What does this research mean for the field?

Intravascular lithotripsy safely and effectively modifies severe coronary calcification to enable optimal stent expansion, resulting in sustained symptom relief. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To highlight the effectiveness of intravascular lithotripsy in treating severe coronary artery calcification during stent implantation.

June 7, 2026Open Access

Two Case Reports of Percutaneous Intravascular Lithotripsy for the Treatment of Severe Coronary Artery Calcification

Key Points

To highlight the effectiveness of intravascular lithotripsy in treating severe coronary artery calcification during stent implantation.
Case reports of two women, aged 85 and 76, with severe coronary artery calcification.
Both underwent intravascular lithotripsy prior to stent insertion.
Intravascular ultrasound was used to assess stent expansion post-procedure.
Effective calcium modification was confirmed with intravascular ultrasound post-procedure.
Less than 10% residual stenosis was observed after stent placement.
No perioperative complications occurred, and both patients remained symptom-free at 1-year follow-up.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Severe coronary calcification is a common challenge in percutaneous coronary intervention, often resulting in suboptimal stent expansion. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) employs acoustic pressure waves to fracture calcified plaques and increase procedural success. Two women, aged 85 and 76 years, with heavily calcified coronary lesions, underwent IVL prior to stent implantation. Post‐procedure intravascular ultrasound confirmed effective calcium modification and optimal stent expansion (< 10% residual stenosis). No perioperative complications occurred. Both patients remained symptom‐free at the 1‐year follow‐up.

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