Angiogenesis is a physiological process involving the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels or coronary heart disease is group of syndromes arising from failure of the coronary arteries to supply sufficient blood to heart muscles; associated with atherosclerosis of coronary arteries. Improper function of the coronary arteries, by itself, may not be life threatening but it has a negative impact on the quality of life.
An Israeli company Cardiospec has developed a non-invasive therapy using extracorpeal shockwave technology. It is similar to the use of ultrasound for crushing kidney stones, but at a lower level of intensity. A cardiac ultrasound imaging system s used to locate the treatment area and shockwaves are then delivered via the acoustical component to the treatment area.. This leads to an enhancement of the growth of blood vessels.
At $250,000 a unit it is far from cheap but it pays for itself in less than one year's use.