This foundation course provides a structured introduction to the science, clinical role and practical workflow of Shockwave Lithotripsy.
Designed for physicians, operators, nurses, trainees and healthcare professionals involved in stone management, the course explains how SWL works, how shockwaves fragment urinary stones, and why patient selection, stone characteristics, imaging, targeting, coupling and follow-up are essential for safe and effective treatment.
Learners will gain a clear understanding of the complete SWL pathway, from assessment and preparation to treatment delivery and outcome review. The course also highlights the importance of operator skill, patient communication, safety awareness and knowing when SWL may or may not be the ideal treatment option.
This course is the recommended starting point before progressing to advanced Lithotripsy Academy courses in imaging, protocols, pain management, complications, special patient groups and certification-based learning.
Topics of Course
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1. Pre-Quiz Learner Profile
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Fundamentals of Shockwave Lithotripsy
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Fundamentals of Shockwave Lithotripsy (copy)
00:46
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Learning outcomes
00:47
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What is Shockwave Lithotripsy?
00:43
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Why kidney stones matter
00:52
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Where SWL fits in stone management
00:54
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How stones fragment
00:50
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Cavitation in simple language
00:50
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The SWL patient journey
00:44
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Basic patient and stone selection
00:49
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Stone location and anatomy
00:49
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Density and composition
00:43
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Imaging and targeting basics
00:40
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Coupling: the hidden fundamental
00:42
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Positioning and patient comfort
00:38
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Treatment parameters overview
00:38
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Ramping in basic terms
00:43
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Safety and monitoring
00:51
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Complications overview
00:49
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Follow-up and outcome assessment
00:39
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Patient communication
00:42
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The operator’s role
00:46
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Common beginner errors
00:39
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When SWL may not be ideal
00:45
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From fundamentals to advanced learning
00:52
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Before You Begin the Quiz
00:42
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Fundamentals of Shockwave Lithotripsy
Your Instructor
Lithotripsy Academy is a dedicated educational platform focused on advancing knowledge and clinical practice in shockwave lithotripsy and urolithiasis management.
All courses on this platform are conceptualized, structured, and designed by Dr. Sameer Parmar, with over two decades of experience in shockwave lithotripsy. His work is centered on translating clinical experience, scientific evidence, and real-world practice into structured, practical learning.
Select courses are further enriched through collaboration with invited international faculty, bringing diverse clinical perspectives and global expertise into the learning experience.
Each course reflects a carefully curated blend of evidence-based guidelines and expert clinical insight, ensuring that learners gain not only knowledge, but also a deeper understanding of decision-making in real-world practice.
