Final answer:
In extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, the key personal protective equipment for a surgical technologist is a lead apron, designed to shield against potential radiation exposure during the procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The personal protective equipment a surgical technologist would wear during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) primarily includes a lead apron. This equipment is necessary due to the use of high-energy shock waves for breaking up kidney stones, which are produced by a machine that may also emit low levels of ionizing radiation. The protective lead apron's purpose is to shield the technologist's body from this radiation during the procedure, similar to how dental patients are protected during x-ray imaging.
During ESWL, the technologist might also use additional protective equipment such as sterile gloves, plume masks if lasers are used, or splash guards to prevent exposure to bodily fluids. However, the most critical piece of protective equipment relative to the specifics of ESWL is the lead apron to minimize radiation exposure.