Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, successfully treats 55-year-old female CAD patient using intravascular lithotripsy – ET HealthWorld

Mumbai: A team led by Dr Parin Sangoi, Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, successfully treated a 55-year-old female patient suffering from advanced coronary artery disease (CAD) using a novel technique called intravascular lithotripsy (IVL). This procedure highlights the transformative potential of innovative medical technologies in treating complex cardiac conditions.

The patient, a diabetic, initially presented with persistent chest heaviness and difficulties in breathing for two weeks. These alarming symptoms indicated a severe underlying cardiac issue. After thorough evaluation, it was determined that the patient had significant calcified blockages in her coronary arteries, a common complication in diabetic patients with long-standing heart disease.

Dr Sangoi and his team devised a meticulous treatment plan involving IVL, an innovative procedure designed to address hard calcified blockages that are resistant to traditional therapies. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with advanced forms of CAD, where the blockage becomes extremely hard due to the deposition of calcium—a condition observed in 20-25 per cent of patients undergoing angioplasty and stenting, especially in those who are older, diabetic, have chronic kidney disease, or have previously undergone bypass surgery.

“Calcium slowly develops and hardens over decades within the heart arteries, creating rigid arterial tissues that resist traditional balloon therapies,” explained Dr Sangoi. “Intravascular lithotripsy uses sonic pressure waves to fracture the calcium within the artery wall, allowing for safer and more effective dilation of the vessel and restoring normal blood flow.”

The procedure requires to skillfully navigate the IVL catheter to the site of the calcified blockage. The sonic pressure waves emitted by the catheter effectively fractured the hardened calcium, allowing for the successful expansion of the artery with a stent. This approach is a significant advancement over previous techniques such as ultra-high-pressure balloons or rotatory drills, which carried higher risks and were more challenging to use.

Following the procedure, the patient experienced a remarkable improvement in her symptoms. Her chest heaviness subsided, and her breathing difficulties resolved, marking a significant milestone in her recovery.

• Published On Aug 12, 2024 at 05:41 PM IST

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis.

Download ETHealthworld App

• Get Realtime updates
• Save your favourite articles

Scan to download App