Intravascular lithotripsy

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is a relatively new and innovative procedure that has shown promise in treating calcified blockages in the arteries, which can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. By using sound waves to break up calcium deposits in the artery, IVL helps to clear the blockage and restore proper blood flow.

During an IVL procedure, a small balloon catheter is inserted into the affected artery and positioned at the site of the blockage. The catheter emits sound waves that are focused specifically on the calcified lesion, breaking it up into smaller pieces that can be more easily cleared using traditional methods such as balloon angioplasty or stent placement.

One of the key advantages of IVL is its ability to treat complex calcified lesions that may be difficult or impossible to treat using other methods. Calcified blockages are more common in older patients and those with certain medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease, making them a particularly challenging problem to address. IVL has been shown to be effective even in cases where traditional methods have failed, improving outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease

Another advantage of IVL is its ability to reduce the risk of complications during the procedure. Calcified lesions can be difficult to treat using traditional methods, which can increase the risk of complications such as perforation of the artery or dissection of the arterial wall. IVL helps to reduce this risk by using sound waves to break up the calcium deposits, making the procedure safer and more effective.

Although IVL is a relatively new technology, studies have shown promising results in terms of its safety and effectiveness. In one study, IVL was shown to be successful in treating calcified blockages in 89% of cases, with a low rate of complications. Another study found that IVL was effective in treating complex calcified lesions that were previously considered untreatable using other methods.