Using Ultrasound to Get Rid of Painful Kidney Stones

Space scientists are in the process of using ultrasound to get rid of kidney stones through a process called 'twinkling artifact'.

The risk of kidney stones developing in space is aggravated by environmental conditions, scarcity of resouces and the distance from the earth, which could restrict treatment options.

Kidney Stones / Renal Stones - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
A kidney stone is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals and may appear in any area of the urinary system.

The project is led by National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) Smart Medical Systems and Technology Team principal investigator Lawrence Crum and co-investigator Michael Bailey.

Bailey said the technology is based on currently available equipment . "We have a diagnostic ultrasound machine that has enhanced capability to image kidney stones in the body," said Bailey, according to an NSBRI statement.

"We also have a capability that uses ultrasound waves coming right through the skin to push small stones or pieces of stones toward the exit of the kidney, so they will naturally pass, avoiding surgery," added Bailey.

About Ultrasound
Ultrasound scan or sonogram uses sound waves to obtain images of the internal organs. Ultrasound scan is used during pregnancy and to examine breast, abdomen, renal and thyroid.

Currently, the preferred mode of removal is to drink water to encourage the stones to pass naturally, but this does not always work, and surgery is often the only option. In space, the threat from kidney stones is greater due to the difficulty of keeping astronauts fully hydrated.

Another factor is that bones demineralize in the reduced-gravity environment of space, dumping salts into the blood and eventually into the urine. The elevated concentration of salts in the urine is a risk factor for stones.

Quiz on Kidney Stones
Kidney stones or calculus produces the most severe form of pain in humans. The pain has often been described to be worse than childbirth, broken bones, gunshot wounds, burns, or surgery. Once you form a kidney stone you are always susceptible to another stone. Take this quiz to find out how much do you know about stone disease. Once you complete find out how you fared compared to others who have taken the quiz.

Crum, who is a physicist, said kidney stones could be a serious problem on a long-duration mission.

Source-IANS

Animation On Key Hole Surgery for Kidney Stone Removal or Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Graphical explanation of stone removal from the kidney with a minimally invasive procedure called Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. This is a major endoscopic procedure needing hospitalization.