Title: Extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy markedly ameliorates ischemia-induced myocardial dysfunction in pigs in vivo

Authors: Takahiro Nishida, Hiroaki Shimokawa, Keiji Oi, Hideki Tatewaki, Toyokazu Uwatoku, Kohtaro Abe, Yasuharu Matsumoto, Noriyoshi Kajihara, Masataka Eto, Takehisa Matsuda, Hisataka Yasui, Akira Takeshita, Kenji Sunagawa

This study explored the effects of extracorporeal shockwave (SW) therapy on ischemic heart disease, a condition with limited treatment options. In vitro experiments showed that SW treatment increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor, promoting angiogenesis. In a pig model of chronic myocardial ischemia, SW therapy applied to the ischemic heart region resulted in significant improvements in left ventricular function, wall thickness, and regional blood flow compared to untreated animals. These improvements were sustained over four weeks and were not accompanied by complications or arrhythmias. Additionally, in vivo studies showed an upregulation of VEGF expression in the treated ischemic heart tissue.

The findings suggest that extracorporeal cardiac SW therapy is a promising noninvasive approach for treating ischemic heart disease. By enhancing angiogenesis and improving blood flow to the ischemic region, SW therapy effectively restored heart function. This therapy has the potential to offer an alternative treatment option for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized by poor prognosis due to limited effective therapies. The noninvasive nature of SW therapy makes it an attractive option, as it reduces the need for invasive procedures.

Further research and clinical trials are needed to validate and refine the effectiveness of extracorporeal cardiac SW therapy. However, these results highlight the potential of this therapy as a viable and beneficial strategy for treating ischemic heart disease, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

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