A multi-spark electrohydraulic shock wave generator with adjustable pressure field distribution and beam steering capability

Background and objective: All clinical shock wave lithotripters produce an axisymmetric acoustic field without accounting for the anatomic features of the kidney or respiratory motion of the patient. This work presents a steerable and adjustable focusing electrohydraulic (SAFE) shock wave generator design with variable beam size and shape. Materials and methods: 90 electrohydraulic transducers are mounted concentrically on a spherical basin with adjustable connection to individual transducers. Each transducer consists of 45 3D-printed titanium microelectrodes embedded in epoxy with a tip diameter of 0.3 mm. All the transducers are arranged in 5 concentric rings and sub-divided into 6 sectors. Results: By changing the connections of individual transducers, the focused pressure field produced by the transducer array can be either axisymmetric with a -6 dB focal width of 14.8 mm in diameter, or non-axisymmetric with a long axis of 22.7 mm and a short axis of 15.1 mm. The elongated beam produces a peak positive pressure of 33.7 ± 4.1 MPa and comminution efficiency of 42.2 ± 3.5%, compared to 36.2 ± 0.7 MPa and 28.6 ± 6.1% for axisymmetric beam after 150 pulses at 20 kV. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that the SAFE shock wave generator can produce an elongated non-axisymmetric pressure field with higher stone comminution efficiency. The SAFE shock wave generator may provide a flexible and versatile design to achieve accurate, stable, and safe lithotripsy for kidney stone treatment.