What medical procedure utilizes shock waves for treatment?

• A. Angioplasty
• B. Biopsy
• C. Lithotripsy
• D. Endoscopy

Answer: (C)

The procedure that utilizes shock waves for treatment is lithotripsy. Lithotripsy is a non-invasive medical procedure designed to treat kidney stones and certain other types of stones in the body. The process involves generating shock waves to break large stones into smaller pieces, making them easier to pass through the urinary tract. This technique allows for effective treatment without the need for surgical incisions, thus minimizing recovery time and reducing the risk of complications associated with invasive surgery.

In contrast, angioplasty is a procedure that involves the use of a balloon to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels, primarily in coronary arteries. A biopsy involves the removal of tissue for diagnostic purposes and does not use shock waves. Endoscopy is a procedure that involves examining the gastrointestinal tract using a flexible tube with a camera, and it also does not involve shock waves. Therefore, lithotripsy stands out as a unique procedure specifically utilizing shock wave technology for treatment.