The Effects of EDTA with a Porous Balloon on Calcified Lesions

While catheter-based interventional techniques for atherosclerotic lesions have advanced, improved treatments specifically targeting calcified lesions are still needed. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a chelating agent that can be used dissolve calcium deposits; however, its effectiveness in decalcifying atherosclerotic lesions is unclear. To test the feasibility of this treatment, CVPath scientists delivered EDTA through a porous balloon to target calcified lesions in below-the-knee (BTK) arteries using a cadaveric human model. Different formulas of EDTA were circulated for 6 and 24 hours, and MicroCT imaging was performed before and after the circulation to evaluate the calcified lesions.

Scientists concluded that two types of EDTA with longer circulation times resulted in greater calcium reduction in atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, EDTA may be a potential option for treating atherosclerotic calcified lesions.

Read the article here, published in the journal Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions.