Regional first for LRH cardiac team

Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) has begun treating cardiac patients with a groundbreaking cardiovascular treatment—the shock wave stent procedure.

This cutting-edge procedure, designed to treat complex cases of coronary artery disease, uses ultrasonic energy to safely and effectively widen hardened arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.

Unlike traditional treatments known as balloon angioplasty, which can struggle to address calcium buildup in blood vessels, this technology uses controlled sonic pressure or sound waves to crack the calcified deposits, clearing a path within the artery and allowing for easier stent placement. This ensures a smoother procedure and better outcomes for patients.

The shock wave technology is an innovative advancement in cardiovascular care, particularly in the treatment of calcified arteries which is well tolerated by the patient and safer than some other options such as open-heart surgery or rota blading which sees a high-speed drill remove calcium within the artery.

LRH is the first site outside Melbourne and Geelong to offer the shock wave procedure.

“For those suffering from severe coronary artery disease, especially in cases where calcium build-up complicates treatment, this procedure opens up new opportunities for care. It provides a safer, more effective method for clearing blockages and improving heart health,” Head of Cardiology at Latrobe Regional Health, Dr Derk Pol said.

The introduction of the shock wave stent procedure at LRH ensures that residents of the Gippsland region no longer need to travel to Melbourne for this state-of-the-art treatment.

“This means that if a patient is admitted for a more typical stent procedure, but we find that the traditional stent is not an option, we can move to a shock wave procedure immediately, rather than referring the patient to Melbourne.

“So, we’re now providing more extensive, world-class care closer to home, reducing the burden on families and improving recovery times,” Dr Pol said.

This latest development at LRH Cardiology is part of an ongoing expansion of the service that now includes four interventionist cardiologists and a team of specialised nurses, radiographers and theatre technicians.