Experimental Observation of Isolative Efficacy of a Solid Coupling Medium in Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy—Implications to Nosocomial Infection Prevention

Introduction: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a well-established, popular treatment choice for renal stones. Traditionally, the semi-liquid gel is used as a coupling medium in ESWL. During ESWL, body fluid or blood might transmit between the patients when the probe or gel used in the procedure is contaminated and cause potential nosocomial infections. To solve this problem, we developed a solid coupling medium (isolation coupling pad, referred to as “icPad”) between the patient’s skin and the probe as a shock wave transmission medium to prevent contamination. This study aimed to investigate the isolative efficacy of the icPad in blocking the permeation of microbes. Method: Rhodamine 6G (a fluorescent dye) was used as a tracer to simulate the microorganisms. The penetration of the fluorescent dye on the longitudinal section of the icPad was observed by a microscope after the dye was placed on the body side of the icPad for 40 min. After the shock wave, icPad was extracted with 75% ethanol, and fluorescence intensity was measured with a fluorescence spectrometer. Results: Our results revealed that the body side of icPad is free of fluorescent dye during lithotripsy. Qualitative analysis results confirmed that icPad has an isolative effect on simulating contaminants such as bacteria or viruses. Conclusion: In this in vitro phantom study, a proprietary icPad can be an isolative coupling medium and is speculated to avoid cross-contamination of bacterial or viral infection during ESWL.