Using Shockwave IVL with Drug-Coated Balloons for Calcified Lesions in Small Coronary Vessels

Intravascular Lithotripsy Plus Drug-coated Balloon in Calcified Small Coronary Vessels: a Feasibility Exploratory Study

Observational Rede Optimus Hospitalar SA · NCT05625997

This study is testing if using shockwave therapy with special drug-coated balloons can help people with hard-to-treat blockages in small coronary arteries feel better and improve their heart health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRede Optimus Hospitalar SA Research network
Locations2 sites (São Paulo and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05625997 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effectiveness of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) combined with drug-coated balloons (DCB) for treating calcified lesions in small coronary arteries. The study aims to determine if IVL can improve the outcomes of balloon dilatation in these challenging cases, where traditional drug-eluting stents may pose higher risks. Patients eligible for this study must have significant coronary artery disease and meet specific criteria regarding lesion characteristics. The study will be conducted at multiple locations, including a prominent hospital in São Paulo and a university in Verona.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with coronary artery disease requiring intervention for calcified lesions in small vessels.

Not a fit: Patients with previous interventions near the target segment, long lesions, or specific lesion types such as bifurcation or thrombus-containing lesions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with calcified lesions in small coronary vessels.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with drug-coated balloons in similar contexts, suggesting potential success for this novel combination approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 years or older
2. Coronary artery disease with percutaneous intervention clinically indicated to treat one or more lesions fulfilling all criteria below:

   * De novo lesion with diameter stenosis \> 50% (visual analysis)
   * Coronary vessel diameter \< 3.0 mm (visual analysis)
   * Severe calcification at the target segment, defined as fluoroscopic radiopacities noted without cardiac motion prior to contrast injection involving both sides of the arterial wall in at least 1 location OR Intravascular Ultrasound/Optical Coherence Tomography (IVUS/OCT) demonstrated calcium angle of ≥270° on at least 1 cross section.
3. Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous coronary intervention at or \< 10 mm distant from target segment at any time.
2. Lesion length ≥ 40 mm.
3. Planned atherectomy or cutting/scoring balloon use.
4. Bifurcation lesion.
5. Thrombus containing lesion.
6. Life expectancy \< 12 months due to other co-morbid condition(s) that could limit patient's ability to participate in clinical study

Where this trial is running

São Paulo and 1 other locations

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 Calcified Lesions in Small Coronary Vessels
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.