Creation of an Animal Model to Investigate the Bioeffects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Alternative Treatment Techniques for Renal Stones

Since its inception in 1980, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has evolved to become the treatment of choice for urinary stones (Chaussy et al. 1986; Fuchs et al. 1985, 1990; Lingeman et al. 1986). There have been over two million treatments performed worldwide. The reasons for its dominant role in the management of urinary stone disease include a high rate of efficacy and a low rate of reported complications.