Dornier MedTech celebrates 25 years of lithotripsy

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 10, 2005 – Dornier MedTech celebrates the 25th anniversary of the first patient treatment with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). The first patient was treated on the Dornier HM1 on February 7, 1980 by Christian Chaussy, M.D. head of urology at Staedtische Krankenhaus Muenchen-Harlaching and teaching professor at the Ludwigs-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.

ESWL is a non-invasive procedure that disintegrates kidney and ureter stones using high intensity shockwaves delivered outside the human body. Prior to the development of ESWL, patients were required to undergo invasive surgical procedures with long recovery periods. Since the first treatment, millions of people worldwide have been successfully treated using this breakthrough technology.

The development of the procedure actually began within aerospace research where it was discovered that actual pitting was occurring on the surface of an aircraft as it approached the sound barrier – a unique phenomenon caused by the shockwave created in front of a droplet of water.

Using the same principle, Dornier invented ESWL to accurately target and break up stones using shockwaves, after which the smaller particles are passed naturally through the urinary tract. To date, over 1,000 Dornier lithotripters have been installed, the largest install base in the world. Dornier continues to be the innovative leader in the lithotripsy market and currently offers a diverse line of lithotripters to meet all physician and patient needs.

“Dornier is pleased to celebrate 25 years of continued and proven success with this breakthrough technology and continues to develop optimal lithotripsy solutions for both the physician and patient. Dornier’s innovation has lead to worldwide leadership and we are proud to continue in this tradition of innovation and excellence. For instance, our Dornier Compact Delta lithotripter with its isocentric shockwave design and integrated X-ray imaging, as well as ultrasound capabilities has proven to be the most widely accepted model since 1997. In addition, our recently introduced Compact Sigma modular system is the basis for a comprehensive multi-functional workstation when coupled with Dornier’s urological lasers,” said Dave Eng, president and CEO of Dornier MedTech worldwide.

Dornier MedTech (www.dornier.com) is a privately held company headquartered in Munich, Germany. Specializing in lithotripters, urotables, urological multi-functional workstations, orthopedic shockwave devices and medical-aesthetic lasers, Dornier has operating units and service partners throughout the world, 1-800-367-6437.