Mumbai Sees First Coronary Laser Angioplasty

A 52-year-old Malad resident has become the first patient in the Mumbai suburbs to undergo Coronary Excimer Laser Angioplasty, a advanced laser-assisted procedure for treating complex coronary artery disease. The patient, Dhivaji Dhurat, had a severely blocked 15-year-old heart stent and two additional coronary artery blockages.

The patient had been experiencing increasing chest pain and breathlessness while performing routine activities. Medical evaluation revealed severe in-stent restenosis—a re-narrowing inside a previously implanted stent—along with two other critical coronary blockages.

The advanced procedure was performed at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, after conventional angioplasty techniques failed to adequately open the hardened blockage. The procedure was led by Dr. B. C. Kalmath, Director and Head of Cardiac Sciences, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.

The team successfully restored blood flow through the blocked stent and treated the patient's two additional coronary blockages during the same sitting. Dhurat recovered well and was discharged the following day.

According to Dr. Kalmath, the 15-year-old stent had developed severe in-stent restenosis, and conventional balloons were unable to prepare the lesion adequately. Coronary Excimer Laser Angioplasty allowed the team to precisely modify the scar tissue, restore the artery and safely complete the procedure.

Coronary Excimer Laser Angioplasty is reserved for highly complex coronary lesions, particularly severe in-stent restenosis, heavily calcified arteries and chronic thrombotic blockages where routine balloon angioplasty may not be effective. The laser breaks down resistant tissue into microscopic particles, enabling safer and more effective treatment.

The introduction of Coronary Excimer Laser Angioplasty in the Mumbai suburbs marks a significant advancement for patients with complex coronary artery disease. Earlier, many patients requiring this specialised technology had to travel to tertiary centres. Having this capability closer to home will improve timely access to advanced cardiac care.

Saurabh Gupta, Regional Director, KIMS Hospitals, said the procedure reflects the hospital's commitment to bringing advanced medical technologies to patients in Thane and the Mumbai metropolitan region.

Cardiologists advised people who have previously undergone angioplasty not to ignore recurring chest pain, breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance, as these symptoms could indicate the need for further medical attention.

The success of this procedure highlights the importance of access to advanced medical technologies in the Mumbai suburbs. With the availability of Coronary Excimer Laser Angioplasty, patients with complex coronary artery disease can now receive timely and effective treatment closer to home.

In conclusion, the first Coronary Excimer Laser Angioplasty procedure in the Mumbai suburbs marks a significant milestone in the treatment of complex coronary artery disease. The procedure's success demonstrates the potential for advanced medical technologies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The availability of this procedure in the Mumbai suburbs is expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare landscape, providing patients with access to advanced cardiac care and improving overall health outcomes.