What is it?
IVL is a special balloon with emitters that generate pressure waves. The waves pass through soft tissue and fracture superficial and deep calcium so the artery can accept a fully expanded stent.
Who needs it?
Patients with severe coronary calcification, especially circumferential or deep calcium, and stents underexpanded because of calcium behind them.
How is it done?
The IVL balloon is inflated at low pressure at the lesion and pulse cycles are delivered; then a stent is implanted and optimised with a high-pressure balloon, usually under IVUS/OCT guidance.
Before the procedure
Same preparation as angioplasty; calcium is assessed by angiography or intravascular imaging.
After & recovery
Recovery is the same as for routine angioplasty.
Risks & safety
Because the balloon works at low pressure, the risk of vessel rupture is low. Transient ectopic beats (“shocktopics”) may occur and are usually harmless.
Frequently asked questions
Does IVL replace rotablation?
In many lesions yes; where even the IVL balloon cannot cross, atherectomy comes first.
Is it painful?
No; patients usually feel nothing.
This content does not replace an examination by your physician. For chest pain or severe shortness of breath, call your local emergency number immediately.