A system and method for breaking obstructions in body lumens includes a catheter including an elongated carrier, a balloon at one end of the carrier in sealed relation thereto, the carrier including a channel arranged to receive a fluid that fills and pressurizes the balloon to an internal pressure of greater than two atmospheres, and an arc generator including at least one electrode within the balloon that forms a mechanical shock wave within the balloon. The system further includes a power source that provides electrical energy to the arc generator.
