Shock wave-inertial microbubble interaction: a theoretical study based on the Gilmore formulation for bubble dynamics.

The Gilmore formulation for bubble dynamics coupled with zeroth-order gas diffusion were used to investigate theoretically the cavitation activity produced by a modified XL-1 lithotripter [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 105, 1997-2009 (1999)]. The model calculation confirms many of the basic features in bubble dynamics observed experimentally, in particular the strong secondary shock wave emission generated by in situ lithotripter shock wave-inertial microbubble interaction. In addition, shock wave-inertial microbubble interaction produced by a Dornier HM-3, the most commonly used clinical lithotripter, was evaluated. It was shown that the forced collapse of inertial microbubbles with strong secondary shock wave emission could be produced consistently, provided that an appropriate preceding shock wave and interpulse delay were used. Further, it was demonstrated that truncation of the tensile stress of the lithotripter shock wave could significantly reduce the large expansion of the bubble following shock wave-inertial microbubble interaction, which may alleviate the risk for vascular injury during shock wave exposure.