Treating severe mitral valve calcification with a specialized balloon

Mitral Valve Lithotripsy Using the SMARTWAVE Balloon for Severe Mitral Annular or Valvular Calcification (SMART-MAC): First in Human Study

Not applicable Interventional Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong · NCT06952374

This study is testing a special balloon treatment for people with severe mitral valve calcification to see if it can help them feel better when other options aren't safe or effective.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPrince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shatin, New Territories)
Trial IDNCT06952374 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the SmartWave Lithotripsy balloon in treating severe mitral valve annular or valvular calcification, particularly in patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis. The study focuses on patients who have severe calcification that makes traditional balloon valvuloplasty risky or ineffective. By using intravascular lithotripsy, the trial seeks to facilitate the opening of the stenotic mitral valve, potentially improving patient outcomes. The approach is designed for patients who are not suitable candidates for conventional treatments due to the severity of their condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with severe symptomatic mitral stenosis and significant mitral annular calcification or chronic rheumatic heart disease.

Not a fit: Patients with moderate or greater mitral regurgitation, intracardiac thrombus, or those currently pregnant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life and outcomes for patients with severe mitral valve calcification.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with the off-label use of lithotripsy balloons in treating calcified lesions, indicating potential for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>18 and
* Able to give procedure and study consent and
* Severe symptomatic mitral stenosis (MVA \<1.5cm\^2 derived by 3D planimetry or continuity equation or pressure half time) and
* Presence of mitral annular calcification or
* CRHD with severe leaflet calcification with Wilkins score \>8

Exclusion Criteria:

* Baseline \> moderate MR
* Intracardiac thrombus as visualized by TEE
* Pregnant patients. Female patients of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test (per site standard test) within 7 days prior to index procedure.
* Active infection with bacteremia
* Current participation in another investigational drug or device study

Where this trial is running

Shatin, New Territories

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mitral Annulus CalcificationRheumatic Heart DiseaseMitral valve stenosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.