A new method to break large kidney stones using sound waves
Official title: Break Wave lithotripsy to fragment large kidney stones
Funded at Sonomotion, INC. · NIH-11066949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, gentle treatment called burst wave lithotripsy that uses sound waves to break up larger kidney stones (10-20 mm) without surgery, aiming to make the process safer and more effective for people dealing with these stones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sonomotion, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Emerald Hills, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $278,224 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DK141289-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066949 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from large kidney stones, particularly those between 10-20 mm in diameter.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with kidney stones smaller than 10 mm or those who have other underlying health conditions that complicate treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a noninvasive treatment called burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) to effectively fragment larger kidney stones, specifically those measuring between 10-20 mm. The approach utilizes a specialized ultrasound technology that generates sound waves to break the stones without the need for surgery. The research aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of this treatment by creating a compact transducer that can deliver the necessary pressure and frequency to achieve optimal results. By testing this innovative method preclinically, the researchers hope to provide a safer alternative to traditional kidney stone surgeries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the need for invasive surgeries and the associated risks for patients with large kidney stones.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar noninvasive approaches for smaller stones, indicating potential for this novel method to be effective for larger stones as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Sonomotion, INC.
Emerald Hills, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levy, Oren — Sonomotion, INC.
- Study coordinator: Levy, Oren
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Break Wave therapy to break big kidney stones safely
A noninvasive therapy called Break Wave uses low-frequency ultrasound to fragment large kidney stones (10–20 mm) without surgery.
-
A new flexible endoscope that quickly removes large kidney stones
This study is testing a new flexible tool that can quickly change from a camera used to look inside the body into a suction device that helps remove big kidney stones, making it easier and faster for patients to get treatment without needing major surgery.
-
Using gold-based materials to break down kidney stones
This study is exploring a new way to treat kidney stones using special gold materials that can help break them down safely, so patients can have a less invasive and more effective option than current treatments.
-
A new flexible endoscope for quickly removing large kidney stones
This study is testing a new type of flexible tool that can quickly change from a camera used to look inside the body into a suction device that helps remove large kidney stones, making it easier and faster for patients to get treatment without needing major surgery.
-
Effectiveness of medications to prevent kidney stones
This study is looking at how well medications like thiazide diuretics and allopurinol can help people who have had kidney stones avoid getting them again, focusing on real-life results that matter to you, like fewer painful episodes and trips to the emergency room.
-
Factors from a gut bacterium that affect kidney stone formation
This study is looking at how a friendly gut bacterium can help lower the amount of oxalate in urine, which can lead to kidney stones, and it’s for anyone who wants to find new ways to prevent these painful stones from forming.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.