A device for generating shock waves, specifically for medical applications, has electrodes arranged in a liquid medium, a high voltage being applied to the electrodes to generate an electrical breakdown. Particles added in powder form are suspended in the liquid medium. In order to maintain the particles in suspension, a thixotropic additive is added to the liquid medium.

A medical device is described, which comprises a basic device and at least one replaceable component connected therewith, said component having an item belonging to the device that is subjected to high wear or consumption. A storage medium is connected to the component, which stores component-specific data and can be read independently of the basic device.

This invention relates to methods for medical treatment of a variety of pathological conditions associated with bone environments and musculoskeletal environments, including the treatment of ischemic conditions such as bursitis. The method involves applying a sufficient number of acoustic shock waves to the site of a pathological condition including micro-disruptions, non-osseous tissue stimulation, increased vascularization, and circulation and induction of growth factors to induce or accelerate the body's natural healing processes and responses.

A method of treating pathological conditions associated with bone and musculoskeletal environments and soft tissues involves applying acoustic shock waves to cause localized trauma, including micro-disruptions, non-osseous tissue stimulation, increased vascularization, and circulation and induction of growth factors to induce or accelerate the body's natural healing processes and responses.