“Rising Preference for IVL over Traditional Atherectomy Techniques”
- A significant and emerging trend in the global coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) market is the growing clinical and procedural preference for IVL over conventional atherectomy in treating heavily calcified coronary lesions, primarily due to its enhanced safety profile and procedural simplicity
- For instance, Shockwave Medical’s IVL platform has seen rapid adoption globally, with interventional cardiologists increasingly favoring it for its reduced risk of vessel dissection or perforation compared to high-speed rotational atherectomy, particularly in complex PCI cases
- IVL technology utilizes localized sonic pressure waves to fracture calcium within the arterial wall while preserving soft tissue, leading to more predictable stent expansion and improved long-term outcomes. Clinical studies, such as DISRUPT CAD trials, continue to validate the efficacy and safety of IVL, supporting broader adoption in real-world practice
- Hospitals and specialty clinics are increasingly integrating IVL into their cath lab protocols, especially for high-risk patients with multiple comorbidities or those unsuitable for more aggressive mechanical plaque modification techniques
- This shift in practice is being reinforced by updated interventional cardiology guidelines and the growing body of evidence supporting IVL’s advantages. Medical device companies such as Shockwave Medical are responding to this trend by investing in expanded training programs and global product launches tailored to specific lesion subsets
- The expanding demand for IVL across key markets reflects a broader trend toward minimally invasive, operator-friendly technologies that deliver consistent outcomes while minimizing complications—reshaping procedural strategies in modern interventional cardiology
