Articles
With a proven commitment to quality care by driving research and publication of peer reviewed articles based on our results.
Here is an abstract of an important article that is based on our extensive volume of treatment data:
Impact of Learning Curve on Efficacy of
Shock Wave Lithotripsy
COURTNEY LEE, MD, SARA L BEST, MD, ROLAND UGARTE, MD and MANOJ MONGA, MD
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a radiographer’s learning curve on extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) efficacy.
Methods: Five registered technologists who were certified to assist in SWL procedures but had no prior lithotripter experience were evaluated during a 4-year period. Stone-free (no residual fragments on plain radiographic imaging), re-treatment and post-SWL procedure rates were evaluated for the first 3 years of radiographer employment.
Results: The overall stone-free rate increased from 55% (efficiency quotient [EQ] 45) in the first year to 68% (EQ 50) in the third year. The treatment success rate for the lower calyx increased from 50% (EQ 41) in the first year to 62% (EQ 44) in the third year. There was no difference in re-treatment or post-SWL procedure rates.
Conclusion: Efficacy with SWL, as measured by stone-free rates, improved with increasing experience of the radiographer. Ongoing supervision and mentorship might be helpful in the first year of service.
*Please contact us if you are interested in receiving a reprint of this article that appeared in Radiologic Technology Volume 80/Number 1 September/October 2008*
Published Papers
2010
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Medstone STS & Storz Modulith Shockwave Lithotripters:
A Case-Matched Comparison
The Journal of Urology
Monga, Ugarte, et al
The Effectiveness of Shock Wave Lithotripters: A Case Matched Comparison
The Journal of Urology
Monga, Ugarte, et al
Stone Size is Only Independent Predictor of Shock Wave Lithotripsy Success in Children: a
Community Experience
The Journal of Urology
Monga, Ugarte, et al
2009
Shock Wave Lithotripsy not Associated with Development of Diabetes Mellitus at 6 Years Follow-Up
Urology
Monga, Ugarte, et al
2008
Impact of Learning Curve on Efficacy of Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Journal of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Monga, Ugarte, et al
Eighteen Year Experience with the Medstone STS Lithotripter: Safety, Efficacy & Evolving Practice Patterns
Journal of Endourology
Monga, Ugarte, et al
2007
Impact of Type of Anesthesia on Efficacy of Medstone STS Lithotripter
Journal of Endourology
Monga, Ugarte, et al
The Medstone Fixed, Mobile and Modular Configurations: Impact on Efficacy
Journal of Endourology
Monga, Ugarte, et al
Impact of Renal Function on Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy
Journal of Endourology
Monga, Ugarte, et al
Impact of Shockwave Coupling on Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy
Journal of Endourology
Monga, Ugarte, et al
1998
The Incidence of Lower-Pole Nephrolithiasis – Increasing of Not?
British Journal of Urology
Cass, et al
Radiation Awareness Program for Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy Using
Medstone Lithotripters
Journal of Endourology
Cass & Ugarte
1996
The Use of Ungating with the Medstone Lithotriptor
The Journal of Urology
Monga, Ugarte, et al
Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy or Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for
Lower Pole Nephrolithiasis?
Journal of Endourology
Cass
1995
Comparison of First Generation (Dornier HM3) & Second Generation (Medstone STS)
Lithotriptors: Treatment Results with 13,864 Renal & Ureteral Calculi
The Journal of Urology
Cass
1994
Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy for Stones in Middle Third of Ureter
(Overlaying Pelvic Bone)
Urology
Cass
Renal Function After Bilateral Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy
Journal of Endourology
Cass
Renal Function After Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy for a Solitary Kidney
Journal of Endourology
Cass
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Induced Stimulation of the Obturator Nerve
The Journal of Urology
Cass, Ugarte, et al
1993
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Morbidly Obese Patients
The Journal of Urology
Cass, et al
Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy for Calcified Ureteral Stent
Journal of Endourology
Cass, et al
1992
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Endoscopic Management of Renal Calculi with
Urinary Diversions
The Journal of Urology
Cass, et al
Multiple Cystine Stone Formations on an Indwelling Ureteral Stent Treated by Extracorporeal
Shock Wave Lithotripsy
The Journal of Urology
Cass, et al
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Mid & Lower Ureteral Stones
Journal of Endourology
Cass
Long-Term Renal Function after Bilateral Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Journal of Endourology
Cass
De Nova Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Ureteral Stents
Journal of Endourology
Cass
Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy for Ureteral Calculi
The Journal of Urology
Cass
1992
Do Upper Ureteral Stones Need to be Manipulated (Push Back) into the Kidneys Before
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy?
The Journal of Urology
Cass
Ureteral Stenting with Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy
Endourology
Cass
1991
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Monotherapy for Large Renal Calculi by Occasional
Users with a Mobile Lithotripter
Journal of Endourology
Cass
Equivalence of Mobile & Fixed Lithotriptors for Upper Tract Stones
The Journal of Urology
Cass
1989
Renal & Biliary Lithotripsy Using a Medstone 1050 Lithotripter
Shock Wave Lithotripsy 2
Cass
1989
Quality Assurance with a Mobile Lithotripter
Journal of Lithotripsy and Stone Disease
Cass