Shockwave versus balloon for tough calcium in heart arteries
Part of Heart & circulation clinical trials.
This trial compares two treatments for heavily calcified heart artery blockages: a special balloon that uses sound waves to break up calcium (lithotripsy) versus a standard balloon. It also looks at whether using a camera inside the artery (OCT) helps guide the procedure.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are 18 or older.
- You have a type of heart disease, like stable angina or a recent heart attack that is now stable.
- Your blocked artery is at least 70% narrowed (or 50% with other signs of reduced blood flow) and has heavy calcium visible on x-ray.
- The artery is between 2.25 and 4.0 mm wide, based on the doctor's estimate.
- You have not had a stent in the same artery within the past year, and no major heart surgery ever in that artery.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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