Southeast Georgia Health System strives to provide advanced technology to meet the medical needs of our communities. Most recently, health systems have begun offering new treatments for patients with severe calcified coronary artery disease.
This condition occurs when calcium builds up in the two major arteries of the heart, the coronary arteries. It occurs years later when plaque (fat and cholesterol) begins to form (atherosclerosis). This is a more extreme form of cardiovascular disease that has become commonplace.
“Of course, this is not the kind of calcium you drink or take in supplements.” can cause severe blockages.”
A board-certified interventional cardiologist of Southeast Georgia Physician Associates – Board of Cardiology and a member of the medical staff at Brunswick Hospital, Thane is very familiar with the condition. Calcium buildup can cause problems of its own if the patient requires treatment to correct the heart condition.
“Traditionally, the way to open up these severe blockages to place a stent was to use a tool that was basically a drill. We’ll dig it out and put a stent in it,” he said. “But it can create complications of its own. Using a drill can tear an artery, which can lead to heart rate problems.”
In addition to rotobladers, another method by which surgeons have previously addressed calcified coronary artery disease is through bypass surgery. Both paths have risks.
As such, the new approach is welcomed by certain cardiologists and others. This is a revolutionary technique and a new application of lithotripsy. It uses sonic pressure waves, also called shock wave energy.
“Sonic pressure waves have been used for decades to safely break up kidney stones. It has been approved by the FDA to be used to remove
“IVL, performed in the catheterization lab, breaks down calcium so that the artery can be safely dilated and a stent can be implanted to restore blood flow with minimal trauma to normal arterial tissue. In some cases, it can eliminate the need for open-heart surgery.”
This technique is a less invasive mode of addressing this condition and is welcome news for cardiologists and patients.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. Of which he has more than 600,000 deaths in the United States. Only those with severe calcifications need new treatments, but for his 30% of patients with calcium problems, it opens the door to simpler treatments.
“Starting a new chapter in heart care with some of our most complex patient cases is exciting and certainly offers new hope for patients with cardiovascular disease.”Health System Leadership The team, along with all providers and team members, is committed to being the provider of choice in the region, offering advanced procedures proven to improve patient outcomes. , is evidence of our dedication to high-quality patient care.”
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