Intravascular Lithotripsy for Suprarenal Coral Reef Aorta: A Novel Endovascular Approach to Complex Calcified Disease

Thalis Charalambous1, Fotios Sousamlis1, Grigorios Katsantouris1

  • 1Radiology Department, Sismanogleio General Hospital, Athens, GRC.

Cureus
|January 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Coral reef aorta (CRA) is a rare condition causing severe aortic stenosis. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) offers a safe, standalone endovascular solution for complex CRA cases, improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology

Background:

  • Coral reef aorta (CRA) is a rare atherosclerotic condition causing severe aortic and visceral/renal branch stenosis.
  • Treatment challenges include anatomical complexity and limited landing zones for endovascular repair.

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