Sound waves zap kidney stones: no needle, no knife needed

NCT ID NCT04796792

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Washington Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a new ultrasound device that can break kidney stones into tiny pieces and reposition them, all without anesthesia. Researchers will enroll 140 people with small kidney stones to see if the procedure is safe and helps stones pass naturally. The goal is to offer a gentler alternative to surgery or shock wave therapy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Ultrasound device (Burst Wave Lithotripsy and Ultrasonic Propulsion)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a non-invasive, anesthesia-free way to break up and reposition kidney stones, helping them pass more easily and reducing the need for surgery.
What could go wrong: This is an early feasibility study with only 140 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The technology may not effectively fragment all stone types, and there is a risk of side effects like pain or injury.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for KIDNEY STONE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

nephrolithiasis Urinary Calculi urolithiasis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

URINARY CALCULI URINARY STONE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Indiana University Health - North Hospital
WITHDRAWN

Carmel, Indiana, 46032, United States
University of Washington
RECRUITING

Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
RECRUITING

Seattle, Washington, 98108, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.