Frequently Asked Questions about CSWT -
Schlosspraxen Meyer in Hachenburg
Answers to the
most important questions about cardiac shock wave therapy CSWT
How CSWT works and its principle of action, treatment process and
Patient safety – explained briefly
Cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) is a modern, purely outpatient and non-invasive procedure for improving blood flow to the heart muscle. It is used in particular in four key therapeutic areas: chronic angina pectoris, coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic heart failure and - after individual assessment - peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).
CSWT is therefore aimed at patients whose heart muscle is no longer receiving sufficient blood supply due to a circulatory disorder and for whom conventional measures such as medication, stents, or bypass surgery have already been exhausted or cannot be applied to the desired extent.
Many of our patients want to know how CSWT treatment works, what it can achieve, and how the therapy can be integrated into everyday life. On this page, you will find the most important questions and answers - summarized in a clear, concise, and understandable way.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardiac Shockwave Therapy
CSWT, colloquially known as cardiac shock wave therapy, is a pioneering, non-invasive treatment method in which gentle, low-energy shock waves are directed specifically at the heart muscle. These impulses promote the formation of new blood vessels and stimulate the body’s own regeneration processes.
It is particularly considered in individual cases of chronic angina pectoris, coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – i.e., in patients whose heart muscle is no longer adequately supplied with blood.
CSWT is performed on an outpatient basis in several short sessions of around 30 minutes each. The treatment is virtually painless and comfortable for most patients. It does not require anesthesia, and you can resume your daily activities immediately afterwards.
No, not usually. Most patients only feel the shock waves as a slight tapping or gentle pressure. In addition, anesthesia or sedation is not necessary, which many patients understandably want to avoid.
A CWST treatment cycle usually comprises between three and nine individual sessions, depending on the clinical picture and individual situation. The sessions usually take place at intervals of one to three weeks.
CSWT is considered to be very well tolerated. Occasionally, short-term skin irritation or mild arrhythmia may occur, but these symptoms subside quickly on their own.
No. CSWT is considered an adjunctive therapy, which means that it complements existing treatments in a meaningful way and can help alleviate various symptoms and improve resilience when conventional measures have been exhausted.
Most patients report improved resilience, less chest pain, and a significantly better quality of life within just a few weeks of completing the treatment series. Depending on the individual case, it may take a little longer to feel these improvements.
At Schlosspraxen Meyer, CSWT is performed personally by Christian G. Meyer, MD, a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology, and his trained team, who have many years of experience in modern shock wave medicine.
CSWT is not currently covered by statutory health insurance. Private health insurance companies cover some of the costs. Please feel free to contact us – we will be happy to advise you individually.