ACI Sets New Benchmark with Groundbreaking Laser-Cut Angioplasty

Nationwide Live Broadcast of Laser-Cut Angioplasty from Cath Lab
Cardiologists Across the Country Witness the Procedure

Raipur | Raipur has once again made headlines as the Advanced Cardiac Institute (ACI) of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital achieved a remarkable feat. Under the leadership of expert cardiologists and their dedicated team, a complex angioplasty procedure was successfully performed using Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty (ELCA) technology on a 70-year-old patient. This patient’s procedure had previously failed at a private hospital due to excessive calcium deposits in the coronary artery.

The live demonstration of the successful laser-cut angioplasty was broadcasted nationwide via virtual platforms, enabling cardiologists from Jabalpur and other parts of India to witness the procedure in real-time. This event marked yet another milestone for Chhattisgarh in gaining recognition for advanced healthcare services on an international platform.

Team Effort Behind the Success

The workshop, conducted under the leadership of Dr. Smit Srivastava, Head of Cardiology, was supported by Dr. Kunal Ostwal, Dr. S.K. Sharma, Dr. Prateek Gupta, and a skilled team including nurses Neelima, Vandana, Nirmala, Purnima, technicians Jitendra, Badri, Prem, and medical social worker Khogendra Sahu. The treatment was carried out under the Chief Minister’s Special Assistance Scheme.

What is Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty (ELCA)?

ELCA is a specialized form of angioplasty that uses laser technology to remove hardened blockages (plaque and thrombus) in coronary arteries. It is employed in cases where traditional balloon angioplasty or stenting is not effective.

A Challenging and Complex Case

According to Dr. Srivastava, the patient—a 73-year-old man—had severe blockage in the right coronary artery. A prior attempt at angioplasty at a private hospital failed due to the artery being heavily calcified, making it impossible for standard angioplasty wires to pass through (non-crossable by balloon). Additionally, the origin of the artery was positioned unusually high, adding complexity to the case.

Once the patient was admitted to ACI, the team recommended using the ELCA technique to break the calcium blockage and proceed with angioplasty. A catheter was inserted through the radial artery (in the right arm) and advanced to the heart. With the help of strong guidewires, the team crossed the obstruction, then used the laser to break down the calcium deposits and create a path for balloon insertion.

An Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)—a highly advanced diagnostic technique—was used to scan the inside of the artery. Based on this, residual calcium deposits were identified and removed using a special cutting balloon, similar to how a tunnel boring machine slices through rock. Once the calcium was completely cleared, two stents were successfully placed, completing the angioplasty.

National Recognition for the Breakthrough

Cardiologists from across India watched the procedure live, asked questions, and received detailed insights during the workshop. Dr. Srivastava noted that the event was held in response to a request from the Cardiological Society of India, which was hosting its national conference in Jabalpur. The live demo from Raipur received widespread appreciation for showcasing a high level of skill and innovation in cardiac care.