Pulsed cavitational ultrasound softening: A new non-invasive therapeutic approach of calcified valve stenosis

Non-invasive therapy of calcified valve stenosis remains a major goal in cardiology. To date, no drug has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy on calcified valves. Valve replacement by surgery or minimally invasive techniques remain the only solutions available, despite the risks and the known side effects. We propose a novel non-invasive therapeutic approach based on the use of pulsed cavitational ultrasound (PCU) softening to improve valve opening by softening the calcified stiff cusp.