On January 5, 2025, Boston Scientific went public to acquire Bolt Medical, a developer of an innovative laser-based intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) catheter. IVL treats calcified blockages in arteries that develop over time and restrict blood flow. If untreated, it can progress to more serious conditions for the individual, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), myocardial infarction (heart attack), or cerebral infarction (stroke). IVL procedures are also often conducted before some procedures such as the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) to allow for smooth femoral access to the aorta.
The Current State of IVL
IVL is a relatively new approach in cardiology, with roots in the urology industry for treating kidney stones, by utilizing shockwaves to break up the stones. However, using this technique to fracture calcium buildups in arteries is now gaining traction in cardiovascular procedures due to its efficiency. Currently, the IVL market is dominated by Shockwave Medical, a company that was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in May of 2024. Shockwave pioneered the use of shockwave technology to break up hardened plaque in blood vessels, however, more recently a new laser-based intravascular lithotripsy approach has been developed. This laser-based IVL approach offers an alternative to shockwave treatment with its precision and ability to treat different types of arterial blockages.
The Future of the IVL Market with Boston Scientific
Boston Scientific owned 26% of Bolt Medical before the announcement. The deal will include $443 million in upfront costs for the 74% remaining stake and potentially $221 million in payments for regulatory milestones. Boston Scientific’s evaluation of Bolt Medical shows that they see substantial value in Bolt Medical’s technology and future potential in the intravascular lithotripsy market. With little to no competition in the IVL market for Shockwave for the past few years, this acquisition by Boston Scientific may cause a noticeable shift in the market over the next 5 years as Boston Scientific will be able to make the requisite investments to compete with Johnson & Johnson over market share. With the introduction of a potentially strong competitor in this market, the pressure to improve marketing and innovation for IVL will increase to outperform each other.
Conclusion
Boston Scientific’s acquisition of Bolt Medical marks an important event in the IVL market. By incorporating Bolt Medical’s innovative IVL technology, Boston Scientific is positioning itself to become a key player in a rapidly expanding market. As Boston Scientific competes against Johnson & Johnson, the industry can expect an increased focus on innovation and improved treatment options for patients.
This highlights Boston Scientific’s commitment to advancing healthcare while reshaping the dynamics of the intravascular lithotripsy market, benefiting both medical professionals and patients with more effective, accessible solutions to prevent cardiovascular conditions and diseases. For more insight into the growing market for the intravascular lithotripsy market, take a look at our 2024 Global Peripheral Vascular Devices Market Report Suite.
