Johnson & Johnson and Shockwave Medical Inc. announced Friday that they have agreed to an arrangement under which Johnson & Johnson will acquire all of Shockwave’s outstanding stocks, a $13.1 billion value. Shockwave is best known in the interventional cardiology field for its Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System. This device uses sonic pressure waves to help modify severely calcified plaque in coronary and peripheral arteries, according to the product description. “With our focus on Innovative Medicine and MedTech, Johnson & Johnson has a long history of tackling cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death globally,” Joaquin Duato, the chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson said in a news release. “The acquisition of Shockwave and its leading IVL technology provides a unique opportunity to accelerate our impact in cardiovascular intervention and drive greater value for patients, shareholders and health systems.” Shockwave also recently acquired Nevoasc Inc., which developed the Reducer device. The hourglass-shaped, balloon-expandable Reducer is designed to narrow the coronary sinus, redistributing blood into the ischemic myocardium as a way to reduce angina symptoms, according to the product description. “Shockwave has transformed the treatment of complex calcified arterial disease through the pioneering development of intravascular lithotripsy, and it is our mission to make this remarkable technology available to patients worldwide,” said Doug Godshall, the president and CEO of Shockwave. “As part of a larger, more diverse organization, with broad expertise and a core focus on improving patient outcomes, we are confident we will be able to further solidify IVL as the global standard of care for patients. I am deeply grateful to our team members and colleagues whose efforts have made today’s milestone possible; their accomplishments and passion have been extraordinary. I could not think of a better partner and home than Johnson & Johnson as the Shockwave team prepares to write its next exciting chapter.” Image Credit: Courtesy of Shockwave Medical Inc.