The first Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) assisted complex angioplasty done by Dr Hemant Khemani and Dr Sagar Yesale in the ASH cath lab was successful.
Firstly let’s go through the process one by one to know what is this technique:
The Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System with the Shockwave C2 Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) Catheter includes the Shockwave C2 Coronary IVL Catheter, IVL Connector Cable, and IVL Generator. A tube-like device referred to as a balloon catheter contains integrated lithotripsy emitters, which can break down hard materials (calcification) that restrict blood flow to the heart.
What Happens during this process?
The doctor makes a small incision (incision) into the patient’s arm or leg in order to deliver the catheter into the cardiovascular system.
The lithotripsy emitters at the end of the catheter apply pressure waves intended to break up the clots obstructing the heart’s blood vessels. This assists to open the blood vessels when a balloon is inflated (angioplasty). After using the Shockwave system, the physician will implant another device called an angioplasty balloon, which is a metal tube that helps keep the vessel open
When is this technique used and what are its possible outcomes?
The real question in your mind would be when is this technique used. Well! The Shockwave C2 Coronary IVL Catheter is used before implanting a stent, to open the arteries that supply blood to the heart (coronary arteries) that are narrowed or blocked due to calcification. The device allows for the opening of calcified arteries to allow stent implantation. In the clinical trial of 384 patients, 92% of them were able to receive the stent and survived without a heart attack or another procedure for 30 days. After one year, approximately 75% of patients survived without a heart attack or additional practice.
