Application of Hydroelastic Waves to the Removal of Small Gallstones

Abstract

We have used hydroelastic waves to remove small gallstones in hepatic and common bile ducts. These stones were shaken off by the action of progressive and reflected traveling waves. The mechanical properties of the bile ducts were measured and an analysis of the propagation of hydroelastic waves in the liver-bile ducts was made. A practical system was designed, constructed, and clinically tested to remove the gallstones that remained in the hepatic or common bile ducts after surgical operations. The system was found to be effective.