Recent Advances in the Science of Burst Wave Lithotripsy and Ultrasonic Propulsion

Nephrolithiasis is a common, painful condition that requires surgery in many patients whose stones do not pass spontaneously. Recent technologic advances have enabled the use of ultrasonic propulsion to reposition stones within the urinary tract, either to relieve symptoms or facilitate treatment. Burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) has emerged as a noninvasive technique to fragment stones in awake patients without significant pain or renal injury. We review the preclinical and human studies that have explored the use of these two technologies. We envision that BWL will fill an unmet need for the noninvasive treatment of patients with nephrolithiasis.