Laser Therapy Introduced to Vapourise Heart Vessel Blockages in Central India

A new therapy to remove blockages in heart blood vessels was introduced for the first time in Central India at the ‘Live Nagpur’ conclave held on Sunday.

Dr Praveen Chandra from Medanta Hospital spoke about laser therapy, a procedure in which a catheter emitting high-energy laser light is used to unblock arteries. The laser vapourises the blockage and clears the vessel without damaging the vessel walls.

“In many cases, the laser clears the blood pathway so effectively that patients do not even need a stent afterwards,” said Dr Chandra.

Laser therapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to reopen blocked blood vessels and restore smooth flow of oxygen-rich blood. During the procedure, a catheter is guided through the blood vessel to the site of blockage, where laser energy is used to vapourise the fatty deposits. Dr Chandra shared that over 55 successful cases have already been performed using this technology at his hospital.

“If laser is used to remove blockages, it becomes easier for doctors to deliver balloons and, if required, place stents with perfect positioning,” he added.

According to experts, laser therapy can also reduce complications such as restenosis (re-narrowing of the vessel after angioplasty) and stent thrombosis, which can sometimes be fatal. The use of laser allows doctors to use shorter stents and lower balloon pressures, improving safety and outcomes.

The technique offers several benefits to patients, including less discomfort, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Most patients are able to return to an active lifestyle within a short period.

Dr Jaspal Arneja, the driving force behind Nagpur Live, said more than 200 doctors from across Vidarbha received first-hand information about the technology. “Our aim is to bring the latest medical advancements to Nagpur, and laser therapy has the potential to make angioplasty easier, more effective, and long-lasting,” he said.

Another expert, Dr V.T. Shah from Mumbai, spoke about recent advances in angiography techniques. “Modern imaging now provides a 360-degree view of blood vessels, making it easier to treat blockages and place stents accurately,” he said.

Dr Shah added that cardiology is a rapidly evolving field, with significant developments occurring every three to four months in diagnostics as well as drug therapies.