Chick Embryo Model To Study Effects of High-Energy Shock Waves on Rapidly Proliferating Fetal Tissues*

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Abstract
A number of biologic processes are adversely affected by high-energy shock waves (HESW), the principal reason pregnancy has remained one of the two absolute contraindications for shock wave therapy. Our experimental model utilized ex ovo white leghorn chicken embryos that were given HESW at various points throughout gestational development to determine the effects on embryonic tissue, detect any teratogenic potential, and project "safe" periods that shock wave treatments might be utilized. Both the intraembryonic and the extraembryonic blood vessels were very sensitive to HESW, and no safe periods could be identified in which embryos could be shocked. Shock exposure was immediately lethal to 15% of the embryos exposed to the lowest power setting. Those not immediately killed survived an average of 2 days, but teratogenic potential was difficult to separate from the profound effects of vascular destruction. Metanephric development was disrupted, with a statistically significant reduction in the number, as well as production of dysmorphic tubules. It appears that pregnancy should remain an absolute contraindication to shock wave treatment.