Biological effects of shock waves: lung hemorrhage by shock waves in dogs--pressure dependence.

The most serious side effect observed during the destruction of gallstones by shock waves in dogs was lung bleeding. To determine the conditions leading to lung damage, pressure probes were implanted into dogs between the lung and the diaphragm. The distance between the lung and the focal point of the pressure field was determined at which 1000 shock waves caused no more lung hemorrhage. On the long axis it is greater than 15 cm and perpendicular to the long axis it is 4 cm. Shock wave pressures over 2 MPa could be administered safely, whereas a pressure of 10 MPa caused bleedings in beagles, but probably not in boxers.