Use of Shockwave intravascular lithotripsy for the treatment of symptomatic and severely calcified superior mesenteric artery stenosis

Background We present the use of intravascular lithotripsy as a treatment for highly calcified superior mesenteric artery stenosis. Case presentation A 67-year-old diabetic man had chronic postprandial abdominal pain and weight loss. Computed tomography angiography revealed highly calcified stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery. Selective angiography confirmed severe stenosis. A Shockwave lithotripsy balloon catheter was successfully used via brachial access to modify calcified plaque and increase vascular lumen. After 12 months of follow-up the patient had gained weight and had no abdominal postprandial pain. Conclusion Intravascular lithotripsy could be considered a new treatment modality to modify calcified lesions in the visceral arteries. More controlled studies are needed to demonstrate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of this new technology. Level of evidence 4, Case Report