In recent years, Cardiac Shockwave Therapy has been hailed as one of the most significant breakthroughs in the cardiovascular space, according to Dr. Peter Soukas, director of peripheral vascular interventional laboratory at The Miriam Hospital. This innovative research has led to an FDA-approved treatment for calcium blockages in coronary and leg arteries.
One individual who has benefited greatly from this treatment is Bruce Barton, who faced multiple blocked arteries and the possibility of losing a toe, foot, or part of his leg. After undergoing eight failed attempts at clearing the blockages, Barton sought out The Miriam Hospital, where he was introduced to a minimally invasive procedure called Cardiac Shockwave Therapy. This therapy uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to crack and fissure calcium deposits in the arteries.
Soukas explains that this procedure is designed to prepare the vessels for follow-up with a drug coated balloon or stent for extended durability of the outcome. Since 2017, The Miriam Hospital has been involved in clinical trials for Cardiac Shockwave Therapy and has seen positive results in over 500 cases. As a result of receiving this treatment, Barton was able to walk three miles rather than just 100 yards.
Calcium blockages are a major obstacle in treating arterial blockages according to Soukas. They can lead to severe pain and disability if not properly addressed. However, with Cardiac Shockwave Therapy as an option for patients like Barton, it provides hope and relief from these debilitating conditions.