Summary
Using a newly designed basket catheter, endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy was attempted
in 14 patients with common bile duct stones following endoscopic sphincterotomy, and
was successful in all cases.
Endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy is a supplementary means of removing common bile
duct stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy, and its usefulness is highly rated. In
some cases, however, there is difficulty in inserting the basket catheter into the
common bile duct and grasping the gallstone.
The newly designed forceps was accordingly developed, to smash these bile duct stone
more reliably and effectively.
Key words:
Lithotripsy - Common bile duct stones