Panchkula/Mohali: Two elderly patients from Panchkula, suffering from life-threatening heart conditions, were given a new lease on life following successful 'Protected Angioplasty with Stenting' procedures at Livasa Hospital, Mohali.
Speaking at a press conference in Panchkula on Wednesday, Dr. Harinder K. Bali, Chairman of Cardiac Sciences at Livasa Hospitals, explained that 'Impella'—the world's smallest mechanical heart pump—was used to provide temporary circulatory support during these complex procedures.
In the first case, a 78-year-old male patient was admitted after suffering a severe 'acute myocardial infarction' (heart attack). All three of his coronary arteries, including the left main artery, were severely blocked and heavily calcified.
Dr. Bali stated, "This compact heart pump (Impella) was inserted via the femoral artery in the thigh without the need for surgery. The entire angioplasty and stenting procedure was completed in a single session. It involved 'left main bifurcation stenting' and 'right coronary artery stenting.' Due to the extensive calcium deposits in the arteries, the procedure was performed under the guidance of intracoronary imaging known as 'Optical Coherence Tomography' (OCT)."
Dr. Bali noted that five stents were implanted in the patient's heart, and their precise placement was verified using OCT. The pump was removed at the end of the angioplasty once the heart had stabilized. The patient was discharged from the hospital two days later and remains in excellent health two years after the treatment. The second patient was an 80-year-old woman admitted due to a severe heart attack and the risk of 'cardiogenic shock.' Her heart's primary pumping chamber—the left ventricle—was extremely weak, and the left heart valve was leaking.
Dr. Bali stated, "Angioplasty and stenting of the left main artery were successfully performed via 'Protected PCI' using the Impella heart pump. The patient required Impella support for three days, after which the pump was gradually removed."
Dr. Bali further explained that 'Protected PCI' maintains normal blood circulation and cardiac output during angioplasty for high-risk patients—such as those with a weak heart, multi-vessel blockages, or other underlying conditions.
He noted that by selecting the right patients, this technique enables complex coronary interventions even when bypass surgery is not an option. Performing such complex procedures requires high technical expertise, a 'Heart Team' approach, and coordination among multiple specialists.
Anurag Yadav, CEO of Livasa Hospitals, said, "We are committed to providing advanced cardiac care facilities across the region. With experienced specialist teams, state-of-the-art technology, and a robust multidisciplinary approach, Livasa Hospital is fully equipped to treat complex and high-risk cardiac cases."