Intrarenal stone crusher

Abstract

The invention relates to intrarenal stone breakers. Medical devices for mitigating kidney stone formation in a human patient can include or use: a turbulent flow generator deployable into a renal pelvis of a human kidney, the generator including an element configured to generate sound waves in a medium within the renal pelvis; and an actuator configured to manipulate the turbulent flow generator; wherein one of the turbulent flow generator or the actuator can be configured to couple with a power source.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 214,602, filed on June 24, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This literature generally, but not exclusively, relates to devices and methods for reducing the formation of kidney stones. Background Technology

[0004] Kidney stones can form in a person's kidneys and can migrate to the urinary tract. While small kidney stones can pass through the ureter without causing problems, stones larger than 5 millimeters in diameter can block the ureter and cause severe pain. Stones can also cause hematuria, vomiting, or painful urination. Stones can contain calcium oxalate, alone or in combination with calcium phosphate in the form of apatite or percalcite, struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate), uric acid, cystine, xanthine, glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, or other biological elements. Medical procedures can be used to help reduce the formation of stones or break up stones that have already partially formed, in order to help reduce the pain of stone passage or reduce the need for other medical procedures to facilitate stone removal. Based on the chemical composition of kidney stones, several specific therapies can be used to chemically reduce or break up the formation of kidney stones. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In methods to reduce or break down kidney stones, a soft, non-invasive device can be deployed in the human kidney. This device can be introduced into the kidney via injection, such as through or using a ureteroscope. The device can generate movement, such as turbulence, to induce fluid flow within the kidney. This turbulence can reduce the formation of kidney stones, or it may displace or break them up. In some examples, the device can oscillate, rotate, pulsate, turn, or vibrate to help generate turbulence.

[0006] Aspect 1 may include or use a medical device for alleviating kidney stones in a human patient, and the device may include or use: a turbulence generator capable of being deployed into the renal pelvis of a human kidney, the generator including or using elements configured to generate sound waves in a medium within the renal pelvis; and an actuator configured to manipulate the turbulence generator. In aspect 2, the medical device according to aspect 1 may optionally be configured such that one of the turbulence generator or the actuator may be configured to be connected to a power source. In aspect 3, the medical device according to aspect 1 and / or aspect 2 may optionally be configured such that the element may include or use a base, an electric motor, and an eccentric counterweight disposed on the drive shaft of the electric motor, wherein rotation of the eccentric counterweight caused by the drive shaft may result in oscillation. In aspect 4, the medical device according to any aspect to 3 or any combination thereof may optionally be configured such that the element may include or use a base, a linear actuator, and a counterweight configured to oscillate along a linear path via the linear actuator. In aspect 5, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 4 may optionally be configured such that the element is an acoustic transducer. In aspect 6, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 5 may optionally be configured such that the element includes an electromagnetic coil. In aspect 7, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 6 may optionally be configured such that the element is a piezoelectric vibrator. In aspect 8, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 7 may optionally be configured such that the actuator is located within an external manipulator, and the manipulator may include or use a housing, a plurality of magnetic actuators located within the housing, and a controller that selectively actuates the magnetic actuators according to an actuation sequence, wherein the element may be configured to move in response to actuation of the magnetic actuators, thereby agitating the medium within the renal pelvis. In aspect 9, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 8 may optionally be configured such that the manipulator can be configured externally to actuate an element inside the renal pelvis of a human kidney. In aspect 10, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 9 may optionally be configured such that the manipulator can be worn by a human patient during actuation. In aspect 11, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 10 may optionally be configured such that the manipulator includes a strap configured for fastening to a human patient. In aspect 12, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 11 may optionally be configured such that the element is a magnetic stirring element configured to move in response to a magnetic actuator of the housing. In aspect 13, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 12 may optionally be configured such that the element is coin-shaped.In aspect 14, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 13 may optionally be configured such that the element is pill-shaped. In aspect 15, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 14 may optionally be configured such that the element includes an asymmetrical shape. In aspect 16, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 15 may optionally include or use a combination configured to anchor a turbulence generator to a predetermined location within the kidney. In aspect 17, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 16 may optionally be configured such that the element can generate sound waves with frequencies between about 150 Hz and about 350 Hz. In aspect 18, the medical device according to any one or any combination of aspects 1 to 17 may optionally be configured such that the element generates ultrasound waves with frequencies greater than about 20,000 Hz. In aspect 19, a medical device for alleviating kidney stones in a human patient may be included or used, and the device may include or use a turbulence-generating element capable of being implanted in the renal pelvis of a human kidney and configured to passively generate turbulence within a medium within the renal pelvis, wherein the element may be suspended within the medium and at least one of gravity or contact force drives the element to generate turbulence. In aspect 20, the medical device according to aspect 19 may optionally include or use a conduit configured to anchor the turbulence-generating element to a predetermined location within the kidney. In aspect 21, the medical device according to any aspect or any combination of aspects 1 to 20 may optionally include or use a method for treating a human patient, and the method may include or use: deploying a turbulence generator into the renal pelvis of a patient's kidney; activating the turbulence generator; generating mechanical turbulence in a medium within the renal pelvis, wherein the medium includes a fluid naturally present within the renal pelvis prior to activation; and circulating the medium from the renal calyces into the body of the renal pelvis and down the ureter. In aspect 22, the medical device according to any aspect or any combination of aspects 1 to 21 may optionally be configured such that generating mechanical turbulence may include or use a turbulence generator to apply a Lorentz force or electromagnetic force to the medium within the renal pelvis. In aspect 23, the medical device according to any aspect or any combination of aspects 1 to 22 may optionally be configured such that the turbulence generator is deployed into the renal pelvis using a ureteroscope. Each of these non-limiting examples may exist independently or may be combined with one or more examples in various permutations or combinations.

[0007] This overview is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive description of the invention. Detailed descriptions are included to provide additional information regarding this patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0008] In drawings that are not necessarily drawn to scale, similar reference numerals can describe similar parts in different views. Similar reference numerals with different letter suffixes can indicate different instances of similar parts. The drawings generally illustrate the various embodiments discussed in this document by way of example rather than limitation.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a side view of a stone crusher in operation.

[0010] Figure 2A This is a 3D view of a part of a stone crusher.

[0011] Figure 2B This is a side view of a part of a stone crusher.

[0012] Figure 3A This is a 3D view of a part of a stone crusher.

[0013] Figure 3B This is a side view of a part of a stone crusher.

[0014] Figure 4A This is a 3D view of a part of a stone crusher.

[0015] Figure 4B This is a side view of a part of a stone crusher.

[0016] Figure 5A This is a 3D view of a part of a stone crusher.

[0017] Figure 5B This is a side view of a stone crusher in operation.

[0018] Figure 6A This is a side view of a stone crusher in operation.

[0019] Figure 6B This is a 3D diagram of a stone crusher.

[0020] Figure 6C This is a side view of a stone crusher. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In one or more examples, this disclosure relates to devices and methods for mitigating kidney stone formation. More specifically, this disclosure relates to devices and methods for generating turbulence within a human kidney. Kidney stones typically form when certain minerals are present in high concentrations in urine. In one example, the urine may become supersaturated with one or more crystal-forming substances, and crystals may form through nucleation. Other biological or chemical processes, such as those leading to stone formation, may occur, and stones may form at least partially from calcium oxalate alone or in combination with calcium phosphate in the form of apatite or percalcite, struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate), uric acid, cystine, xanthine, glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, or other biological elements. Once a stone has at least partially formed, it can grow and aggregate into fragments. In the case of large stones or multiple stones, the pathway between the renal calyces and renal papillae is inhibited, resulting in severe discomfort. Some stones or stone fragments may travel into the ureter and can cause considerable pain. Other stones may become too large to pass through the ureter and must be removed surgically, such as by percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Some patients with a predisposition to kidney stone formation, such as genetic factors, obesity, or diet, may experience recurrent kidney stones. Therefore, routine treatments are necessary to help remove and reduce stone formation, especially in patients who frequently suffer from kidney stones.

[0022] In addition to dietary factors such as increasing hydration or reducing calcium intake, several measures can be taken to reduce kidney stone formation. In one approach, oral medications can be taken to affect the chemical composition of the fluid in the renal calyces. For example, thiazide diuretics, citrates, allopurinol, and vitamin C supplements can be used to help prevent certain types of biological elements from forming kidney stones. In another example, chemical dissolution can be achieved by oral medications, antegrade nephrostomy, or retrograde ureteral catheterization to increase the pH of urine and thus reduce the accumulation of certain calcium oxalate stones. The problem with these methods is that they may be ineffective against certain types of stones and may not sufficiently reduce the accumulation or coagulation of minerals in the kidneys. Devices and techniques can help provide mechanical fragmentation in human organs such as the kidneys, common bile ducts, gallbladder, or other human organs, where fragmentation is medically beneficial and thus reduces the formation of stones from various combinations.

[0023] Figure 1 A side view of an example of a kidney stone crusher operating inside a human kidney is shown. The kidney stone crusher may include or use one or more turbulence generators 100 operatively connected to actuator 112. At least a portion of the kidney stone crusher, such as Figure 1The turbulence generator 100 depicted can be deployed into the renal pelvis 104 of a human kidney 102. In one example, the turbulence generator can be injected or implanted into the kidney 102 using a surgical procedure such as ureteroscopy. In one example, a ureteroscope or other minimally invasive surgical device can be provided to provide access to the kidney 102 through a body opening, body cavity, or body passage. A probe, which may be a needle, can create a channel allowing a guide wire to pass from the skin surface to the surgical site. Later in the procedure, the initial insertion portion can be expanded to accommodate the surgical device. The surgical device can provide the kidney 102 with the aforementioned portion of a stone-breaking device, such as the turbulence generator 100. In one example of ureteroscopy, the ureteroscope can be disposable. The ureteroscope can also be at least partially reused and can be autoclaved or chemically sterilized. The ureteroscope can be sized and shaped to provide access to the kidney via the urethra. Furthermore, the ureteroscope can be inserted into the kidney via a lumen. The turbulence generator 100 can be implanted within the renal pelvis 104 of a human kidney 102 for a predetermined period of time. In one example, the portion of the crusher 100 can remain in the kidney 102 for approximately three months without maintenance and before removal. In another example, the portion of the crusher 100 can remain in the kidney 102 for approximately one year without maintenance and before removal. In yet another example, the portion of the crusher 100 can remain in the kidney 102 for approximately five years without maintenance and before removal. In yet another example, the turbulence generator 100 can remain in the kidney 102 indefinitely without maintenance or removal. In some examples, the turbulence generator 100 can be routinely replaced, such as through routine surgery. Removing the portion of the crusher 100 may involve a surgical procedure similar to the implantation and deployment of the crusher 100. In another example, at least a portion of the implanted portion of the crusher, such as... Figure 1 A portion of the turbulence generator 100 depicted herein may be soluble, biodegradable, or fragmentable within the kidney and may gradually pass through the urinary tract for partially, nearly completely, or completely removing said portion of the fragmenter 100 from the kidney 102.

[0024] Actuator 112 can be operatively connected to turbulence generator 100. The actuator can be used to manipulate turbulence generator 100, such as causing generator 100 to oscillate or to generate sound waves in the medium within the renal pelvis. In one example, such as... Figure 1As shown, actuator 112 may be located outside kidney 102 or outside the human body and may include or use a wireless connection for communicating with turbulence generator 100. The wireless connection may be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, radio frequency, magnetic, or any other suitable wireless connection. In another example, actuator 112 may be physically located at or near turbulence generator 100 and thus implantable within kidney 102. Where actuator 112 is located within kidney 102, the actuator may include or use circuitry such as a digital processor, analog timing mechanism, or other circuitry suitable for actuating turbulence generator 100 at predetermined times. In yet another example, a stone crusher may include or use turbulence generator 100 that continuously generates oscillations and can be applied without operatively connecting to actuator 112. In such examples, the stone crusher may be without actuator 112. Finally, in some examples, the stone crusher may include or use a wired connection to operatively connect the actuator 112 to the turbulence generator 100.

[0025] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Perspective and side views of an example of a portion of a kidney stone crusher are shown, respectively. The kidney stone crusher may include or use a turbulence generator 100. The turbulence generator 100 may include or use one or more elements 106, which may also be referred to as oscillating elements 106, and the oscillating elements 106 may be used to generate sound waves, for example, in a medium within the renal pelvis 104. Figure 1 (As shown). The turbulence generated by the oscillating element 106 can reduce stagnation and allow renal fluid to circulate out of the renal calyces and into the body of the kidney, and then down the ureter. The oscillating element 106 can be operatively connected by one or more tethers 108. The tethers 108 can transmit power, data, or both between the oscillating elements 106. In one example, the turbulence generator 100 may further include or use module 110, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown. Module 110 can be similarly operatively connected to one or more oscillating elements 106 via one or more tethers 108. Module 110 can house circuitry, a power supply, or both. In some examples, the module may additionally have components similar to those described herein with respect to the turbulence generator 100 and be used to provide oscillation: the description of the oscillating element 106 herein may also include module 110. In one example, module 110 may be a hub from which the oscillating element 106 may extend via tethers 108. In another example, as... Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, one of the oscillating elements 106 can be a hub, and module 100 or other oscillating elements 106 can extend from it via tether 108. Several oscillating elements 106 can extend relative to each other with several degrees of freedom, for example, from the hub into the renal calyx of the kidney. Tether 108 facilitates free or minimally restricted movement of the oscillating elements 106 around the renal pelvis 104 while still supplying power or data to each oscillating element 106.

[0026] The oscillating element 108 may include or use one or more mechanisms that can be used to generate sound waves in a medium within the renal pelvis. In one example, the oscillating element 108 may include or use a base and an electric motor, as well as an eccentric counterweight disposed on the drive shaft of the electric motor. Rotation of the eccentric counterweight caused by rotation of the drive shaft can cause element 108 to oscillate. In another example, the oscillating element may include or use a base, a linear actuator, and a counterweight attached to a moving portion of the linear actuator. When the linear actuator is operated, the counterweight attached to the moving portion of the linear actuator can cause element 108 to oscillate along a linear path. The linear actuator may be an electric actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or may include or use microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) or microfluidic components. In other examples, the oscillating element 108 may be an acoustic transducer, an electromagnetic coil, a piezoelectric vibrator, or other oscillation mechanism. In some examples, the oscillating element 108 may generate sound waves with frequencies between approximately 100 Hz and approximately 350 Hz. The oscillating element 108 can generate sound waves with frequencies between approximately 150 Hz and approximately 350 Hz. Alternatively or additionally, the oscillating element 108 can generate ultrasound waves with frequencies greater than approximately 20,000 Hz. The oscillating element 108 can generate ultrasound waves within a medically safe frequency range without causing any apparent adverse clinical effects.

[0027] The oscillating element 108 can be operatively coupled to a power source. In one example, module 110 may house a battery that supplies power to the oscillating element 108. In another example, the power source may be located externally to the kidney 102 and may be tethered to the oscillating element via a connector. In yet another example, the power source may be a magnetic force wirelessly supplied by a controller. The controller may be located at or near the turbulence generator 100, or it may be located externally to the kidney 102. In a similar manner, the power source may be other wireless forces supplied by the controller, such as electromagnetic fields, Lorentz forces, radio frequencies, or frequencies outside the visible spectrum.

[0028] Components of the turbulence generator 100, such as the oscillating element 108, module 110, or tether 108, can be formed of materials suitable for contact with the human kidney. In one example, components of the turbulence generator 100 can be formed of stainless steel, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicon, superelastic shape memory materials such as nitinol, chromium-cobalt based alloys, titanium and titanium-based alloys, magnesium alloys, ceramic materials, polymer materials, or one of several naturally biodegradable polymeric biomaterials such as proteins, polysaccharides, or natural polyesters such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). The turbulence generator 100 can be formed of such materials that it can be impacted by an auxiliary instrument without shattering. Furthermore, the turbulence generator 100 can be formed of such materials that it can withstand energy from a lithotripter, laser, or other auxiliary instrument without shattering. The turbulence generator 100 can also be formed of such materials that it can be impacted by an auxiliary instrument or auxiliary instrument energy and can still be safely and completely removed from the renal pelvis 104. In some examples, one or more components of the turbulence generator 100 may be basket-shaped. The outer surface of the turbulence generator 100 may be coated with or coated with an anti-stone-forming material such as an antibiotic. In one example, the anti-stone-forming material may be paclitaxel.

[0029] Several methods can be employed to ensure that the turbulence generator 100 itself does not obstruct the urinary tract or unintentionally travel into the ureter. In some examples, the turbulence generator 100 may be at least partially attached or anchored to the inner wall of the renal pelvis 104 or another surface in the urinary tract. For example, the turbulence generator 100 may be at least partially attached or anchored to an internal body surface via a conduit such as a suture, clip, or surgical adhesive. In another example, the turbulence generator 100 may be used with a stent, which may be attached to an internal body surface, such as the renal calyx of the kidney 102. In yet another example, the turbulence generator 100 may be used with a urethral stent. Alternatively, the turbulence generator 100 may float freely in the fluid of the renal pelvis 104 without being attached to any internal body surface. The device may be sized and shaped such that it does not become lodged within the renal calyx of the renal pelvis 104.

[0030] Figure 3A and Figure 3BPerspective and side views of another example of a portion of a stone crusher are shown, respectively. The turbulence generator 200 may resemble the turbulence generator 100 in many respects. Here, the stone turbulence generator 200 may include or use a controller 210, which may be a hub operatively connected to one or more oscillating elements 206. In some examples, the oscillating elements 206 may be directly operatively connected to the controller 210. The oscillating elements 206 may be sized and shaped as flexible attachments or fins that extend from the controller 210 and into one or more renal calyces of the renal pelvis 104. In several examples, the oscillating elements 206 may oscillate in a manner similar to that of the oscillating element 106. Alternatively or additionally, the oscillating elements 206 may be connected to the drive shaft of an electric motor and thereby rotatable relative to the controller 210, thereby generating fluid turbulence within the renal pelvis 104.

[0031] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Perspective and side views of another example of a portion of a stone crusher are shown, respectively. The turbulence generator 300 may resemble turbulence generators 100 and 200 in many respects. Here, the turbulence generator 300 may include or use one or more oscillating elements 306 arranged as drum-shaped diaphragms. In several examples, the oscillating elements 306 may oscillate in a manner similar to oscillating elements 106 and 206. Alternatively or additionally, the oscillating elements 306 may expand and contract jointly or individually using electrical energy, piezoelectric energy, hydraulic energy, or pneumatic energy. In doing so, the turbulence generator 300 may generate pulsations and thus produce fluid turbulence within the renal pelvis 104.

[0032] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A perspective view and a side view of another example of a stone crusher are shown, respectively. In several examples, such as... Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the examples shown, the actuator may be located within an external manipulator 308, which may include or use a housing and a plurality of magnetic actuators located within the housing. The external manipulator 308 may include or use a controller 310 operatively coupled to the manipulator. The controller 310 may include circuitry capable of sending signals to the external manipulator 308 to selectively actuate the magnetic actuators according to an actuation sequence. One or more oscillating elements 306 may be magnetically tilted to move in response to actuation of the magnetic actuators to agitate the medium or fluid within the renal pelvis 104. The external manipulator 308 may actuate the oscillating elements 306 to rotate, flip, swirl, or travel within the fluid medium or renal pelvis 104. In one example, as... Figure 5AAs shown, the oscillating element 306 can be coin-shaped. The oscillating element 306 can also be pill-shaped, or it can be formed in an asymmetrical shape. In one example, the oscillating element 306 may include or use a power source and an electromagnetic coil capable of causing rapid movement in response to actuation of a magnetic actuator. In other examples, the oscillating element 306 may be unpowered or passive and made of a metallic or magnetic material. In several examples, the oscillating element 306 may be a magnetic stirring element pre-configured to move in response to a magnetic drive of the housing.

[0033] like Figure 5B As shown, the external manipulator 308 can be located outside the human body and can be used to wirelessly actuate the oscillating element 306 within the renal pelvis 104. The external manipulator 308 can apply an electromagnetic field or Lorentz force to manipulate the oscillating element 306. In one example, the external manipulator 308 can be worn by a human patient during actuation. For example, the external manipulator 308 can be worn as part of a strap or band and can be fastened or strapped to the patient. In another example, the external manipulator 308 can be a portable remote component, such as a pod or stick. Furthermore, the external manipulator 308 can be integrated into a bed or table. The patient can lie near the external manipulator 308 and receive actuation from it. The external manipulator 308 can be remotely connected to a controller 310, or the controller 310 can be integrated into the housing of the external manipulator 308. The controller or external manipulator can be connected to a power source such as a 120V AC power source, or it can be connected to a battery to supply power for actuation. In many examples, the controller 310 or external manipulator 308 may include or use a control device or user interface and circuitry connected thereto for actuating sequential operations. Alternatively or additionally, the external manipulator 308 may be magnetic and completely passive, thus requiring no power, and still be used to wirelessly and magnetically actuate or displace the oscillating element 306 within the renal pelvis 104.

[0034] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6CSide view, perspective view, and side view of an example of a stone crusher are shown respectively. The stone crusher may be a turbulence generator 506. The turbulence generator 506 may be similar in several respects to turbulence generators 106, 206, 306, and 406. Here, the turbulence generator 506 may be a passive element capable of generating turbulence without requiring oscillations, pulses, vibrations, rotations, or other mechanical stimulation of the generator 506. The turbulence generator 506 can generate mechanical turbulence in the medium within the renal pelvis 104 and can circulate the medium from the renal calyces to the body of the renal pelvis 104 and down the ureter. Body movements from the patient, such as standing, walking, or running, may cause the turbulence generator 506 to travel or bounce around the renal pelvis 104. When the patient moves and because the element is suspended in the medium, at least one of gravity or contact force may propel the element to generate turbulence. The turbulence generator 506 may include or use protrusions 508 to further cause the breakage of the fluid medium within the renal pelvis 104.

[0035] In operation and use, a turbulence generator can be set up or acquired, for example, for deployment into the renal pelvis of the kidney to provide therapy or treatment for kidney stones. The turbulence generator can be deployed or applied to the renal pelvis via medical procedures such as ureteroscopy. In some examples, the turbulence generator can be deployed into the renal pelvis using surgical procedures. The turbulence generator can be activated to suspend in a fluid medium within the renal pelvis to generate mechanical turbulence. The fluid medium of the renal pelvis can be a fluid naturally present within the renal pelvis prior to activation. The medium can circulate from the renal calyces into the body of the renal pelvis and down the ureter. In some examples, Lorentz force or electromagnetic force can be applied from the turbulence generator to the medium within the renal pelvis.

[0036] The above description includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples may include elements other than those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Furthermore, the inventors contemplate examples using any combination or arrangement of those elements (or one or more aspects of those elements) shown or described with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects of that particular example) or with respect to other examples shown or described herein (or one or more aspects of those other examples).

[0037] In the event of any inconsistency between the usage in this document and any other document incorporated by reference, the usage in this document shall prevail.

[0038] In this document, as is common in patent documents, the terms “a” or “an” are used to include one or more, and are unrelated to any other instance or use of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, unless otherwise indicated, the term “or” is used to indicate a non-exclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B.” In this document, the terms “comprising” and “in…” are used as concise linguistic equivalents to the corresponding terms “including” and “wherein.” Furthermore, in the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “including” are open-ended, meaning that a system, apparatus, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements other than those listed after this term in a claim is still considered to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the appended claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as designations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0039] Unless the context otherwise indicates, geometric terms such as “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “circular,” or “square” are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision. Instead, these geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as “circular” or “approximately circular,” parts that are not precisely circular (e.g., parts that are slightly elliptical or polygonal) are still included in that description.

[0040] The methods described herein may be implemented, at least in part, by a machine or computer. Some examples may include computer-readable or machine-readable media encoded with instructions operable to configure electronic devices to perform the methods described in the examples above. Implementations of such methods may include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, higher-level language code, etc. Such code may include computer-readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form part of a computer program product. Additionally, in the examples, the code may be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, for example, during execution or at other times. Examples of such tangible computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable disks, removable optical disks (e.g., high-density disks and digital video disks), magnetic tape cartridges, memory cards or memory sticks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), etc.

[0041] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the examples above (or one or more aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used by those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. An abstract is provided to conform to 37C.FR §1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the disclosure. The submitted abstract should be understood not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the above detailed embodiments, various features may be grouped together to simplify the disclosure. This should not be construed as making any unclaimed disclosed features necessary for any claim. Rather, the subject matter of the invention may lie in fewer than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the appended claims are incorporated herein as examples or embodiments, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate embodiment, and it is conceivable that such embodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

Claims

1. A medical device for reducing the formation of kidney stones in the renal pelvis of a human patient, the medical device comprising: A non-invasive acoustic turbulence generator, the turbulence generator being sized and shaped to be deployed into the renal pelvis of a human kidney via a ureteroscope and remaining in the renal pelvis of a human kidney for a specified period of time, the turbulence generator including elements configured to move within the renal fluid in the renal pelvis to generate mechanical turbulence in the renal fluid in the renal pelvis, including elements that generate sound waves to displace or break up kidney stones in the renal calyces of a human kidney; as well as An actuator operatively connected to the turbulence generator and configured to control the turbulence generator to generate the sound waves; as well as A source of electrical or electromagnetic energy, the source being arranged to drive the turbulence generator to generate the sound waves, wherein one of the turbulence generator or the actuator is configured to be connected to a power source.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein, The element includes: Base frame; Electric motors; and An eccentric counterweight is mounted on the drive shaft of an electric motor. The rotation of the eccentric counterweight caused by the drive shaft causes the element to oscillate.

3. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein, The element includes: Base frame; Linear actuators; and A counterweight is configured to oscillate along a linear path via the linear actuator.

4. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein, The component is an acoustic transducer.

5. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein, The component includes an electromagnetic coil.

6. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein, The component is a piezoelectric vibrator.

7. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is located within an external manipulator, which includes: case; Multiple magnetic actuators, the magnetic actuators being located within the housing; and A controller that selectively actuates the magnetic actuator according to an actuation sequence; The element is configured to move in response to the actuation of the magnetic actuator to agitate the renal fluid within the renal pelvis.

8. The medical device according to claim 7, wherein, The manipulator is configured to be positioned outside the human body to actuate the element inside the renal pelvis of the human kidney.

9. The medical device according to claim 8, wherein, The manipulator can be worn by a human patient during actuation.

10. The medical device according to claim 9, wherein, The manipulator includes a strap configured for fastening to a human patient.

11. The medical device according to claim 7, wherein, The element is a magnetic stirring element configured to move in response to the magnetic actuator of the housing.

12. The medical device according to claim 8, wherein, The element is coin-shaped.

13. The medical device according to claim 8, wherein, The element is pill-shaped.

14. The medical device according to claim 8, wherein, The element includes an asymmetrical shape.

15. The medical device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a conjugate configured to anchor the turbulence generator to a predetermined location within the kidney.

16. The medical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The element generates sound waves with frequencies between 150 Hz and 350 Hz.

17. The medical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The element generates ultrasonic waves with a frequency greater than 20,000 Hz.

18. A medical device for alleviating kidney stone formation in human patients, the medical device comprising: A turbulence generating element, which can be implanted into the renal pelvis of a human kidney and configured to passively generate turbulence within a medium in the renal pelvis; The element is suspended within the medium, and at least one of gravity or contact force drives the element to generate the turbulence.

19. The medical device according to claim 18, wherein, The element includes: Base frame; Electric motors; and An eccentric counterweight is disposed on the drive shaft of the electric motor. The rotation of the eccentric counterweight caused by the drive shaft causes the element to oscillate.

20. The medical device according to claim 18, wherein, The element includes: Base frame; Linear actuators; and A counterweight is configured to oscillate along a linear path via the linear actuator.

21. The medical device according to claim 18, wherein, The component is an acoustic transducer.

22. The medical device of claim 18, further comprising a conjugate configured to anchor the element to a predetermined location within the kidney.

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