Shockwave Medical Co. Launches First-in-Patient Study of Forward IVL Technology for Challenging Calcified Coronary Lesions:
Shockwave Medical Co. Launches First-in-Patient Study of Forward IVL Technology for Challenging Calcified Coronary Lesions:
1. Technology: After successfully applying Shockwave technology in peripheral arteries, Shockwave Medical, a Johnson & Johnson MedTech company known as a pioneer of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) technology, has launched a new study evaluating the use of its Shockwave Javelin Coronary IVL Catheters and the new forward IVL to treat challenging calcified coronary lesions.
Points:
• Shockwave Medical’s system delivers ultrasonic shockwaves via a single distal emitter, producing a spherical energy field that extends beyond the catheter tip. This design aims to improve treatment for tight, calcified coronary lesions. This design aims to improve treatment for tight, calcified coronary lesions.
2. Patients: The study will enroll up to 158 patients with moderate-to-severe calcified, de novo coronary artery lesions across 35 U.S. and U.K. sites. Eligible patients may have stable angina or be post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
3. First Case: The first successful case was performed by Dr. Evan Shlofmitz and Dr. Ziad Ali at St. Francis Hospital in New York.
4. Rationale: The goal of the study is to assess whether the forward IVL technology can offer a safer, more effective alternative to atherectomy, which is often used for complex lesions but carries higher procedural risks.
5. Significance: If successful, this technology could redefine intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) applications in complex coronary interventions, improving crossability and reducing complications.