It breaks apart calcium buildup in arteries
A new treatment at Niagara Health is enabling quicker resolution for anyone facing potential heart problems.
Niagara Health is now using intravascular lithotripsy, which uses ultrasound shockwaves to break up hardened calcium deposits, making it easier to treat blocked arteries.
Prior to this, if a doctor was planning to insert a stent, and came across calcium, the procedure would have to be stopped.
Niagara Health adds not all blockages are caused by calcium, some are lipid or fibrotic tissue, that don't need this new therapy.
A fluid-filled balloon catheter is placed against the blockage, and releases 120 acoustic pulses, in intervals of 10, with short breaks, all without harming the blood vessels.
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