The study, involving 63 participants, revealed significant improvements in heart function and physical endurance, marking a potential breakthrough in cardiovascular treatment.
In a groundbreaking study conducted by Innsbruck Medical University, researchers found that applying mild soundwaves to heart tissue after bypass surgery could stimulate regeneration. The study, which involved 63 patients, demonstrated that those who received the shockwave treatment, dubbed a “space hairdryer” by researchers, showed marked improvements in heart function and physical stamina.
Patients treated with the shockwaves experienced an 11.3% increase in the amount of oxygenated blood pumped by their hearts, compared to a 6.3% increase in the control group. Additionally, these patients could walk further without rest and reported a higher quality of life.
The shockwave procedure, which takes about 10 minutes, is performed under general anaesthesia and aims to stimulate the growth of new vessels around the damaged heart tissue. This method, already used for treating other conditions like injured tendons and erectile dysfunction, leverages mild sound waves to promote tissue regeneration.
The promising results have led to plans for larger trials to replicate the findings in a broader patient group. Researchers expect European regulators to approve the device later this year, with the first applications outside clinical trials anticipated for 2025.
Every year, heart disease claims 18 million lives globally, with risk factors including high blood pressure, unhealthy diets, and tobacco use. While current treatments manage the disease and reduce heart attack risks, they cannot improve heart function. This new shockwave therapy could potentially transform post-surgery outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.
The study, funded by Austrian government departments, the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and a spin-off company from Innsbruck Medical University, was published in the European Heart Journal.
