Shockwave Lithotripsy
Shockwave Lithotripsy (Intravascular lithotripsy)
Minimally Invasive Vascular Treatment In Southern Kentucky
Shockwave Lithotripsy for Severe Arterial Calcification
Some circulation problems are caused not just by plaque, but by hard calcium buildup inside the arteries. When arteries become severely calcified, they lose flexibility, making it harder for blood to flow—and harder to treat with standard procedures.
Shockwave lithotripsy is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment designed specifically for these hardened arteries. It is most often used for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) whose blockages contain significant calcium.
How Shockwave Lithotripsy Works
Shockwave lithotripsy uses controlled sound waves to gently fracture calcium within the artery wall. The treatment is delivered through a small balloon catheter placed inside the artery.
By softening the calcium, the artery becomes more flexible and can be safely widened, improving blood flow to the legs and feet.
What it does:
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Delivers sonic pressure waves through a balloon catheter
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Cracks hardened calcium within the artery wall
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Makes the artery more flexible so it can be safely widened
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Improves blood flow to the leg
Minimally Invasive
Shockwave Lithotripsy is a minimally invasive vascular treatment that is for patients with hardened arteries. This procedure is minimally invasive, which means it is performed without open surgery to help protect healthy artery tissue. This procedure is used to help improve blood flow and relieve symptoms. Because it is a minimally Invasive outpatient procedure, patients are able to return home the same day with little downtime.
Why Patients are Treated with Shockwave Lithotripsy
Shockwave lithotripsy may be recommended for patients who:
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Have PAD with significant arterial calcification
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Experience leg pain when walking, numbness, or cold feet
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Have non-healing wounds or ulcers related to poor circulation
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Have diabetes, kidney disease, or long-standing PAD
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Were previously told their arteries were “too calcified” to treat easily
Not every patient needs this approach, which is why a thorough vascular evaluation is essential.
This procedure is performed entirely in an outpatient setting—no hospital stay is required. Patients are typically able to walk immediately after the procedure and return to normal activities within a day or two. Dr. Brown, and Dr. Collins specialize in outpatient vein care and offer this advanced treatment in a comfortable, office-based environment, ensuring both convenience and high-quality vascular care.
Why Choose Shockwave Lithotripsy?
Shockwave lithotripsy is an advanced tool for treating severe, calcified PAD—helping restore blood flow when standard options may not be enough. Severely calcified arteries can make PAD more difficult to treat and may limit the effectiveness of traditional angioplasty alone. Shockwave lithotripsy allows physicians to treat complex blockages more safely and effectively, helping reduce complications and improve outcomes.
Get Started With Southern Kentucky Vascular
Whether you’re concerned about varicose veins that are becoming more and more prominent or you’ve been referred to our center by your primary care provider, we’re here to help! Learn more about Varicose Vein Treatments we offer and the process for getting treatment today.