Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy helps treat calcified lesions in coronary arteries
Watauga Medical Center (WMC) is embracing cutting-edge medical technology to enhance its cardiovascular care services, particularly in the treatment of calcified lesions in coronary arteries. Calcified lesions, prevalent in individuals with advanced age and diabetes, pose significant challenges in conventional treatments. The hospital has recently incorporated the innovative Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) balloon, a groundbreaking technology designed to address these complex cases. This advanced tool utilizes sonic pressure waves to safely fracture and disrupt calcified plaque within the arteries, facilitating the subsequent deployment of stents or other interventions. By adopting the Shockwave balloon, WMC is now equipped to provide more effective and comprehensive care for patients with calcified lesions, offering a local solution to a previously intricate medical challenge.
The integration of the Shockwave balloon at WMC signifies a major advancement in cardiovascular care within the local community. Patients who previously had limited options for treating calcified lesions can now benefit from a state-of-the-art solution close to home. This development not only reflects the hospital’s commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation but also underscores its dedication to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services for the local population. By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, WMC is poised to make a substantial impact on the management of advanced heart disease, enhancing patient outcomes and fostering a healthier community.
WMC performed the first cases with new Shockwave technology in December 2023 by one of our interventional cardiologists. After successful calcified vessel treatment, vessel flow was improved from 30% to 80% in one case and from 40% to 90% in the other case. Stents were placed in each vessel with obvious improved blood flow.
A calcium screen is one tool for determining if there are calcified lesions in coronary arteries. The decision to perform this screening would be made following a thorough evaluation of clinical history, symptoms, and risk factors, in consultation with a cardiologist or a healthcare provider with expertise in cardiovascular imaging.
Some patients are not diagnosed with heart disease until they have symptoms, which include arrhythmia (chest palpitations) or heart failure (shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen or neck veins).(2)
Patients who are at risk for heart disease can call the Heart & Vascular Center to make an appointment or be referred by their primary care provider. Patients do not need a referral unless their insurance requires it. Family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. Other risk factors include diabetes, being overweight, unhealthy diet, being physically inactive, and excessive alcohol use.(2)
2-https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm
