Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is a pioneering system for the treatment of artery calcification associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In this glossary, we define key scientific and technical terms related to IVL and calcified arteries. You can see FAQs about IVL on this page.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI): The medical term for a heart attack. A significant portion of people with coronary artery disease will experience a heart attack. 

Angina: A term for chest pain, one of the leading symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD). 

Angioplasty: Also known as balloon angioplasty, this procedure attempts to clear blocked arteries of plaque using a balloon-tipped catheter. This article gives an overview of common treatments for calcified arteries.

Angioplasty balloon: Integrated within the IVL catheter, it contains multiple lithotripsy emitters that deliver sonic pressure waves to calcified lesions in the arteries.

Antihypertensives: (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) Medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers that used to reduce high blood pressure.

Atherectomy: An intervention for calcified arteries, atherectomy devices aim to cut or grind away calcium deposits in the arteries.

Artery calcification: Plaque buildup over time leads to the calcification of arteries. This process is also known as atherosclerosis or the “hardening” or “thickening” of the arteries. This leads to higher blood pressure and inflammation. Artery calcification can also lead to blood clots that increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Atherosclerosis: The process of artery calcification, also known as the “hardening” or “thickening” of the arteries. 

Bare metal stents: Bare metal stents provide immediate support to prevent artery collapse post-angioplasty. 

Calcium channel blockers: Medications used to lower blood pressure and control angina.

Calcium density: A measure of the amount of calcium that’s built up within a given plaque. 

Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that travels in the blood. Cholesterol is produced naturally by the liver, and people also take in cholesterol from dietary sources. Excess cholesterol can join with other substances in the blood to form a hard, thick layer of plaque inside the arteries. How does this happen? Check out this article for FAQs related to artery calcification and IVL.

Claudication: A term for the leg cramping that people with PAD often experience when they walk.

Coronary artery: Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart. Coronary artery disease (CAD) develops when plaque buildup in the coronary arteries blocks the flow of blood to the heart. This article gives an overview of how plaque buildup can lead to artery diseases.

Coronary artery disease (CAD): CAD is one of the most common and serious cardiovascular ailments. CAD is characterized by the narrowing or obstruction of coronary arteries by calcified plaque, which prevents oxygenated blood from getting to the heart. This poses serious risks – a significant portion of those with CAD experience acute myocardial infarction (AMI) annually, also called a heart attack. This article explains when to use IVL for conditions like CAD.

Drug-coated balloons (DCB): Medication-coated angioplasty balloons that release their drug upon inflation, reducing scar tissue formation.

Drug-eluting stents: Stents coated with medication, to help ensure the artery remains clear and open.

Dyspnea: A term for shortness of breath, a common symptom of CAD.

FastWave Medical: A medtech company addressing existing gaps in IVL treatment. FastWave Medical technologies are not yet approved for patient use, but the company is planning to offer IVL innovations that improve patient care and lower costs. This article breaks down the leading IVL companies and products.

Intravascular imaging: Medical professionals use intravascular imaging techniques before and after the IVL treatment to help assess and characterize severely calcified arteries. This article breaks down some of the latest advances in IVL. 

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL): IVL is a minimally invasive approach to addressing calcified plaque in coronary and peripheral arteries. IVL harnesses shockwaves to target and fragment calcium deposits, both superficial and deep, while ensuring the vessel's integrity remains intact. By affecting some of the toughest arterial plaque deposits, IVL has the potential to transform the CAD and PAD treatment landscape. This article explains everything you need to know about IVL.

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS): A catheter-based intravascular imaging technique used in conjunction with IVL to help assess the effectiveness of treatments against calcified lesions. IVUS allows medical professionals to view the inside of a coronary or peripheral artery in real-time.

IVL catheter: A single-use, sterile, disposable catheter with an integrated angioplasty balloon that contains multiple lithotripsy emitters. This article gives an overview of what happens during an IVL procedure.

IVL generator: An energy generator powers the emitters in the IVL balloon catheter. The emitters, powered by the generator, deliver sonic pressure waves, or shock waves, that fracture hard, calcified plaque while passing harmlessly through soft tissues. This article explains the science and technology behind IVL. 

IVL reimbursement: Reimbursement for intravascular lithotripsy differs depending on the procedure’s application, either peripheral or coronary. Several factors influence these rates, including the procedure's nature, case complexity, and specific payer policies. This article goes into more detail about IVL reimbursement, including Medicare payments and codes. For questions about the economics and market for CAD and PAD treatments, check out this article.

Nitrates: Medications like nitroglycerin used to relieve chest pain or angina.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging technique used in conjunction with IVL to help assess the effectiveness of treatments against calcified lesions. OCT uses interferometry with short-coherence-length light to obtain high-resolution cross-sectional imaging.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): PAD affects the arteries outside the heart, especially the ones that supply blood to the legs and feet. With PAD, calcified plaque buildup narrows or blocks one or more peripheral arteries. This makes it more difficult for the blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to tissues in the limbs.

Rotational ablation: A category of devices designed to “ablate” or remove heavily calcified plaque. The device moves rotationally, helping to treat difficult plaque that stents or traditional balloon angioplasty may struggle with. 

Shockwave Medical: To date, Shockwave Medical has been the leading developer of IVL technologies. 

Stable angina: Temporary chest pain or discomfort that comes and goes. This is often an early warning sign of CAD.

Statins: Medications used to lower LDL "bad" cholesterol levels.

Stenosis: The gradual process of plaque building over time and narrowing the arteries. This makes it more difficult for the heart and vessels to transport blood. 

Stent: To help “open up” a congested artery, a tubular support called a stent can be placed temporarily inside a vessel to aid in healing or relieve an obstruction.