Low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Despite recent advances in medical knowledge and technology, ischemic heart disease is still one of the major causes of death, with the morbidity increasing worldwide. We have recently developed a new, noninvasive angiogenic therapy using low-energy shock waves. Low-energy extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy improves myocardial ischemia in a porcine model of chronic myocardial ischemia and in patients with refractory angina pectoris. Shock wave therapy also improves walking ability in patients with peripheral arterial disease and ameliorates digital skin ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis. Furthermore, animal studies suggest that shock wave therapy may be effective to suppress left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction and to enhance locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. Here, we summarize the studies in animals and humans and discuss the advantages and perspectives of low-energy shock wave therapy.