Fetotoxicity and teratogenesis of SWL treatment in the rabbit

The potential effects of extracorporeal application of shockwaves on an embryo or fetus were explored in an animal model. In experimental Series A, the fetuses of 30 gravid rabbits were exposed to piezoelectrically induced and sonographically guided shockwaves on Day 25 or 20 of gestation under technical conditions corresponding to extracorporeal lithotripsy in humans. Fetotoxicity was examined by abdominal section 24 hours or 9 days later, and immediate/intermediate damage was assessed (resorptions, viability, gross injuries, and microscopic lesions of the target and neighboring fetuses). In series B, the kidneys of an additional 28 gravid rabbits (including a control group) mere exposed to the same shockwave treatment on Day 11 of gestation in order to investigate indirect embryotoxic effects, including teratogenic potency. One day before the expected birth, the maternal kidneys, uteri, and adjacent organs were examined for lesions, and the 156 offspring were assessed for embryolethal, embryonoxious, or teratogenic sequelae. Shockwave targeting of the cranium, thorax, abdomen, or placenta was usually lethal to the fetuses. When the uterine wall or the space between two fetuses was targeted, the fetuses suffered from superficial hematoma, as was found in the surrounding soft tissues within a radius of 1.5 cm. Fetuses outside this region were vital and free of lesions. Shockwave treatment of the maternal kidney resulted in renal petechial hemorrhage or subcapsular hematoma. However, statistically significant embryotoxic or teratogenetic effects could be demonstrated neither from maternal data (resorptions) nor from fetal findings (body measurements, vitality test, inner organs, skeletal deformities). When using a piezoelectric lithotripter with a small focus of high energy, lesions of a fetus are to be expected only when it is located in or close to the focus. It seems that embryotoxic or teratogenic sequelae do not occur when shockwaves are focused outside the uterus. Nonetheless, this preliminary research does not justify clinical use of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in pregnant humans.