Pneumatic/ultrasonic lithotripsy system control unit
Definition
A mains electricity (AC-powered) component of a pneumatic/ultrasonic intracorporeal lithotripsy system designed to regulate the energy delivered to fragment the stones (i.e., renal, ureteral, urethral, and bladder calculi) for their removal. It is typically connected to a supply of hospital grade compressed air (pipeline/compressor) and has a twin function: 1) to provide and regulate the pneumatic pressure pulses which propagate to the distal tip of the mechanical probe via its handpiece; and 2) to deliver and control electrical energy to the ultrasonic handpiece and its probe. It may also facilitate the removal of the calculi via a suction system and fragmented stone catcher.