Groundbreaking Therapy for Arterial Blockages Sparks Discussion in Cardiovascular Field

Bruce Barton was faced with a major obstacle when he found himself with multiple blocked arteries in his coronary and leg arteries. The constant pain and multiple failed attempts to clear the blockages left him with the possibility of losing a toe, foot, or part of his leg. That is until he sought treatment at The Miriam Hospital, where he was introduced to Cardiac Shockwave Therapy.

According to Dr. Peter Soukas, director of peripheral vascular interventional laboratory at The Miriam Hospital, Cardiac Shockwave Therapy is one of the most important breakthroughs 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.

The procedure uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to crack and fissure calcium deposits in the arteries. Soukas explains that this therapy 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.

Calcium blockages are a major obstacle in treating arterial blockages according to Soukas, and Bruce Barton’s experience is just one example of how this innovative research can make a real difference in people’s lives.