As a journalist, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Peter Soukas, the director of peripheral vascular interventional laboratory at The Miriam Hospital, about his views on Cardiac Shockwave Therapy. According to Soukas, this innovative research is one of the most important breakthroughs in the cardiovascular space in the past decade. This FDA approved treatment has led to an effective solution for calcium blockages in coronary and leg arteries.
One such beneficiary of this treatment is Bruce Barton, who was faced with multiple blocked arteries and the possibility of losing a toe, foot or part of his leg. Barton mentioned experiencing constant pain and undergoing eight failed attempts at clearing the blockages before reaching out to 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.
Soukas explains that 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 use of Cardiac Shockwave Therapy in treating calcium blockages is particularly significant as it offers a non-surgical and minimally invasive solution for patients who were previously unable to receive treatment due to their condition’s complexity. Soukas believes that this therapy will have a major impact on how doctors approach treating arterial blockages in the future and will lead to better outcomes for patients like Barton.