Complex coronary artery disease is a loosely defined term that describes a coronary artery disease (CAD) patient with a higher risk profile. In many cases, special care and treatment is necessary for these patients. Typically, patients who have CAD in addition to one or more of the following risk factors would fit this description:
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Increased age
- COPD
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Calcium build up and thickening in the vessels
- Unable to tolerate coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
CMC’s New England Heart & Vascular Institute offers highly specialized treatments for these patients including atherectomy, left ventricular assisted atherectomy, left ventricular assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and intravascular lithotripsy (Shockwave IVL).
Learn more: Shockwave IVL Hailed as Game Changer