Abbott launches intravascular lithotripsy trial aimed at clearing coronary arteries

Abbott's investigational Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System offers a new potential treatment by using sound pressure waves to treat arterial calcium blockages

Abbott announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an investigational device exemption (IDE) for its Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System to evaluate the treatment of severe calcification in coronary arteries prior to stenting. The TECTONIC Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) clinical trial will enroll up to 335 people in 47 sites in the U.S.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common heart disease in the U.S., with more than 20 million adults impacted by the condition.

Currently, physicians often use several therapy approaches to clear calcified arterial blockages, including cutting balloons and atherectomy technology. IVL is a newer treatment for calcified coronary arteries that treats blockages by fracturing the calcium within the artery wall, potentially allowing for vessel expansion and better stent placement. Abbott's investigational Coronary IVL System uses high-energy sound pressure waves to treat calcium blockages prior to placing a stent.

"For people living with coronary artery disease, severe calcification can make treatment more challenging, often limiting the effectiveness of standard interventions like angioplasty or stenting," said Eric Secemsky, M.D., director of vascular intervention at the CardioVascular Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA and co-principal investigator for the TECTONIC Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) trial. "The TECTONIC Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) trial will evaluate a possible new treatment option to prepare the vessel prior to stenting and optimize stent placement."

"Abbott is a leader in treating coronary artery disease, offering the best diagnostics and therapeutic options for calcium detection and treatment at every stage. Through our expansive portfolio of treatment offerings, we aim to make interventions safer and more effective for people who need them most," said Jennifer Jones-McMeans, Ph.D., divisional vice president of global clinical affairs at Abbott's vascular business. "Now, by working with physicians to evaluate Abbott's Coronary IVL System, we are exploring the next generation of calcium modification technology, advancing our portfolio of treatments for coronary artery disease."