TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I have been using Vulcan Vl-10 lithotripter in my centre since January 1996. Nearly 400 cases had been treated on this machine. The failure rate is only 11 cases till now as these cases were not to be taken up at all. Those were impacted ureter stones of long standing at lower third. One case of matrix stone as turned out later on operative removal, 5 cases of huge stag-horn stones in kidney of calcium oxalate monohydrate type reconfirmed at open procedure later. Cases getting 10,000 shockwaves late at exploration didn't reveal any renal parenchymal and perirenal changes except little capsular friability. No major problem was faced during exploration of these patients and they went home in the scheduled time. Only one case had a perinephric hematoma where multiple stones were lodged in inferior calyx of left kidney and few peripheral mid calyceal stones. It resolved automatically in 6 weeks of time. I am yet to use anesthesia or sedation in any case during ESWL. The best results are obtained on Vega III generator and majority cases become stone free in 2-3 sittings. I used JJ stents in only about 10% cases.

I feel it is a safe lithotripter for wide use.