Electrode performance beyond the manufacturer's recommended lifespan using the Dornier MFL 5000 lithotripter.
OBJECTIVE
Electrodes used by the Dornier MFL 500 lithotripter have a specified lifespan, after which, the manufacturer recommends replacing the electrode before continuing the treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether electrodes continue to function effectively beyond 100% consumption by measuring the pressure output of electrodes up to 300% consumption or until electrode failure.


METHODS
We assessed new, refurbished, and twice-refurbished electrodes to compare their respective performances.


RESULTS
Rather than a decrease, there was a trend toward increased pressure output beyond 100% electrode consumption, with no drop in pressure prior to 300% consumption or electrode failure. All three types of electrodes functioned adequately above 100% consumption.


CONCLUSIONS
These observations suggest that discarding the electrode before the completion of the treatment or electrode failure is not warranted. Using a single electrode rather than multiple electrodes to complete a treatment has the potential to save both time and cost.
Honey
R J
RJ
Division of Urology, Saint Michael's Hospital and University of Toronto, Canada. rjohn.honey@utoronto.ca
Weir
M J
MJ
Tariq
N
N
D004566:Electrodes / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors