Innovative technology for the treatment of advanced heart disease available only at Parrish Medical Center

TITUSVILLE, FL (January 14, 2022) – Advanced heart disease treatment that reduces the risk for heart attack and stroke while increasing patient safety and comfort is now available in Brevard County, exclusively at Parrish Medical Center (PMC).

Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL), uses sonic pressure waves to break up arterial calcium deposits that cause atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which decreases blood flow and can also lead to heart attacks and strokes. IVL was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Feb. 2021.

“In our Cardiac Cath Lab, we are using IVL to treat complicated calcified coronary heart disease in a safer and easier way than ever before,” said Cath Lab Director and Chairman of Medicine Dr. Biju Mathews. “With this technology we are able to achieve better lasting results through better lesion preparation and a higher degree of stent expansion that reduces the need for future procedures,” says Dr. Mathews.

The FDA describes how IVL is used to treat heart disease: “The lithotripsy emitters at the end of the catheter create pressure waves that are intended to break up the calcification that is restricting blood flow in the vessels of the heart. This helps open the blood vessels when the balloon is inflated (angioplasty). After using the Shockwave system, the doctor will implant a different device called a stent, which is a metal tube that helps keep the vessel open.”

More than 125 Floridians a day die of heart disease, making it the state’s leading cause of death. Nationally, more than 600,000 people die annually of heart disease[1]. As heart disease, specifically coronary calcification, progresses, plaque buildup on the arterial wall narrows and eventually restricts blood flow. IVL, as described, is a better way to bring a healing experience for cardiac patients.

“Medical technology, once approved for use, is of value only to patients when they have access to it. We’re delighted at PMC to be the only hospital in Brevard presently making IVL treatment available to patients in need of this vital service,” said Dr. Mathews. Parrish’s first IVL treatment was performed in November by Dr. Mathews.

IVL is PMC’s latest cardiovascular advancement offered as a part of the hospital’s cardiovascular patient care services. PMC was also the first to offer other cardiovascular advancements such as the world’s smallest pacemaker, the Micra AV.

For more information visit parrishhealthcare.com/IVL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mathews, call 321-383-7600.