be approved in the United States to treat a kidney stone patient with shock waves. It continues to be considered the Gold Standard in shock wave lithotripsy. The HM3 is referred to as the “Bath Unit” because the patient is immersed in a specially designed tub filled with water.
The patient usually receives general or regional anesthesia. Shock waves bounce off a reflector and are aimed at the patient’s kidney stone. The impacts of the repeated shock waves fragment the stone. The procedure itself, excluding preparation and recovery time, normally takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Patients are usually in the recovery room for 1.5 hours and are able to resume normal activities once the effects of anesthesia have worn off. Our HM3 unit is housed in a mobile trailer so that we can provide this treatment modality at our fixed site in St Petersburg and also at contracted facilities on the west coast of Florida.
(HM3)
(Compact Delta)
Shock Wave Lithotripsy Units: LithoDiamond Ultra, and Compact Delta
(Table Top Units)
The LithoTron, LithoDiamond Ultra, and the Compact Delta are table-top units which are transported into a facility treatment room. Fluoroscopy and Ultrasound (used to locate the stone) are available on LithoDiamond Ultra and Compact Delta units. General anesthesia, I.V. Sedation or twilight sleep is delivered by anesthesia personnel as needed to maintain patient comfort throughout the procedure. Your urologist will choose the equipment and anesthesia modality he feels will be the best treatment for your stone.
(HM
(Compact Delta) 
