KSHB: Game-changing new procedure uses sound waves to break up blockages in arteries

A new procedure is giving patients a less invasive treatment option for artery disease.

Shockwave is a new device that uses sound waves to break up blockages in the arteries. Saint Luke's is one of just nine sites across the country participating in the clinical trial.

"When they developed it for treating kidney stones, they used ultrasound waves around the outside to break up the kidney stones," said Dr. Anthony Hart, a cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute. "This technology takes that idea and miniaturizes it."

KSHB talked to Mona Murphy, the first patient to undergo the Shockwave procedure at Saint Luke's, after another hospital told her she would need open heart surgery. She came to Saint Luke's for a second opinion.

Watch the full story below.

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