High-Voltage Power Supply for Lithotripsy: Adaptive Mode Switching for Stones of Different Hardness
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) relies on high-voltage discharges to generate acoustic shock waves capable of fragmenting kidney or ureteral stones. Since stone composition and hardness vary significantly, the high-voltage power supply must deliver adjustable energy profiles and switching modes to ensure effective and safe fragmentation across different cases.
Hard stones such as calcium oxalate monohydrate require concentrated, high-energy pulses, while softer stones can be fragmented with lower-energy, longer-duration pulses to minimize tissue damage. The high-voltage power supply must support fast, programmable pulse shaping to modulate pulse amplitude, duration, and repetition rate in real time. The system typically utilizes a capacitor discharge topology, where stored energy is released through a low-inductance circuit to achieve steep voltage rise times and reproducible pulse output.
Adaptive control algorithms analyze acoustic feedback signals from the focal region to determine stone fragmentation progress. Based on real-time echo data, the power supply dynamically adjusts output parameters, seamlessly switching between "hard stone" and "soft stone" modes. Pulse-to-pulse energy variation must be within ±0.5% to ensure consistent acoustic field strength and predictable fragmentation behavior.
Safety and electromagnetic compatibility are critical design considerations. The power supply employs multilayer insulation, reinforced grounding, and active EMI suppression to prevent interference with medical monitoring systems. Overcurrent protection, temperature monitoring, and automatic discharge of residual capacitor energy further enhance operational safety.
Through precise waveform modulation, intelligent feedback adaptation, and robust insulation design, the high-voltage power supply enables efficient lithotripsy treatment tailored to different stone hardness levels while safeguarding patient tissue integrity.
