The NSBRI is developing the technology for astronauts because the risk of kidney stones is higher in space and surgical treatment is not an option. However, about 10 percent of people will experience kidney stones. Scientists based the technology on a process called “Twinkling Artifact” that uses the ultrasound’s Doppler in which kidney stones can appear brightly colored and twinkling.
Currently, the preferred treatment is to drink water and pass the stones naturally or surgical removal. Using focused ultrasound waves, kidney stones can be pushed toward the kidney’s exit. Scientists say this can be used both as an alternative treatment and to clean up residual fragments after surgery.
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