KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (CU)_ National Heart Institute has revealed a latest innovative technology to treat heart patients with severe atherosclerosis. The technique known as intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) uses sonic waves to break down the arteries’ hard calcified plaque. IJN stated that the new procedure was executed by its doctors, marking it as the country’s first IVL treatment.
Datuk Dr Amin Ariff Nuruddin, IJN Senior Consultant Cardiologist, said that the new technique is safer and healthier than angioplasty. However, it may not support some extreme cases where the plaque has hardened and calcified. He said, “When the plaque has hardened to that extent, patients may have to undergo an invasive surgical procedure to treat the condition. In that case doctors have to surgically remove the plaque or even perform a graft bypass to ensure good blood flow.” He also highlighted that IVL provides patients with a minimally invasive treatment, an alternative that reduces the risks of surgery.
IVL also uses a catheter with an attached balloon, like angioplasty. The balloon produces sonic pressure waves to smash the plaque instead of simply physically moving it down, which might not support in cases of hard calcified plaque. This will enable lumen expansion of the blood vessel and support the deployment of stents in the narrowed region of the vessel.
Dr Amin Ariff said that in addition to the simplified use of the device, it also decreases the trauma to the tissue as it selectively identifies the blockage. He said: “This in turn minimizes the risk of the patient developing other complications following the procedure as compared to the other current debulking devices presently available.”
Atherosclerosis is a disorder where plaque is formed in the arteries by the deposits of cholesterol, fats, and calcium. Narrowing of the arteries due to plaque formation results in limited blood flow to the arteries. If diagnosed on time, atherosclerosis can be treated with changes in lifestyle and medication to delay or even reverse plaque build-up. Meanwhile, more extreme blockages are often handled using angioplasty and stent placement.
