A Novel Technique for the Standardized Application of Shock Waves in Experimental Research: The Diver Box.

The Diver Box is designed to prevent impedance differences, energy loss or damage to neighboring structures caused by the use of shock waves with application gels. The Diver Box is an acrylic glass container filled with tempered water and includes a coupling membrane to prevent the impedance jump from air to water and to avoid the continuous propagation of shock waves into the tissue, maintaining wave dynamics. Different modes of extracorporeal shock waves can be applied to a mouse skin wound without energy loss and protected from harmful phase-reversed waves. Macroscopic changes were seen in only 5% to 12% of tested specimens. Hazardous phase reversal, back reflection and mechanical tissue damage can be avoided by use of the Diver Box, ensuring standardized extracorporeal shock wave application.