First Metal Stent-Less Angioplasty in Maharashtra outside Mumbai
A 70-year-old diabetic patient who had suffered a heart attack underwent Pune’s first laser-assisted, stent-less angioplasty at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana. The revolutionary procedure, performed under the expertise of Dr. Abhijeet Palshikar, Director – Cardiology Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana marks a significant milestone in interventional cardiology.
The patient, who had a history of diabetes, experienced a mild heart attack three days before the procedure and was initially treated medically. However, doctors identified two key challenges, a heavy calcium buildup in his artery, which made traditional stenting difficult, and his reluctance to have a stent placed. To address these concerns, the medical team chose a laser-assisted angioplasty combined with a drug-coated balloon, which successfully opened the artery without needing a permanent metal stent.
The angioplasty procedure utilized an Excimer laser, a state-of-the-art technology that effectively clears calcium and cholesterol deposits within arteries. This was followed by the use of a drug-coated balloon, an innovative alternative to traditional stents. Instead of placing a permanent implant, the drug-coated balloon delivers medication to the artery and is then removed, leaving no metal behind.
Dr. Abhijeet Palshikar, Director – Cardiology at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana explained about the details and benefits of the procedure “The key benefits of the procedure include the absence of a permanent metal implant. Stents remain in the body permanently and may have risks of restenosis (artery re-narrowing). The laser-assisted approach eliminates this concern. Additionally, the patient experienced a faster recovery, being discharged within a day, walking independently, and resuming daily activities quickly. By the next day, he was mobile, walking independently to the restroom, and was discharged in the afternoon.”
“The success of this first-of-its-kind procedure in Pune paves the way for a new era in interventional cardiology, offering a safer and more effective alternative to traditional stenting methods which are minimally invasive alternative.” Dr Sunil Rao, Chief Operating Officer and Medical Director at Sahyadri Group of Hospitals said.
The Excimer laser employed in the procedure is known for its precision in ablating calcified plaques, reducing risks while ensuring effective plaque removal. Additionally, drug-coated balloons provide targeted therapy, preventing restenosis without the need for permanent implants. With its many benefits, laser-assisted, stent-less angioplasty is expected to become a common procedure in the future, possibly replacing traditional angioplasty in many cases. It is not only useful for coronary artery disease but also for treating blockages in smaller blood vessels, where stents are less effective. The procedure is highly safe, with strict laser controls to reduce risks. It is also an excellent option for patients who have a blocked stent, as laser therapy can clear the obstruction without placing another stent.
“This breakthrough procedure offers a paradigm shift in angioplasty treatments. Patients who are hesitant about permanent stents or have complex calcified blockages now have an alternative that ensures better outcomes with reduced risks. The success of Pune’s first laser-assisted, stent-less angioplasty marks the beginning of a new chapter in cardiac care, and we anticipate its widespread adoption in the future.” Dr. Palshikar added.
