FDA clears sound wave technology to blast plaque in arteries

From MedCity News:

“Peripheral artery disease, where plaque builds up in arteries in the legs and in other places preventing blood flow is usually treated using balloon angioplasty and stents, if a procedure is called for.

Now, one California startup is hoping to provide another option to physicians who can use the device to either replace current treatments or use it in conjunction with them. Fremont-based Shockwave Medical announced Friday that the Food and Drug Administration has cleared its Lithoplasty System for use in peripheral artery disease. One in 20 Americans over the age of 50 has PAD, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.”