Stryker Corporation announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Amplitude Vascular Systems (AVS). The transaction amount was not disclosed .
AVS has developed an intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) platform dedicated to the treatment of calcified peripheral arterial disease (PAD) . The platform delivers uniform pressure waves generated by pulsed carbon dioxide (CO₂) via an IVL balloon catheter to fragment calcified plaques, optimizing luminal gain while enhancing catheter deliverability, treatment speed and therapeutic efficiency.
Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, AVS obtained Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Pulse system in 2024 . Last fall, the company released encouraging clinical results for its IVL platform.
Headquartered in Portage, Michigan, Stryker’s strategic move marks its official entry into the high-profile IVL sector currently led by Shockwave Medical, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Other companies such as FastWave Medical, Elixir Medical and Vantis Vascular are also advancing their respective IVL platforms. Boston Scientific entered the segment last year by acquiring Bolt Medical, while Abbott is developing its own system.
Stryker expects the acquisition to strengthen its Peripheral Vascular (PV) product portfolio and add vascular revascularization technologies. This is the latest addition to the portfolio following its acquisition of Inari Medical in 2025.
Kevin Lobo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stryker, stated: “This acquisition is a significant milestone in expanding our peripheral vascular product portfolio and enhancing our ability to address complex arterial disease. By combining AVS’s innovative CO₂-generated pressure wave technology with Stryker’s scale and resources, we are well-positioned to provide physicians with solutions that support patient outcomes.”
About Amplitude Vascular Systems’ Pulse IVL™ Products and Technologies
1. Core Product
Pulse IVL™ (Pulsed Intravascular Lithotripsy System) is designed for various arterial calcified lesions. It uses CO₂-driven hydraulic pulse waves to fragment vascular calcifications and dilate lumens, compatible with complex calcified anatomies in peripheral and coronary arteries.
2. Core Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Distinguished from electrically powered IVL, it adopts a mechanically driven pathway: pressurized CO₂ is converted into 15 hydraulic pulse waves per second, which radiate uniformly and multi-directionally along the entire length of the non-compliant balloon.
With a peak pressure of approximately 50 atm and up to 5,000 pulses per procedure, it fragments calcifications deeply; synchronous balloon post-dilatation maximizes luminal gain and minimizes vascular injury.
3. Key Technical Features
- Emitter‑Free Design
The catheter contains no rigid emitting components, featuring a lower profile and enhanced distal flexibility, enabling easy navigation through tortuous and severely calcified lesions.
- Efficient & Uniform Energy Delivery
Pulses are released uniformly along the entire balloon length, with high energy transfer efficiency and full coverage, resulting in more thorough calcification fragmentation and more uniform vascular dilatation.
- High Frequency & High Efficiency
15 pulses per second enable faster treatment and simplified workflows, reducing reliance on additional devices.
- Compact & User‑Friendly System
Small‑footprint console, mountable on infusion stands, compatible with standard Type E CO₂ cylinders; handle/amplifier is universal across indications.
- Clinician‑Friendly
A single device completes both calcification fragmentation and lumen dilatation, simplifying operation and improving efficiency in treating complex lesions.
4. Core Advantages
- Differentiated Mechanism: CO₂ hydraulic pulses (non‑electrically powered), emitter‑free, with superior deliverability and safety.
- More Thorough Fragmentation: Multi‑directional deep calcification fragmentation with synchronous balloon post‑dilatation for maximum luminal gain.
- Efficiency & Cost: High‑frequency pulses, fewer auxiliary devices, compact system, faster procedures and lower capital investment.
