#United States #Santa Clara #PAD #Shockwave Medical #Intravascular

Shockwave Medical Introduces Forward Intravascular Lithotripsy

Shockwave Medical, Inc., a leading company in circulatory restoration and a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, has recently unveiled its latest innovation in the realm of cardiovascular treatment. The Shockwave Javelin Peripheral Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) Catheter, a pioneering device, has been launched in the U.S., designed to significantly improve the management of calcified lesions in patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that supply blood from the heart to the legs. This condition affects over eight million individuals aged 40 and older in the United States. Patients suffering from PAD often experience a reduced quality of life and face an elevated risk of severe cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. The most critical manifestation of PAD is Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI), which impacts nearly two million U.S. patients and is associated with alarmingly high rates of major amputations and mortality, exceeding that of many cancers.

Dr. JD Corl, Medical Director of the PAD/CLI Program at The Lindner Center for Research and Education at The Christ Hospital, emphasized the pressing need for efficient treatment options for complex calcific lesions, stating, “There is a growing demand for advanced crossing tools, particularly for treating calcified lesions in narrowed peripheral vessels.”

Innovative Technology Behind Shockwave Javelin

The Shockwave Javelin represents a significant advancement in IVL technology, maintaining a safety and efficacy profile comparable to previous Shockwave IVL catheters. The device is particularly designed to modify calcium deposits and facilitate crossing occlusive lesions that conventional guidewires cannot traverse. With a working length of 150 centimeters and a single distal emitter capable of generating up to 120 shockwave pulses, this catheter effectively extends a spherical energy field beyond its tip, delivering lithotripsy treatment closer to calcium deposits than traditional balloon-based systems.

The recent clinical outcomes from the FORWARD PAD IDE trial reveal that the Shockwave Javelin is as safe and effective as older balloon-based IVL catheters, enhancing its potential to streamline complex interventional procedures for physicians treating PAD.

Dr. Nick West, Chief Medical Officer of Shockwave Medical, shared insights on the company's driving force behind their innovations: “As the pioneers of IVL technology, our mission is to continue providing solutions that cater to the needs expressed by our medical professionals.”

Comprehensive IVL Portfolio

By adding the Shockwave Javelin Peripheral IVL Catheter to their lineup, Shockwave provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive portfolio that addresses challenging calcified lesions. The company also offers additional IVL devices such as Shockwave E8, L6, M5+, and S4, enabling physicians to treat a wide array of conditions affecting both upper and lower extremities of the body.

Looking Toward the Future

Shockwave Medical’s commitment to innovation is reflected in their ongoing efforts to develop leading-edge products aimed at transforming cardiovascular care. With a strong focus on listening to the needs of healthcare providers and leveraging their insights, Shockwave is poised to lead the way in addressing the significant challenges faced in the treatment of PAD and CLTI.

As medical technology continually evolves, the introduction of the Shockwave Javelin IVL Catheter signifies a hopeful advancement in enhancing patient outcomes, potentially reducing the risks associated with this severe condition.

For more information about Shockwave Medical and their pioneering interventional solutions, visit Shockwave Medical.