J. W. A. Ramsay

An Experimental Study of Calculogenesis and Biocompatibility of Plastics for Urological Use

Silicone, Polyvinylchloride, Nylon and a Polyethylene Copolymer were studied in the urinary tracts of experimental animals. Continuous administration of Ascorbic Acid Sulphadimidine was used to control urinary pH and infection. Scanning Electron Microscopy with a Back Scattered mode was used to examine the surface of the tubes and to define the inorganic element composition of the encrustations, by X-ray Energy Spectroscopy. To check the compound composition of the encrustations Infra-red Spectroscopy was performed. Light microscopy was used to compare the urothelial surfaces in contact with the implants.

Grey Scale Image Discrimination: an Accurate Method of Stone Targeting?

Accurate stone targeting is desirable during lithotripsy because of concern over renal injury. A method has been developed to control Shockwave release during real time imaging with ultrasound, so that firing occurs only when the stone is in the F2 focus.