First in Human Clinical Trial of Ultrasonic Propulsion of Kidney Stones.
Jonathan D Harper, Bryan W Cunitz, Barbrina Dunmire...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26521719/Actively Recruiting
Led by University of Washington · Updated on 2025-12-09
140
Participants Needed
3
Research Sites
21 weeks
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating the clinical feasibility of using ultrasound technologies to help break and reposition urinary stones without anesthesia. This study is prospective, open-label, and conducted across multiple centers. It includes people with kidney stones and aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of these ultrasound methods in facilitating stone passage. The study involves several phases an initial feasibility phase with 20 subjects, a randomized control trial phase with 100 subjects divided equally into treatment and control groups, and a feasibility phase focusing on individuals with spinal cord injury. The investigational treatment uses two ultrasound technologies called Burst Wave Lithotripsy and Ultrasonic Propulsion, which noninvasively fragment and move stones within the kidney and ureter. Treatments last up to 30 minutes per session, with possible repeat sessions after 21 days or on the opposite kidney side after imaging. Participants will undergo ultrasound treatments and follow-up imaging to monitor stone fragmentation and movement. Safety is monitored by tracking healthcare visits and adverse events up to 14 months after the procedure. Effectiveness is measured by stone size reduction, residual stone volume, need for further stone management, and patient-reported quality of life. The study includes ongoing monitoring and assessments over several months, ensuring comprehensive evaluation of the investigational technologies.
CONDITIONS
Ultrasound to Facilitate Stone Passage
M
Michael Bailey, PhD
B
Barbrina Dunmire, MS
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University of Washington
Lead Sponsor
Indiana University
Collaborating Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | BWL and Ultrasonic Propulsion (Investigational) | Standard Care for Small Kidney Stones |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Investigational ultrasound techniques used to break and move kidney or ureter stones noninvasively. BWL aims to fragment stones using short burst waves, while UP repositions stones with ultrasound energy. | Current management for small kidney stones includes careful observation, medications to help stone passage, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), a noninvasive procedure using high-energy waves to break stones. |
| Role in the trial | Primary intervention assigned to every eligible patient in the trial to evaluate effectiveness and safety of stone passage without surgery. | Not tested directly in this trial, but represents options typically considered for patients with similar-sized stones in routine practice. |
| Primary use | To noninvasively break kidney or ureter stones into small fragments and position them for easier passage. | Observation: monitoring for spontaneous passage; Medical expulsive therapy: medication to help stones pass; SWL: breaking stones using external shock waves. |
| How is it given or performed? | Participants receive ultrasound delivered externally at the site of the stone, with sessions designed to fragment or move stones; no surgical incision or invasive device is used. | Observation does not require intervention. Medical expulsive therapy involves prescribed medication. SWL is performed externally using a machine that delivers high-energy pulses through the skin, typically as an outpatient procedure. |
| Evidence status | Early clinical studies show successful fragmentation and repositioning of stones, but larger studies for long-term outcomes and safety are ongoing. | SWL effectiveness and safety are supported by decades of research. Observation remains standard for small, asymptomatic stone fragments; medical expulsive therapy is commonly used, but evidence for its routine effectiveness is mixed. |
| Important limitations | Device use is limited to stones of specific size. Long-term safety and effectiveness remain under study. Not yet approved for routine clinical care. | Observation may lead to stone growth or complications if spontaneous passage does not occur. Medical expulsive therapy effectiveness varies. SWL may not be suitable for some patients and does not always achieve complete stone clearance. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
You will not qualify if you...
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single session with possible additional sessions after 21 days
Participants receive the investigational ultrasound technologies to fragment and reposition urinary stones without anesthesia. Up to 3 distinct stone targets may be treated in a single session, with a maximum total exposure of 30 minutes. Participants may return for additional sessions after at least 21 days and after adverse events have resolved.
1 treatment session with possible follow-up treatment visits after at least 21 days
Duration - Up to 14 months
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness outcomes including stone fragmentation, need for further stone management, and quality of life assessments up to 14 months post-procedure.
Visits scheduled up to 14 months post-procedure as needed for monitoring
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39819022/University of Washington
Lead Sponsor
Indiana University
Collaborating Sponsor