A team of cardiologists at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute has performed a unique procedure to open a blocked artery of a 67-year-old patient. The hospital used a ‘novel technique’ called coronary shockwave lithotripsy.
According to the hospital, the patient had a 90 percent blocked artery and it wasn’t possible to open by standard technique of balloon angioplasty.
“A shockwave balloon was inserted inside the artery and sonic pulses were delivered to break the calcium blockage. After that, the blockage opened easily at even low pressure with stent implantation,” said Dr. Ashok Seth, Chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (FEHI).
“Hardened calcified blockage is a big challenge to treat using stents and angioplasty. Such blockage is opened with ease and safety with the novel procedure. This procedure brings hope for those suffering from an advanced form of Coronary artery disease,” added Dr. Ashok.
Hardened deposit of calcium happens in 20-25 percent of the patients, especially those who are diabetic, old, chronic kidney disease, long-standing blockages or who have undergone bypass surgery.
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