Stryker enters competitive IVL space with acquisition of Amplitude Vascular Systems
Stryker, one of the world’s largest medtech companies, has officially jumped into the intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) market by agreeing to acquire Boston-based Amplitude Vascular Systems (AVS). Financial terms of the acquisition, which represents a substantial addition to Stryker’s peripheral vascular portfolio, have not been disclosed at this time.
AVS, co-founded by an interventional cardiologist back in 2017, is known for its Pulse IVL platform, which delivers high-frequency pulsatile pressure waves at a rate of approximately 15 per second. It was designed to help cardiologists break through challenging plaques without the use of an emitter. Instead, the pulses traverse the entire length of the balloon. This technology has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but it is the subject of multiple clinical trials.
AVS has gained significant momentum as a major player in the competitive IVL landscape. In January 2025, the company raised $36 million to help fund additional research into the safety and effectiveness of the Pulse IVL platform.
“This acquisition represents an important step in advancing our vision to build a comprehensive peripheral vascular platform and address significant unmet clinical needs,” Kevin Lobo, chair and CEO of Stryker, said in a prepared statement. “Combining this innovation with Stryker’s scale and clinical expertise, we believe we can help expand treatment options for physicians and improve care for patients with calcified peripheral arterial disease.”
Stryker’s acquisition of AVS is still subject to customary closing conditions. The two companies will “proceed with business as usual” until the deal is finalized.
IVL competition still heating up
IVL remains one of modern cardiology’s biggest trends. Shockwave Medical, now a Johnson & Johnson MedTech, has dominated the space for years now, but Boston Scientific, Abbott, Philips and other medtech companies are working to catch up.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.