Media Release
Manipal, Dec 2: Kasturba Hospital, Manipal has reached a significant milestone, emerging as the first centre in Karnataka to perform Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty (ELCA) cutting-edge technology for treating heart blockages, after receiving approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). The first procedure was successfully performed on December 13, 2024.
Laser Angioplasty is an innovative treatment procedure for opening blocked heart arteries, especially among patients where regular angioplasty or bypass maybe complex or risky. The laser helps clear tough or complex blockages with high precision, making the procedure safer and more effective for many patients.
Unlike traditional balloon angioplasty or stenting, the excimer laser uses ultraviolet light to precisely ablate plaque with minimal thermal injury, enabling more effective management of complex blockages. Since the first case, hospital has successfully completed 75 laser-assisted angioplasty procedures, treating challenging heart conditions with precision and safety.
All procedures were performed under the guidance of Dr Padmakumar, head of Cardiology, and Dr Tom Devasia, professor and unit head, who is also a global proctor for laser-assisted angioplasty.
Kasturba Hospital Manipal has now been recognised as a Centre of Global Excellence for Laser-Assisted Coronary Angioplasty, reinforcing the hospital’s capability of integrating advanced heart care technology to the people of Karnataka.
Furthermore, the hospital has upgraded to a new-generation ELCA machine,thus enhancing patient safety, efficiency, and quality of care for patients.
Congratulating the Cardiology team for this significant milestone, Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, cluster COO – Manipal, said, “ At Kasturba Hospital, Manipal we believe in combining innovation with compassionate care. The introduction of Excimer Laser Angioplasty further validates our commitment towards bringing global-standard cardiac care for the people of Karnataka who have access to the safest and most effective treatments available today. This high grade technology will provide a plethora of treatment options for patients who had limited choices earlier. This is an exceptional feat, and we are proud of the cardiac team for this feather in the cap to our hospital.”