Electrode construction for replacement of worn electrodes in a lithotripter
AssigneeNorthgate Research, Inc.
InventorsChristopher Nowacki, Alfred G. Brisson, Exequiel D. Cruz
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Abstract
An electrode construction is provided for electrohydraulic shock wave generation such as for extracorporeal kidney stone destruction. The construction includes a reflector adapted to be filled with liquid such as water for coupling to a human body. The reflector has a focus point. An insulated base supports a plurality of pairs of electrodes, and is movable relative to the reflector. The insulating base is moved to bring successive pairs of electrodes into substantial coincidence with the focus point of the reflector. Upon such movement electrical connection is automatically made to extensions of the pair of electrodes having their spark gap substantially coincident with said focus point.
Claims9
An apparatus for use in electrohydraulic shock wave generation comprising a reflector adapted to be filled with a liquid such as water, said reflector having a focus point, insulating base means mounted in and movable relative to said reflector, a plurality of pairs of electrodes carried by said insulating base means, each pair of electrodes being in spaced confronting relation defining a spark gap, said insulating base means being movable relative to said reflector to position said respective pairs of electrodes sequentially, said spark gaps of each said respective pair being substantially coincident with said focus point, and means for sequentially effecting electrical connection to a pair of said electrodes for generating a spark across said gap.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.