Opening a blocked artery with balloons and stents can be lifesaving but as Gujarat deaths show, cases of misuse are also rising
The recent deaths of four patients in Gujarat after botched emergency coronary angioplasty (one which they did not even need) has raised questions on whether some doctors are advising unnecessary stents for patients whose heart conditions can be managed with drug therapy.
Dr Ajay Chaurasia, professor and head of Cardiology at BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai, tells the story of a young patient who came to him after being advised angioplasty for chest pain. “Upon reviewing his angiography CD, I found only a 50% blockage. The cardiologist had altered the reported blockage percentage, escalating it from 60% to 90%. I assured the patient that he did not need the procedure.”
Dr Ajay Chaurasia, professor and head of Cardiology at BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai, tells the story of a young patient who came to him after being advised angioplasty for chest pain. “Upon reviewing his angiography CD, I found only a 50% blockage. The cardiologist had altered the reported blockage percentage, escalating it from 60% to 90%. I assured the patient that he did not need the procedure.”