Traditionally, procedures such as balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery were part of the fight against blocked arteries. But a new technology is making waves in cardiology: shockwave therapy.
This minimally invasive technique uses sound waves to break up calcified plaque that has built up in the coronary arteries. Shockwave technology was originally designed to break down kidney stones, and Shockwave technology has been adapted to target these hardened structures, improving blood flow to the heart.
How does it work?
The procedure involves inserting a special catheter with a shortened lithotripsy tube into the affected vein. This device produces targeted sound pressure waves that break up calcium deposits, speeding up blood flow.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy offers several advantages over traditional methods:
Non-invasive: Unlike bypass surgery, this doesn’t require opening the chest cavity.
Effective on Calcium Deposits: Shockwaves effectively address the hard-to-treat calcified plaque that can resist angioplasty balloons.
Faster Recovery: This minimally invasive approach allows for quicker recovery times compared to open-heart surgery.
Who is it For?
Shockwave therapy is a promising option for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who have significant calcification and are not candidates for conventional interventions.
What is Medicine-All?
While shockwave therapy presents exciting possibilities, it is important to note that it is still a developing technology. More studies are needed to determine long-term efficacy and better patient selection. In addition, it is often combined with other procedures such as angioplasty and stenting.
The Future of Shockwave Therapy
Early results are encouraging, with studies showing improvements in symptoms like chest pain and exercise tolerance. As research progresses, shockwave therapy has the potential to become a valuable tool in the fight against heart disease, offering new hope for patients with blocked arteries.
