Apparatus generating high-frequency shock waves and its use for destroying targets such as tissues, concretions, in particular renal and biliary calculus

摘要

The invention relates to an apparatus generating high-frequency shock waves. This apparatus comprises an ellipsoidal reflector 3 or 4A of the type described in US Patent Rieber, No. 2,559,227 whose device 6 generating shock waves, normally comprising two electrodes 8, 10, has been modified such that each electrode is integrated with an electrically conducting electrode-holder element 9, the assembly formed by the electrode 8 and the electrode-holder element 9 is mounted movably in an insulating support 12 fixed to the wall of the ellipsoidal reflector 1. It is thus possible to advance the electrodes so as to compensate for the wear caused by successive blasts. IMAGE