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Abstract

A vibrational method and apparatus for accelerating and increase in efficiency of passage of stones from the ureter comprises introducing into the ureter (U) of a catheter (10) with a vibrating head (12) which imparts radial oscillations to the walls of the ureter at a distance of 0 to 30 mm from the areas where the stone (S) is lodged. Catheter (10) is a flexible tube which has a head (12) which is expandable radially and axially by means of an oscillating element (24) driven from a reciprocating vibrational drive (26). Drive (26) has a tapering end (32) which, during its reciprocations, causes expansions and constrictions of the resilient head, due to its interaction with inner projections (18) and (20). The apparatus is universal in its application and can be used without any changes for pushing the stone, located in the upper part of the ureter, back to the kidney, where the stone can be more readily disintegrated by means of subsequent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. By replacing some parts, the apparatus can be converted into an ultrasonic device for accelerating passage of stones or into an ultrasonic device for destruction of stones in the ureter.

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