November 11, 2026
HOUMA, LA – Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) and Terrebonne General Health System (Terrebonne General) are the first in the South Central Area to use to the Shockwave™ C2 Aero Fly Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) Catheter to treat severely calcified coronary artery disease. CIS interventional cardiologist Dr. Vinod Nair and the Cath Lab team performed this procedure on October 5 at Terrebonne General Health System.
Developed, manufactured, and distributed by Johnson & Johnson, the Shockwave™ C2 Aero Fly Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) Catheter uses acoustic pressure waves to fracture calcium buildup within the walls of the coronary arteries, helping improve blood flow to the heart. The catheter features a balloon that is positioned within the calcified area of the artery and delivers energy pulses at a rate of 2 hertz (Hz), or two pulses per second. This technology delivers treatment at approximately twice the speed of previous-generation coronary IVL devices.
The coronary arteries are responsible for delivering nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Coronary artery disease occurs when fatty deposits, or plaque, builds up within the inner walls of these arteries, leading to partial or complete blockages.
“Being the first in our region to perform this advanced heart procedure is a proud milestone for our organization and, more importantly, for the patients and families we serve,” said Phyllis Peoples, Terrebonne General President and CEO. “It reflects Terrebonne General and our partner, CIS’s commitment to innovation, clinical excellence, and bringing advanced cardiac care closer to home.”
“Being the first in our region to use the Shockwave C2 Aero Fly is an important step for our Cath lab and, more importantly, for our patients,” said Dr. Nair. “Severely calcified coronary lesions remain among some of the most challenging cases we treat, and intravascular lithotripsy has become a valuable tool for preparing these vessels before stenting. The C2 Aero Fly’s faster pulsing shortens overall treatment time, meaning less time with the balloon inflated for the patient and a smoother workflow for our team. Its refined catheter design is also meant to improve deliverability, helping us reach difficult anatomy with fewer exchanges. We’re always looking for technology that improves both the patient experience and procedural efficiency, and I’m proud that our patients are among the first in the region to benefit.”
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