Media Release

Udupi, Nov 13: The Department of Cardiology at Kasturba Hospital Manipal carried out its first international live case transmission. A coronary procedure was transmitted live from the hospital's Cardiology Cath Lab to the 17th CIAT Annual Scientific Conference 2026 in Thailand, as part of the conference's scientific programme for cardiologists from across Southeast Asia.

Live case transmissions are a teaching format used at cardiology conferences. They allow doctors to watch a procedure as it is performed and learn from the planning and technique of the operating team.

The case was a laser angioplasty in a patient with blockages in more than one coronary artery. The session discussed how laser angioplasty, used together with intracoronary imaging, can be considered for selected patients with complex coronary disease. For every patient, the choice of treatment is made by the treating cardiac team after a detailed evaluation.

The procedure was performed by Prof Tom Devasia, unit chief, Department of Cardiology, with Dr Monika J and Dr Shardul Deshmukh. The team explained the use of laser technology and intracoronary imaging at each step of the procedure for the conference delegates.

Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital Manipal, said, “We have a dedicated team of interventional cardiologists, supported by cath lab and clinical teams. Taking part in an international scientific programme like this gives our team an opportunity to share its experience with peers and to learn from them.”

Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, chief operating officer – Teaching Hospitals, MAHE, added, “Kasturba Hospital Manipal has had laser angioplasty systems and intracoronary imaging facilities for several years. These facilities make complex coronary procedures available to patients in this region.”

The session adds to the hospital's ongoing work in cardiovascular education and in sharing interventional techniques with cardiologists in the region.