A mechanical lithotripter producing a percussion action on biliary stones is described. This device seems to be robust and flexible at the same time. Every biliary stone is easily crushed by this lithotripter. Sixty-seven patients have been endoscopically treated with the aid of this probe.
Thin-caliber (4.9 and 6.3 mm) flexible bronchoscopes already provided with a suction button have been modified by adding an air/water button for the control of air insufflation and water irrigation; the channel used is the biopsy-suction one. With the aid of this instrument, several pathologies can be studied and treated, under adverse conditions such as esophageal or recto-sigmoidal stenosis, hematuria in polytraumatic patients, residual stones in patients carrying a T-tube, acute respiratory obstructions, etc.
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