Ultrasuoni per liberare le coronarie. Parma eccellenza italiana.

Parma, Italian excellence. 

A non-invasive technique was developed, already used for kidney stones, extracorporeal lithotripsy, adapted to interventional cardiology. 

Ultrasound, emitted by a balloon positioned in the coronary artery, shatters existing calcifications, paving the way for the placement of the stent which will adhere to the walls, maintaining patency where there is a tendency to occlusion. 

The first procedure was performed at the Parma Hospital, the head of Interventional Cardiology is Prof. Luigi Vignali with his specialists, assisted by the nursing team: Dr. Marco Savi, Dr. Giacomo Fileccia and coordinator Marina Dazzi. 

This technique promises to reduce not only the probability of success but also recovery time. 

Let us remember that coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death, accounting for one third of all deaths.

Coronary artery disease is 6.1 times higher in white men than in white women. The mortality rate among women increases after menopause. 

Coronary artery disease is the stenosis (narrowing) of the coronary arteries, which can reduce or completely stop the blood supply to the heart.

The consequences can range from angina pectoris, heart attack, or even cardiac arrest. 

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, ECG, stress tests, and coronary angiography.

Prevention consists of modifying reversible risk factors, such as lifestyle. Pay attention to diabetes, smoking, limit junk food, sedentary lifestyle, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension. Treatment includes drugs and procedures aimed at reducing ischemia and restoring or improving coronary circulatione.