When is this technique used?

IVL may be recommended in cases such as:

• Severe calcification in coronary arteries
• Difficulty expanding the artery with conventional balloon angioplasty
• Improving the results of coronary stent placement
• Treating complex coronary artery narrowing

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure is performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory.

It typically involves:

• Inserting a catheter through an artery in the wrist or groin
• Positioning a specialized balloon at the calcified area
• Delivering controlled shockwaves to fracture calcium deposits
• Expanding the artery and placing a stent if needed

Benefits of the procedure

This technique offers several advantages:

• Effective treatment for heavily calcified arteries
• Improves outcomes of coronary interventions
• Facilitates safer and more effective stent placement
• Minimally invasive procedure without open-heart surgery

A Message to Patients

For patients with heavily calcified coronary arteries,
advanced technologies such as intravascular lithotripsy can help restore blood flow and improve the success of treatment.