Dr. Peter Soukas, director of peripheral vascular interventional laboratory at The Miriam Hospital, believes that Cardiac Shockwave Therapy is a game-changing breakthrough in the cardiovascular space in the past decade. This innovative research has led to an FDA approved treatment for calcium blockages in coronary and leg arteries, providing hope for patients like Bruce Barton.
Barton, who was faced with multiple blocked arteries and the possibility of losing a toe, foot or part of his leg, underwent eight failed attempts at clearing the blockages before finding relief at The Miriam Hospital. There, he was introduced to a minimally invasive procedure called Cardiac Shockwave Therapy. This therapy utilizes high frequency ultrasonic waves to crack and fissure calcium deposits in the arteries.
According to Soukas, calcium blockages are a major obstacle in treating arterial blockages. The procedure is designed to prep the vessels before following up with a drug coated balloon or stent for extended durability of the outcome. The Miriam Hospital has been involved in clinical trials for Cardiac Shockwave Therapy since 2017 and has seen positive results in over 500 cases. Since receiving the treatment, Barton has reported being able to walk three miles rather than just 100 yards.
The potential benefits of this therapy extend far beyond Barton’s experience. As more patients receive this treatment and see positive results, it will likely become an increasingly popular option for those facing arterial blockages caused by calcium buildup. With its ability to provide long-lasting results and minimize invasiveness, Cardiac Shockwave Therapy represents a promising future for cardiovascular care.