RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: In a significant medical breakthrough, the Advanced Cardiac Institute (ACI) at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, affiliated with Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur, has successfully performed the orbital atherectomy procedure to treat two heart patients with severe arterial calcification.

The procedure, led by Dr. Smit Srivastava, Head of Cardiology at ACI, facilitated smoother blood flow by effectively removing calcium deposits from the arteries.

Dr. Srivastava explained that orbital atherectomy is a specialized procedure used to address heavily calcified coronary arteries before angioplasty. The process involves the use of a 1.25 mm diamond-coated drill device, which crushes calcified plaque into microscopic particles approximately two microns in size. It ensures the arteries are thoroughly cleaned, enhancing blood flow and reducing the risk of heart attacks.

The procedure employs a diamond-coated bur that rotates on its axis, inserted into the artery through a thin catheter. The device grinds away the calcified surface, creating a smooth inner lining of the artery, which improves blood flow and facilitates successful angioplasty and stent placement.

The team treated a 77-year-old patient from Raipur who suffered from multiple co-morbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, and low heart-pumping capacity. Angiography revealed severe calcification in the left main artery and three major heart veins, making traditional angioplasty unfeasible. Using orbital atherectomy, the calcium was effectively removed, allowing for a successful angioplasty.

In another case, a 68-year-old patient from Bhilai, initially advised to undergo bypass surgery at another hospital, sought treatment at ACI. The patient had excessive calcium accumulation in the left main artery, which was successfully addressed through orbital atherectomy, enabling a smooth angioplasty. Both patients recovered within a day and were discharged.

Superintendent of Ambedkar Hospital, Dr. Santosh Sonkar, congratulated the team for their achievement. He highlighted that the experienced cardiology team at ACI has introduced a pioneering treatment in the government healthcare sector, offering new hope to heart patients.

“The innovations by ACI in cardiac treatment are setting new benchmarks and bringing advanced technology within the reach of all,” said Dr. Sonkar.

The team included cardiologists Dr. Smit Srivastava, Assistant Professor Dr. Kunal Ostwal, Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, and Junior Doctors Dr. Prateek Gupta, Dr. Jaya Lalwani, Dr. Amrita Jain, and Dr. Naveen Tiwari from the Department of Anesthesia.

Understanding Orbital Atherectomy

Assistant Professor Dr. Kunal Ostwal elaborated on the procedure, explaining that a thin catheter with a diamond-coated rotating bur is inserted into the artery. The bur rotates 360 degrees on a circular axis, grinding away calcium deposits and creating a smooth arterial surface. It enables easier placement of stents and minimizes the chances of future blockages.

The innovative method is particularly effective for cases where standard angioplasty and stenting are not viable. By breaking down calcium into fine particles, the procedure ensures they safely pass through the arteries' capillaries, offering a life-saving alternative for patients with complex calcified blockages.