In the past, cardiovascular patients who had calcified arteries were pretty much guaranteed the need for invasive bypass surgery or high-risk interventions. Now, thanks to new technology, patients in the Mary Lanning Healthcare Cardiac Catheterization Lab have another option.
Dr. Abhi Basoor, MLH Medical Director of Cardiovascular Services, said he and the Cath Lab now have the needed equipment to perform Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL). For some patients, IVL is a less-invasive option in which a balloon catheter is used. A device then emits sonic pressure waves that break up the calcium inside the coronary arteries. The process is similar to that used to break up kidney stones.
“This is a great new technology to help people and keep patients from having to travel for care,” Dr. Basoor said. “They can have the procedure done here and then we can do a stent to help take care of the patient. With IVL, there is less risk of complications over bypass or other high-risk interventions.”
IVL, along with digital intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), are just two of the newest technologies that make the MLH Cath Lab a state-of-the-art option, Basoor said.
Digital intravascular ultrasound is used in tandem with angiogram pictures to give cardiologists a better look at what is going on with the heart during procedures.
These advanced technologies, along with the award-winning* standard of care at MLH, mean better outcomes for patients, Dr. Basoor said.
* CareChex designated the MLH cardiac program among the top 10% in Nebraska in 2020.