Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL)
Prior to implanting a stent, an interventional cardiologist at Tanner Health System may elect to use the Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System to open the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart because they are narrowed or blocked due to calcification.
The interventional cardiologist makes a small incision in the patient’s arm or leg to insert the Shockwave IVL balloon catheter. The integrated lithotripsy emitters at the end of the catheter create pressure waves that break up the calcification that is restricting the blood flow in one or more coronary arteries.
After using the Shockwave system, the doctor will perform an angioplasty inside the now opened blood vessel and implant a metal tube called a stent to keep the vessel open.