Via Christi first to perform new heart procedure
The most common cause of heart attacks and strokes is Coronary Artery Disease. It is caused by plaque buildup along the walls of the arteries in the heart.
Over time, this causes the arteries to narrow, blocking blood circulation to the heart. Once the disease has progressed far enough, it often requires surgical intervention.
One of the treatments for the disease in its advanced stage is angioplasty, which involves the insertion of stents in the artery to restore blood flow. A wire is threaded through the circulatory system, up to the artery, and a small balloon is inflated, which expands a small wire mesh called a stent, that helps hold the artery open and restore blood flow.
Surgeons often use techniques that involve scoring or cutting the artery wall to break up calcified deposits, or they use catheters with rotating blades or lasers. Via Christi is participating in the testing of a new device that uses sound waves to break up the deposits.
It's called TECTONIC Coronary Artery Disease Intravascular Lithotripsy. The device is produced by Abbott Laboratories, a company that manufactures diagnostic and medical devices, as well as generic pharmaceuticals and other products.
Via Christi St. Francis was the first hospital in the nationwide investigational study of Abbott's IVL to successfully treat a patient. Interventional Cardiologist Bassem Chehab, MD, performed the procedure.
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'Participating in the TECTONIC CAD IVL trial explores a promising new technology that could significantly improve outcomes for patients with severe coronary artery calcification,' says Dr. Chehab, in a news release from Via Christi. 'By participating in the potential of intravascular lithotripsy, we're helping take a vital step towards enhancing patient care and offering more effective treatment options for this challenging condition.'
Chehab adds, 'Being able to treat the first patient ever in a novel and groundbreaking technology solidifies the global and national trust in the expertise of Via Christi as a leader in advanced cardiac care regionally and nationally.'
The TECTONIC CAD IVL is undergoing clinical trials and is not currently commercially available. It can take 3 to 7 years for a new medical device to successfully complete a clinical trial and receive FDA approval for widespread use.
For more information about Ascension Via Christi Cardiology, click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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