Blog | Dave Fornell, DAIC Editor | Cath Lab| March 16, 2021
Coronary Lithotripsy May Become a Paradigm Shift in the Cath Lab
The Shockwave intravascular lithotripsy system produces a flash of light as it releases a sonic shockwave, as seen here as it is about to shatter a gypsum bead during a TCT 2019 demonstration at the vendor s booth. The technology combines a miniaturized lithotripsy system with a low-pressure balloon catheter to expand peripheral or coronary arteries without causing vessel trauma. Photo by Dave Fornell
After covering cardiovascular technologies for 14 years, it is rare that I find a new technology that might actually be a paradigm shift in cardiology. Most new devices I see are just refined iterations of existing devices, or the vendor added a new button or set of measurement tools. However, I do occasionally find a true gem while sitting in on hours of new technology sessions at conferences, or while wandering the expo floors.
FDA Clears Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy to Breakup Calcified Lesions With Sound Waves
Shockwave Medical s transformative technology now available for calcified coronary plaque
A comparison showing angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) views of an undilated mid right coronary artery calcified lesion, post dilation with the Shockwave intravascular lithotripsy system, and the final result after stenting. The technology allows calcified lesions to be broken up without the need for vessel trauma caused by high pressure balloons or atherectomy.
February 17, 2021 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Shockwave Medical s Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) system to treat severely calcified coronary artery disease.