Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) — often called Shockwave — treats hard calcium inside coronary arteries using sonic pressure waves delivered through a balloon catheter.
Why calcium is a problem
Calcium can stop balloons and stents from expanding fully. An under-expanded stent is more likely to cause future problems.
How Shockwave helps
The balloon is inflated at low pressure while pulses of sonic energy fracture calcium. This prepares the vessel for better stent expansion with less trauma than some older techniques alone.
Who might benefit
Patients with heavily calcified lesions on angiogram or intravascular imaging — including some who were previously told stenting would be unsafe or ineffective.
Ask your specialist whether IVL, rotablation, or a combination is most appropriate for your anatomy.