Trial Comparing Dual Probe Ultrasonic Lithotripsy to a Single Probe Ultrasonic Lithotripsy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), in conjunction with intracorporeal lithotripsy, allows for the rapid removal of any kidney stone regardless of size. Currently, the choice of intracorporeal lithotripters includes ultrasonic, pneumatic, and combined ultrasonic/pneumatic energy sources. Recently, a novel dual probe design as been introduced by Cybersonics of Erie, Pennsylvania. This dual probe intracorporeal lithotrite is called the Cyberwand, and is composed of a fixed inner probe vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency with an outer probe vibrating at about 1,000 Hz. As this new design has the potential to revolutionize intracorporeal lithotripsy, we intend to compare this novel technology to currently available lithotripsy technology in a randomized clinical trial.