Intravascular Lithotripsy for Calcified Saphenous Vein Graft Stenosis Post-CABG: A Review of Literature and Experience

Percutaneous intervention for calcified saphenous vein graft (SVG) stenosis poses significant challenges. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) addresses these limitations through low-pressure acoustic energy that selectively fractures calcium while preserving vessel integrity, enabling safer stent delivery and expansion in fragile vein grafts. Current evidence suggests IVL achieves effective calcification modification with reduced risks of embolization and perforation compared to conventional atherectomy techniques. This review summarizes contemporary experience with IVL for calcified SVG lesions, evaluates its technical advantages over alternative approaches, and identifies future research priorities to advance clinical adoption.