The pain from kidney stones can stop life in its tracks. Stones can pass naturally with extra fluid intake. But for many people with large blockages, treatment often requires sedation, fasting and bowel prep.
Break Wave Lithotripsy (BWL) offers a different experience entirely.
The technology uses gentle sound waves to wear kidney stones down from the outside in, forming tiny fragments that the body can naturally pass. There’s no hospital time or anesthesia.
Many patients describe it as a light vibrating sensation so gentle that some people come in on their lunch break and walk out on their own.
Your donation to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation helps make this kind of care possible.
Bright minds leading the way
BWL was pioneered by Dr. Ben Chew, Director of the Centre for Kidney Stones and Minimally Invasive Surgery at the donor-funded M.H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences. Alongside international collaborators, he tested the technology with 44 patients — the first study of its kind. The results are remarkable.
Break Wave Lithotripsy
• 84% of kidney stones were reduced in size
• 70% of fragments were under four millimetres
• 51% were under two millimetres
• 58% of patients were completely stone-free
Better care for more people
BWL can attach to existing ultrasound machines with a simple therapeutic interface. This capability means advanced kidney‑stone treatment can be brought to more clinics and communities — especially those far from major hospitals.
“This is how we can enhance outcomes, increase access and lower costs to help more people across BC,” says Dr. Chew.
Your generosity accelerates this kind of innovation. It equips talented researchers with the tools they need to solve real problems affecting real people.
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Every breakthrough starts with people who believe better care is possible. Thanks to the collective generosity of several philanthropists, our landmark Urologic Sciences campaign surpassed $65 million in under two years, driving major advancements in the field through the creation of the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences.
Imagine what your support makes possible next.
When you give, you’re not just supporting new technology. You’re investing in the bright minds behind it — bold leaders like Dr. Chew who are reimagining health care in BC.
Your generosity makes breakthroughs like BWL possible. Plus, it sparks the next one.
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation partners with donors to fuel groundbreaking research, world-class health care teams, and life-saving treatments benefitting everyone in BC. To donate, visit vghfoundation.ca/ways-to-give.
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