Lithotripter with ultrasonic transducer, arranged in front of the focusing device, for sector scanning

The lithotripter for breaking up a concretion (19) in the human body (17) comprises a shock wave pulse-emitting shock wave source (1) and a focusing device (11). In front of the focusing device (11), viewed in the direction of propagation of the shock wave pulses, the rotatable or pivotable ultrasonic transducer (21, 27, 29) of a mechanical sector scanner is arranged. The axis of rotation (23) of the ultrasonic transducer (21) is located perpendicularly to the central axis (25) of the focusing device (11). The advantage of this device is that the ultrasonic locating signal (31) which is emitted in sector shape from the focus (F') is transformed by the focusing device (11) into a parallel scan so that the path of the shock wave pulse can be completely monitored, e.g. for ultrasonic obstacles. With the possibility of rotation about the central axis (25), a cylindrical region within the patient (17) and the position of the concretion (19) in this region can be monitored. In this way, convenient access for the shock wave pulse can be selected in the entire volume positioned in front, and when the focus (F) of the focusing device (11) is displaced out of the concretion (19) re-adjustment of the focus (F) can be performed.