Meitra Hospital Initiates Breakthrough Procedure in the Treatment of Calcific Blocks in Coronary Arteries

Meitra Hospital registered yet another landmark in its effort to provide quality care when its team of cardiologists  headed by Dr. Ali Faizal and Dr. Asishkumar Mandalay at the Centre for Heart and Vascular Care, successfully performed Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) for a 72year female patient. The patient was diagnosed with severe calcific blocks in the coronary arteries. IVL is a more recent advancement in the treatment of such complex blocks and is rated as the best and safest amongst various coronary plaque calcium modification techniques currently available.

“Coronary artery bypass graft surgery was the only option available for various kinds of complex calcific coronary blocks, a few years back. But thanks to technological advancements and research, we have more effective ways of managing such blocks. IVL is not an alternative to coronary artery bypass graft surgery, but is indeed a boon to those who suffer from complex calcific coronary blocks and are at cross roads. It is particularly safe for high risk patients with life threatening co-morbidities”, commented Dr Ali Faizal,Advisor of Centre for Heart & Vascular Care and Director of Meitra Hospital, Kozhikode. 

“The patient was brought to the hospital with chest pain and was found to have severe calcific coronary artery disease. In addition, she had multiple co-morbidities and other unfavorable conditions that would have put her at risk had we taken the route of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The treating team after much deliberation chose to use IVL technique which is a safer option,” informed Dr Asishkumar Mandalay, Chairman and Head of Department, Cardiology.

IVL entails maneuvering of a balloon catheter to reach the site of the complex calcific block. This is followed by delivery of 'Shockwaves' which are modified sound waves in fixed pulses resulting in modification of the coronary plaque calcium. A maximum of 80 pulses can be delivered in a single sitting. 

The team of experts in cardiology department at Meitra Hospital has dealt with a range of complex situations successfully since its inception. They have a very good track record of addressing complex calcific blocks by utilizing various methods like rotational atherectomy (Rotablation). Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. The 'shockwave intravascular lithotripsy technique' to treat problematic calcific coronary artery disease is a latest addition to its repertoire.