Using sound waves to move kidney stones safely
Noninvasive Repositioning of Kidney Stone Fragments with Acoustic Forceps
This study is testing a gentle new way to move kidney stones using sound waves, which could help people pass their stones more easily without surgery and reduce the chances of them coming back.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10987043 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores a new method to noninvasively reposition kidney stones using acoustic forces generated by ultrasound. By optimizing the pulsing mechanisms of ultrasound waves, the project aims to trap and guide kidney stones out of the kidney and into a position where they can be naturally cleared from the body. The approach seeks to minimize the recurrence of symptoms and complications associated with traditional treatments that break stones into fragments. Patients may benefit from a less invasive procedure that could lead to improved outcomes and reduced need for further interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from kidney stones who are seeking alternative treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with very large kidney stones or those who have already undergone extensive surgical interventions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a safer and more effective way to manage kidney stones without invasive procedures.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound in medical treatments is established, this specific approach to reposition kidney stones is novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghanem, Mohamed a — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Ghanem, Mohamed a
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 below.