When is intravascular lithotripsy indicated?

• A. For heavily calcified lesions to facilitate balloon expansion and stent deployment
• B. For soft plaques only
• C. For arrhythmias
• D. For infection control

Answer: (D)

Intravascular lithotripsy is used to modify heavily calcified arterial lesions that resist balloon dilation, so that the balloon can fully expand and a stent can be deployed at the intended diameter. The method delivers localized acoustic shockwaves to fracture calcium within the vessel wall, making it easier to dilate the vessel while preserving surrounding soft tissue. This is especially helpful when standard balloon angioplasty fails or when a stent cannot be adequately expanded due to rigid calcified plaque. It is not used for soft plaques, arrhythmias, or infection control, which is why the statement about treating heavily calcified lesions to facilitate balloon expansion and stent deployment is the correct concept.