What technique does shockwave lithotripsy employ to treat kidney stones?

Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is a non-invasive medical procedure commonly used to treat kidney stones. The technique employs focused sound waves, or shockwaves, that are directed towards the kidney stone. These sound waves generate high energy, which creates stress on the stone's surface. As a result, the shockwaves break the kidney stone into smaller, more manageable pieces.

This method is favored for its non-invasive nature, as it does not require any surgical intervention. By breaking the stones into smaller fragments, the fragments can then more easily pass through the urinary tract, alleviating the pain associated with larger stones and minimizing complications.

Other options describe different techniques that are not employed in shockwave lithotripsy. For instance, ultrasound for heating (as in option A) or laser technology (as indicated in option B) are separate procedures that are not the mechanisms utilized in SWL. Likewise, chemical agents to dissolve stones (mentioned in option D) are also not relevant to the sound wave technique, as SWL specifically relies on mechanical means rather than chemical dissolution.