Abbott Laboratories has received an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a clinical trial evaluating its Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of severely calcified coronary artery disease.
The TECTONIC CAD IVL Trial will enroll up to 335 patients across the United States to assess the safety and effectiveness of Abbott's investigational technology, which employs high-energy sound pressure waves to modify calcium deposits in coronary arteries prior to stent placement.
"For people living with coronary artery disease, severe calcification can make treatment more challenging, often limiting the effectiveness of standard interventions like angioplasty or stenting," explained Dr. Eric Secemsky, co-principal investigator of the trial and director of vascular intervention at the CardioVascular Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. "The TECTONIC CAD IVL trial will evaluate a possible new treatment option to prepare the vessel prior to stenting and optimize stent placement."
Addressing a Critical Clinical Challenge
Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with calcified lesions presenting particular challenges for interventional cardiologists. Severe calcification can impede balloon expansion, prevent proper stent deployment, and increase procedural complications.
Abbott's IVL system aims to address these challenges by using sonic pressure waves to fracture calcium deposits while minimizing damage to soft tissue. This approach could potentially improve outcomes for patients with complex coronary lesions who might otherwise have limited treatment options.
"Through our expansive portfolio of treatment offerings, we aim to make interventions safer and more effective for people who need them most," said Jennifer Jones-McMeans, PhD, divisional vice president of global clinical affairs for Abbott's vascular business. "Now, by working with physicians to evaluate Abbott's Coronary IVL System, we are exploring the next generation of calcium modification technology, advancing our portfolio of treatments for coronary artery disease."
Strategic Positioning in a Competitive Market
The IDE approval comes at a time when intravascular lithotripsy has become one of the most sought-after technologies in interventional cardiology. Johnson & Johnson acquired Shockwave Medical, the pioneer in IVL technology, for $13 billion in 2024. More recently, Boston Scientific entered the IVL market by acquiring Bolt Medical for up to $664 million in early 2025.
Abbott's entry into this space represents a strategic move to expand its comprehensive cardiovascular portfolio, which already includes leading stent platforms, imaging technologies, and structural heart devices.
Financial Performance and Future Outlook
The IVL trial announcement coincides with Abbott's strong financial performance. The company recently reported robust Q4 2024 earnings results, with growth in both net income and diluted earnings per share. Abbott also declared its 405th consecutive quarterly dividend, highlighting its long-standing commitment to shareholder returns.
Over the past five years, Abbott has delivered a total shareholder return of 73.92%, reflecting both share price appreciation and dividend growth. The company has maintained over 50 consecutive years of dividend increases as of December 2024.
Abbott's focus on innovation extends beyond coronary interventions. In November 2024, the company initiated a collaboration with Insulet Corporation to integrate continuous glucose monitoring with insulin delivery systems, strengthening its position in the diabetes care market. Additionally, Abbott launched a leadless pacemaker system in February 2025, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to advancing cardiovascular care.
Market Impact and Industry Trends
The IVL market has seen rapid growth as interventional cardiologists increasingly recognize the technology's value in treating complex coronary lesions. With major players like Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific, and now Abbott investing in this space, competition is likely to drive further innovation and potentially expand access to these advanced treatment options.
For Abbott, the successful development and potential approval of its Coronary IVL System would complement its existing portfolio of cardiovascular interventions and potentially strengthen its competitive position in the treatment of complex coronary artery disease.
As the TECTONIC CAD IVL Trial progresses, clinicians and industry observers will be watching closely to assess how Abbott's technology compares to existing solutions and whether it can deliver meaningful improvements in procedural success and patient outcomes for those with severely calcified coronary disease.
