Johnson & Johnson has published an Innovation feature detailing the development of Shockwave Medical’s intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) system, which uses ultrasonic acoustic pressure waves to treat calcified coronary and peripheral artery disease.

• Technology Overview: Shockwave IVL delivers tuned ultrasonic pressure waves via a balloon catheter to create micro-cracks in hardened arterial calcium, improving vessel compliance without removing plaque.
• Clinical Challenge: Severe calcification in coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) can increase the risk of complications during traditional balloon angioplasty or rotational atherectomy procedures.
• Product Portfolio & Pipeline: Shockwave offers balloon-based and catheter-based IVL platforms, including the Javelin Peripheral IVL catheter for tight lesions. A next-generation device, the Shockwave C2 Aero IVL catheter, is expected in the first half of 2026.

The article includes commentary from Patrick Stephens, Vice President of Global Research, Technology and Development at Shockwave Medical, part of Johnson & Johnson, on ongoing device innovation and development.

This summary is based on an Innovation article published by Johnson & Johnson.