How does the Shockwave Coronary IVL catheter work to treat lesions in diseased coronary vessels?
The Shockwave Coronary IVL catheter utilizes a balloon delivered to the lesion site that makes contact with the inner lumen walls of the diseased coronary vessel. Through this balloon, pressurized saline is delivered in a circular motion through the inner lumen of the balloon. An electrode catheter contained within the center of the balloon generates electrical impulses along the course of interior of the balloon. This creates vaporizing bubbles that transmit sonic pressure waves through the pressurized swirling saline. These pressure waves are then transmitted to the surface of the interior lumen of the vessel walls. The waves fracture the calcium, pressing the material into the interstitial layers of the coronary wall, making the lesion more pliable and reducing the degree of stenosis. This is typically followed with the application of stenting to the area, which is a separately reported service.
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