Coronary Artery Disease: A Silent but Prevalent Health Condition
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a silent yet prevalent health condition that affects over 20 million adults in the United States. It is the most common heart disease and the leading cause of death in the country, accounting for approximately 370,000 deaths each year. CAD occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque, a substance made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances.
A New Treatment Option: Abbott’s Investigational Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System
Abbott, a global healthcare leader, is pioneering new potential treatments for CAD with its investigational Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System. IVL uses sound pressure waves to treat arterial calcium buildup, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatments such as angioplasty and bypass surgery.
How IVL Works
The IVL System delivers targeted acoustic pulses to the calcified plaque in the coronary artery, fragmenting the calcium without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. This allows for better vessel preparation for stenting, potentially reducing the risk of complications and improving long-term outcomes for patients.
A Comprehensive Vascular Portfolio from Abbott
Abbott’s comprehensive vascular portfolio includes technologies designed to assess, treat, and manage calcium buildup in coronary arteries. In addition to the IVL System, Abbott offers the Calcium Scan, a non-invasive CT scan for the early detection of coronary artery calcium, and the MitraClip system for the treatment of mitral regurgitation, another common heart condition.
The Impact of IVL on Individuals and the World
The Personal Impact
For individuals with CAD, the approval of Abbott’s IVL System represents a potential breakthrough in the treatment of severe calcification in coronary arteries. By offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatments, IVL has the potential to reduce the risk of complications and improve long-term outcomes for patients.
The Global Impact
The approval of IVL is not only significant for those diagnosed with CAD but also for the global healthcare community. With CAD being the leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide, the development of innovative treatments like IVL is crucial in addressing this global health issue.
Conclusion
The approval of Abbott’s investigational Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System marks a significant step forward in the treatment of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), the most common heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States. IVL offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatments, using sound pressure waves to treat arterial calcium buildup, potentially reducing the risk of complications and improving long-term outcomes for patients. Abbott’s comprehensive vascular portfolio, which includes the Calcium Scan and the MitraClip system, further highlights the company’s commitment to addressing various heart conditions and improving patient care. The impact of IVL extends beyond individual patients, as it represents a crucial development in the global fight against CAD.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting over 20 million adults.
- Abbott’s investigational Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System uses sound pressure waves to treat arterial calcium buildup, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatments.
- Abbott’s comprehensive vascular portfolio includes the Calcium Scan, a non-invasive CT scan for the early detection of coronary artery calcium, and the MitraClip system for the treatment of mitral regurgitation.
- The approval of IVL represents a significant development in the treatment of Coronary Artery Disease, with the potential to reduce the risk of complications and improve long-term outcomes for patients.
- The global impact of IVL extends beyond individual patients, as it represents a crucial development in the global fight against CAD.
