Shock wave generator for generating an acoustical shock wave pulse

摘要

A shock wave generator has a focusing stage wherein a number of different lenses having respectively different concentrating characteristics are accommodated, and which can be selectively introduced transversely into the path of the shock wave pulse, by linear displacement or by pivoting. The lenses can be alternatively introduced one at a time in one embodiment, or in a second embodiment more than one lens can be simultaneously introduced to achieve a concentrating characteristic resulting from a combination of lenses. For further adjustment and flexibility, the shock wave generator is provided with at least two capacitors for selectively varying the amount of discharge energy used to trigger the shock wave. The approach path between the membrane which generates the shock wave and the lens can also be varied. By combining variations in the discharge energy, the length of the approach path, and the type of lens, a wide range of operating conditions are available so that operation of the shock wave generator can be adapted from patient to patient in accord with the best suited treatment.