Milwaukee hospital using sonic wave technology to treat artery blockages

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A local hospital is announcing it is the first in the state to use new technology to treat artery blockages.

Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital-Milwaukee says a new treatment called Lithoplasty is being used for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD.  The treatment uses sonic pressure waves and is historically used to treat patients with kidney stones.

The disease blocks blood flow to the legs and feet and can cause pain and limited mobility to sufferers leading to surgery or amputation in severe cases. The disease is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque which hardens over time and can be difficult to treat.

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