FastWave Medical, a pioneering intravascular lithotripsy startup, has secured Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval to commence a coronary feasibility study utilizing its novel Sola™ laser IVL (L-IVL) system. The Minneapolis-based company is partnering with Clinical Accelerator to achieve this milestone, paving the way for its planned U.S. pivotal trial.
Advanced Laser Technology for Calcium Modification
FastWave's next-generation Sola™ L-IVL system empowers physicians treating cardiovascular calcium with sleek, rupture-resistant balloon catheters. The system features a custom laser energy source that produces actuating, circumferential sonic pressure waves with precision and consistency, allowing for improved operator control to safely and effectively modify calcium.
"FastWave's laser IVL system is sophisticated, yet very easy to use. It holds a lot of promise for reshaping complex arterial disease treatment, enabling cardiologists to treat calcified arteries with more precision and efficiency," said Dr. Amir Kaki, Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support and High-Risk Coronary Interventions at Henry Ford St. John Hospital.
Dual-Platform Approach to Arterial Disease
In addition to the coronary feasibility study, FastWave is preparing to commence a U.S. Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) pivotal trial this year for the treatment of peripheral artery disease with its Artero™ electric IVL (E-IVL) system. This dual-platform approach addresses both coronary and peripheral applications of calcific artery disease treatment.
"FastWave is taking the reins and rapidly advancing IVL therapy with its differentiated peripheral and coronary systems. On behalf of my fellow interventionalists, we're genuinely excited to have more IVL options to treat patients with complex arterial disease," said Dr. Art Lee, Director of Peripheral Vascular Services at TCAVI in Gainesville, FL.
Strategic Development and Funding
FastWave's technologies are designed to address limitations in current calcium-modification approaches, offering improved deliverability, usability, and energy output. The company has obtained more than $40 million in venture funding to support its dual-platform IVL technology advancement.
"Our committed team is aiming to set a new standard in the IVL category, enabling physicians to achieve best-in-class clinical outcomes. This IRB approval represents a major milestone in our mission to deliver transformative technology to physicians and their patients," said Scott Nelson, co-founder and CEO of FastWave.
Intellectual Property Portfolio
FastWave Medical has strengthened its intellectual property position, obtaining six utility patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, with four patents granted in 2024 alone. This robust patent portfolio supports the company's innovative IVL technology development.
The collaboration with Clinical Accelerator, a contract research organization specializing in medical device studies, ensures rapid implementation of early feasibility studies and first-in-human studies, offering early entry into the clinic for FastWave's innovative technologies.
