Complex procedure performed on elderly patient at Patiala hospital

Patiala: A 76-year-old patient with a heart attack has recently underwent coronary shockwave lithotripsy balloon, a new procedure, at Government Rajindra Hospital Patiala. This new treatment option offers hope to patients who develop blockage in heart due to severe calcification. The usual angioplasty technique is not possible on such patients and now this rare technique is being used in Government Rajindra Hospital Patiala. Dr Saurabh Sharma, assistant professor and in-charge, department of cardiology at Rajindra Hospital, found that the patient had 99 percent blockage which was severely calcified on angiogram. Dr Sharma performed rotablation, where a diamond coated burr is used to break the calcium and shockwave lithotripsy was used to break deep seated calcium in the artery and finally stents were put to open the artery. Dr Sharma said, “This technique would be extremely useful for those suffering from advanced forms of coronary artery disease and chest pain in which blockages become very hard due to calcium. This happens in 15 to 20 % of patients undergoing stenting, especially those who are diabetic or who have undergone bypass surgery. Dr HS Rekhi, Medical Superintendent, Rajindra Hospital, said, “This Intravascular Lithotripsy has been carried out for the first time in Patiala region, including private multi-specialty corporate hospitals.” Principal Dr Rajan Singla said that the cardiology department is treating all kinds of heart patients, including complex cases.