Discover the potential of shockwave therapy in regenerating heart tissue as a breakthrough treatment for cardiovascular diseases. Explore the scientific mechanisms behind shockwaves and their applications in medicine. Delve into the use of shockwaves in heart operations and their benefits in regeneration. Learn about the pioneer in the field and hear from a patient who has undergone shockwave therapy. Explore future applications of shockwave therapy in medicine, including treating rectal dysfunction and athletic problems, and cellulite treatment.
Shockwave therapy applied directly to the heart after surgery can lead to new growth of blood vessels and trigger the body's immune system into action, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of heart disease.
Preliminary studies and trials have shown that shockwave therapy can aid in the recruitment and regeneration of heart muscle cells, offering hope for improving heart function and treating heart damage resulting from conditions like scar tissue after a heart attack.
Deep dives
Shockwave therapy: A potential revolution in heart disease treatment
In this podcast episode, the host explores the potential of shockwave therapy in revolutionizing the treatment of heart disease. With 18 million people dying from heart disease or other cardiovascular complications each year, and no real cure available, cardiologists and heart surgeons attempt to manage the condition with devices, surgery, and drugs. However, the heart itself cannot heal or regenerate new cells, making the search for a way to regenerate heart tissue a medical challenge. The episode discusses how doctors in Austria are investigating shockwave therapy as a method to achieve this regeneration, potentially providing a breakthrough for heart disease treatment.
Understanding shockwave therapy and its history
The podcast delves into the mechanics of shockwave therapy, explaining that it involves applying a sound pressure wave to the body to aid in the healing of wounds and bones. Shockwaves were first noticed during World War II when explosions in sea battles caused pressure waves that affected the lungs of unfortunate sailors. Over time, researchers harnessed shockwaves for healing purposes, such as disintegrating kidney stones and increasing bone density. The therapy showed potential in regenerating tissue and prompted the growth of new blood vessels. Though initially met with skepticism, doctors have been studying shockwaves to gain credibility and acceptance as a new treatment.
The potential of shockwave therapy in cardiac surgery
The episode highlights the work of Dr. Johannes Holfeld at Innsbruck Medical University, who is investigating the use of shockwave therapy in cardiac surgery. He aims to improve heart function and regenerate heart tissue in patients who have suffered heart damage, such as scar tissue resulting from a heart attack. Preliminary studies and trials have shown promising results, with shockwave therapy aiding in the recruitment and regeneration of heart muscle cells and inducing the formation of new blood vessels. While more extensive studies are needed, shockwave therapy could have a significant impact on the treatment and management of heart disease.
Heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases are the biggest killer in the world, causing 18 million deaths globally every year.
Cardiologists and heart surgeons try to manage heart disease with stents, surgery and drugs, but the organ itself does not heal. Finding a way to regenerate heart tissue has become a holy grail for medicine.
Now there is new hope from a strange and pioneering technique from Austria. Doctors there believe that applying shockwaves directly to the heart after surgery dramatically improves patient outcomes.
The shockwaves – which are sonic pressure waves, rather than electric shocks – lead to new growth of blood vessels and trick the body’s immune system into action.
The BBC’s global health correspondent Naomi Grimley travels to Innsbruck to see the treatment in action.
Presenter: Myra Anubi
Producer: William Kremer
Series producer: Tom Colls
Sound mix: Hal Haines and Gareth Jones
Editor: Penny Murphy
Email: peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk
Image: Heart surgery
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